Karthik Subbaraj Responds to Dorothy Backlash, Says Film Can Change Attitudes Towards Transgender People

Filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj has said he is choosing to focus on the positive response to his latest film Dorothy despite facing online criticism, trolling and backlash over its portrayal of same-sex romance and LGBTQ characters. The crime drama, starring Keerthy Suresh, Sanath and Rishikanth, has received praise from audiences and was also given a standing ovation at the Toronto International Film Festival. However, the film has faced criticism and accusations of homophobia and transphobia online following its theatrical release. Karthik Subbaraj on Dorothy’s message In an interview with Hyderabad Times, Karthik said he hopes Dorothy can contribute to changing attitudes towards transgender people and encourage greater acceptance and dignity. He said transgender characters in Indian cinema have historically often been portrayed through comic or stereotypical roles, although representation has gradually evolved. According to Karthik, the film aims to present transgender experiences and the challenges faced by people dealing with their gender identity and society’s response to them. “If the film can contribute even a little towards that change, that is a victory for me,” he said. ‘The film has become a mirror to realities’ Karthik also spoke about the emotional response he has seen among viewers after watching the film. He said Dorothy has become a “mirror to realities and harsh truths” that people often avoid acknowledging. The filmmaker claimed that some male viewers had become emotional after watching the film and had expressed guilt over the way they had treated transgender people in the past. For Karthik, such reactions are more significant than the online backlash surrounding the movie. What is Dorothy about? Dorothy is a crime drama centred on a transgender woman as she comes to terms with her gender identity and confronts the way she is treated by others after coming out. The film also explores queer relationships and social attitudes towards LGBTQ people. A same-sex kiss scene from the film was leaked online before its release, adding to the controversy surrounding the project. Despite the online backlash, the film has also received strong support from sections of the audience and the film community. Dorothy cast and release Dorothy stars Keerthy Suresh in the titular role, alongside Sanath and Rishikanth. The film is produced by Guneet Monga Kapoor, Achin Jain and Jyoti Deshpande. Set in the 1980s, the film follows two childhood friends whose lives take an unexpected turn after a woman enters their lives. The film was released in theatres in September after its Toronto International Film Festival screening. Its Telugu version was released on October 2, with Rana Daggubati promoting the film ahead of its release. Rana previously explained that “Dorothy” is the name of a character in the film and said audiences would understand the significance of the title after watching the movie.