Karthik Subbaraj's Dorothy sparks boycott calls over LGBTQ+ portrayal: 'Don't encourage these type of movies'

Headlined by Keerthy Suresh, Sananth and Rishikanth, the film has also faced boycott calls, with a section of netizens expressing disappointment over Subbaraj's portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes.

Some users have accused the filmmaker of imposing the subject on the audience.

Reactions on social media

Karthik SK called for a boycott of the film, writing, "Guys, please don't encourage these type of Movies. Let's Boycott #Dorothy."

 Another user criticised Subbaraj's approach, referring to a dialogue by a transgender character in the film.

"Didn't expect this from a director like @karthiksubbaraj. One Dialogue from Trans women: 'Innum 10 varshathula naanga dhaan normal, Indha ooru ungala dhaan kevalama paakum.' Talking about LGBTQ+ is fine, but forcing it on people isn't. It's not a good direction to go," the user wrote.

What is 'Dorothy' about?

Set in rural Tamil Nadu in the early 1990s, the film follows childhood friends Karthi and Subbu, who grow up in a society shaped by caste divisions, violence and rigid ideas of masculinity.

Their lives are transformed by the arrival of Dorothy, played by Keerthy Suresh, whose compassion challenges the prejudices and social attitudes surrounding them.

Years later, the friendship between the two men is tested when circumstances place them on opposing sides, leading to a story involving love, guilt, friendship and human dignity.

Themes explored in the film

Dorothy explores themes including caste, patriarchy, toxic masculinity, violence, friendship and compassion, with its rural setting playing an important role in the narrative.

The film also had its world premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival before its theatrical release.