Karthik Subbaraj Under Fire For Dorothy’s LGBTQ Shock

Article by Kumar Published on: 7:05 pm, 25 September 2026

Karthik Subbaraj’s latest film, Dorothy, has become one of the most discussed Tamil releases of the year. Starring Keerthy Suresh, Sananth, and Rishikanth, the film hit theatres on September 25 after premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film also has music by Ilayaraja.

Set against the backdrop of caste violence in the 1990s, the story revolves around two close friends, Karthi and Subbu, whose lives change after the arrival of Dorothy, played by Keerthy Suresh. However, more than its plot, the film is making headlines for its bold portrayal of LGBTQ themes.

Several scenes featuring intimacy between two male characters, including kissing sequences, have triggered strong reactions on social media. A section of Tamil audiences has criticized the film, with some accusing Karthik Subbaraj of showcasing Tamil culture in a bad way.

The director has also been facing criticism online from viewers who feel the content is too bold for mainstream cinema. At the same time, the film has found strong support from many as they have praised Dorothy for addressing a sensitive subject with honesty.

Earlier today, the director Karthik Subbaraj asked the Telugu audience whether he should release the film in Telugu, and the response was quite good. One needs to see when the film will be released in Telugu.