Karthik Subbaraj’s Dorothy (Tamil) was released in theatres the other day. The Tamil drama, starring Sananth, Rishikanth, and Keerthy Suresh, with music by Ilaiyaraaja. It follows two inseparable friends in 1990s Madurai whose lives transform amid "caste violence, rigid gender norms", and the arrival of the title character.
Confronting toxic masculinity, the portrayal of patriarchal hierarchies, and the exploration of queer anxieties are among its key themes. On social media, praise centers on its emotions, performances, and challenge to hypermasculine tropes. "With an energy of a Goodfellas/City of God and a heart of Almodovar, Balu Mahendra, Balachancer & Mani Ratnam, Karthik Subbaraj frees himself from the shackles of star-driven commercial cinema and creates something so moving, magical, cinematic and ballsy," wrote critic Raunaq Mangottil.
Yet the film has also drawn backlash, including boycott calls and claims of cultural erosion over its LGBTQ+ elements. Online debates reflect polarized views. While some decry “woke” messaging, others applaud the Jigarthanda and Peta maker for "breaking barriers and fostering dialogue on identity and prejudice".
The criticisms against Dorothy have been seen as homophobic in nature. "I wasn’t a big fan of Dorothy, but seeing the vile homophobia around it on social media is truly gross. When did the movie going audience of this nation get THIS intolerant and small minded?" asked Bollywood film critic Sucharita Tyagi, adding that "one doesn’t have to like the film, but dismissing it for its LGBTQIA+ themes is unacceptable".
