Why Karthik Subbaraj's Dorothy became a flashpoint over queer representation

It began with a standing ovation in Toronto. It quickly turned into a storm on social media.

Director Karthik Subbaraj’s Dorothy premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival to a standing ovation. But hours before the film was scheduled to hit theatres on September 25, details about its treatment of queerness began circulating online. What followed was a wave of hostility, with sections of social media targetting Karthik and the film even before audiences had seen it.

Then came September 25. Dorothy opened in theatres, and the online backlash intensified. Clips revealing key twists and crucial portions of the film began making their way across social media, stripping away some of the film’s surprises while simultaneously fuelling a larger conversation around its themes.

What followed was more than just criticism of the film. A barrage of posts targeted Karthik Subbaraj and Dorothy over its portrayal of a transgender character, with several accounts openly expressing transphobic views. Among those joining the criticism was a Tamil filmmaker whose work has previously been associated with propaganda-driven themes.

From a standing ovation on an international stage to a storm of online hate at home, Dorothy has found itself at the centre of a conversation that goes far beyond whether the film works as a piece of cinema. What exactly triggered the backlash? And why has Karthik Subbaraj’s portrayal of queerness and a transgender life become such a flashpoint?

Karthik Subbaraj’s Dorothy premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, where several Tamil audiences watched the film and praised the filmmaker and its two protagonists, Rishikanth and Sananth. The film’s crucial twists, however, remained tightly under wraps. Those who watched it at TIFF did not reveal the key turns in the story, allowing the film to reach its theatrical release without its major surprises being widely known.

The situation was markedly different in India.

As soon as the first show of Dorothy concluded on Friday, September 25, social media was flooded with reactions to the film. Several transphobic posts appeared on X, while individual dialogues and scenes were pulled out of their context and circulated online. What followed was a wave of criticism directed at Karthik Subbaraj and the film.

One particular dialogue delivered by trans actor Jeeva became a major talking point. A verified X user shared the line: “Innum 10 varshathula naanga dhaan normal, indha ooru ungala dhaan kevalama paakum (In another ten years, we will be the norm, and this town will look down on you).” The post quickly gained traction, with some using the dialogue to portray Karthik as a filmmaker who was looking down on heterosexual people. However, several users pushed back, arguing that the dialogue had been stripped of its context.

The line, they pointed out, is aimed at people who are transphobic and discriminatory towards transgender people. In the context of the film, it suggests that those who demean or marginalise trans people could themselves eventually become the ones viewed negatively by society. Director Mohan joins the debate

The backlash soon extended beyond Karthik Subbaraj and the film. Director Mohan, known for films including Draupathi, Bakasuran, Rudra Thandavam and Draupathi 2, shared his views on LGBTQ+ representation in Tamil cinema.

His post on X read, “Supporting LGBT in Tamil cinema is Not an idea or revolution. Its completely funding from various NGOs to make youth influence & eroding our tradition and culture.. They spoiled North America and now targeting India.. Already many countries awaken and it's time for us to wake (sic).”

While some supported Mohan, others pointed out that trans people have been a part of society, according to history.

Karthik was not the only member of the Dorothy team to face criticism. Actor Rishikanth, one of the film’s protagonists, was also targetted by sections of social media users. Some posts claimed that the actor would “lose” the goodwill he had built through films such as Modha Rathri.

But, several accounts pointed out that Rishikanth would have more women followers, especially after playing Karthi in Dorothy. Internet pushes back against Dorothy hate

The backlash, however, also triggered a counter-reaction. Several users came out in support of Dorothy, its cast and its depiction of queer lives, while calling out what they described as hypocrisy in the response to LGBTQ+ representation in Tamil cinema.

One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote, “Tamil men are willing to d*e for movie stars like Vijay & Ajith. They ditch their family, life & common sense behind these men. Abuse & harass anyone who dares to criticize them. But saar we can't watch a gay couple on screen saar. The cognitive dissonance on display is insane.”

Another wrote, “Our audience can watch stranger things and sex education then cry when homosexuality is shown on big screens, can never understand why a person's individual choice is a problem for others. Movies are reflection of society whether you like it or not. The sheer Hypocrisy #Dorothy,”

Another X user wrote, “Love is not some damn checklist created by society. People have feelings. People connect. People find comfort, companionship and happiness in ways you may not understand,” before adding, “And the hypocrisy is honestly sickening. You watch crime movies, violence, murder, revenge and every kind of messed-up story — and nobody screams, “Don’t show this, people will be encouraged!” But the moment LGBTQ+ people are represented, suddenly everyone becomes the morality police.”

The conversation also extended to the film’s music. One user pointed out that Ilaiyaraaja, 83, composed the music for Dorothy, writing, “An 83 year old man is composing music for a queer film while the generation which grew up with all the exposure to the world are being proud homophobes. Send these men to the 50s and leave them there for good.” Why Malayalam cinema entered the conversation

The backlash also prompted comparisons between Tamil and Malayalam cinema, with several users pointing to the Malayalam film industry's history of making and embracing stories around queer identity.

One X user wrote, “Mammootty, Mohanlal, Prithvi, Dileep, Nivin, Jagathy, Jayasurya, top Mollywood actors who've played LGBTQ+ characters. Never seen them abused for it. But Tamil Cinephiles is now busy abusing #Dorothy makers & cast. Where's the progress?”

Another recalled Malayalam films featuring leading actors in queer roles, writing, “I remember watching Kaathal: The Core with Mammootty, Moothon with Nivin Pauly and Mumbai Police with Prithviraj, all of which had them play gay characters and all three were received pretty well by the general audience. All there were superbly made movies infact and I was blown away by them,”

The user added, “Honestly, it makes me feel like Kerala has one of the more open minded movie going audience in the country.”

Another X user praised filmmakers and actors willing to explore such subjects, writing, “Hats off to the directors and actors who dare to make movies like this! Remember how the Malayalam audience accepted this movie? #Dorothy,” alongside a scene featuring Mammootty from Kaathal: The Core.

The debate around Dorothy has therefore moved beyond the film itself. What began with social media reactions to its queer and transgender themes has opened up a larger conversation about representation, audience acceptance and the contrasting ways in which different South Indian film industries respond to LGBTQ+ stories.- EndsALSO READ | Dorothy review: Karthik Subbaraj's daring mainstream ode to love and acceptance

A proud South Indian, especially Chennaiite, with love for films, food and cricket. She loves entertainment. In life also. Cries in theatres, watches films alone and always takes back some lessons. Hills over beaches for her. If not for films, you can see her obsessing over food videos and making organic soaps. Also, a Senior Assistant Editor at India Today Digital covering South films.