Director Karthik Subbaraj has responded to the online criticism and boycott calls surrounding his latest Tamil film Dorothy, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival before its theatrical release.
The film, starring Keerthy Suresh, explores the life of a transgender person within a patriarchal and caste-driven household in 1990s Madurai. Its subject has triggered criticism from a section of social-media users, with some calling for a boycott under the hashtag #BoycottDorothy.
Addressing the backlash during a recent media interaction, Subbaraj questioned whether reactions on social media represented the broader audience. He suggested that online criticism comes from a relatively limited space and pointed instead to the response from people watching the film in theatres.
The filmmaker also pushed back when his attention was drawn to comments expressing disappointment over the film’s direction and themes.
Dorothy has generated discussion because of its portrayal of gender identity, family structures and social prejudice. The controversy has emerged alongside interest in the film following its international festival premiere.
Subbaraj’s comments come as the film continues its theatrical run and audiences form their own responses to its themes and storytelling.
