There's hatred, but it started conversation: Dorothy maker on transphobic criticism
Director Karthik Subbaraj has responded to transphobic remarks and criticism surrounding his latest film Dorothy, which explores the life of a transgender person against the backdrop of a deeply patriarchal household in Madurai. Addressing the backlash on social media, the filmmaker said online criticism represents only a small section of the audience and urged those who have concerns about the film’s portrayal to watch it before judging it.
During a recent interaction, Karthik was asked about fans who had taken to X to question his approach to Dorothy. “Ipdi pannitaare” (Why did he do this?), the interviewer said, referring to the criticism. Karthik questioned the significance being given to reactions on social media.
“Who are these people?” he asked. When told that the comments were from people on Twitter, he said, “Twitter is a small world and those who think about my film like what you said belong to a smaller world. But audiences who are watching a movie are bigger. Why should we be talking about that [criticism]?”
Karthik said the reactions he encountered from audiences in theatres were different. “So many people came up to me and said that the film was good. Please ask about that as well,” he said, adding that the media was focusing on a handful of negative comments.
“You [media] are asking me about it based on four people who spoke against it. There’s online hatred. I couldn’t see it among the audience who visited the theatre. But, when I go on press tours, people are asking about that [criticism] specifically,” he said.
The filmmaker also addressed the discomfort expressed online about portraying a transgender person’s life on screen. Dorothy follows two friends who grow up in a testosterone-driven, patriarchal household in Madurai. One of them becomes a transgender person, and the film explores the discrimination and social pressures they face.
“If someone has a problem with seeing a transgender's life as just a movie, then that’s their internal problem. They should also come and watch the film,” Karthik said.
Rather than dismissing the criticism outright, the director said he was open to having a conversation about the film and its portrayal of gender identity. “We can then have a conversation or debate. That will go towards a solution or discussion,” he said.
Karthik also acknowledged that the film has at least managed to generate discussion around its subject. “One good thing is that it has created a conversation,” he said.
He added that he did not want to respond to online criticism by escalating the exchange. “If I give a punch for their punch, it’ll go on forever,” Karthik said.
Dorothy uses the friendship between its two central characters to explore gender discrimination, identity and the impact of patriarchal attitudes. Karthik’s latest comments come amid the social media debate over the film’s transgender representation, with the director urging audiences to engage with the film before forming their opinions.- EndsALSO READ | Dorothy review: Karthik Subbaraj's daring mainstream ode to love and acceptance
