of Karthik Subbaraj dorothy Mixed reactions: Keerthy Suresh film praised for storytelling, trolled for LGBTQ+ portrayal

Karthik Subbaraj’s much-awaited Tamil drama thriller dorothyStarring Keerthy Suresh, Rishikanth and Sananth, it has started receiving mixed reactions on X (earlier Twitter) after its release.

While many viewers praised the film’s grounded storytelling, realistic treatment and performances, others criticized its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and called for a boycott of the film.

The Internet reacts

Many early reactions have highlighted the film’s realistic presentation and slow narrative development.

One viewer praised Karthik Subraj’s performance, describing the first half as slow-paced but steady.

The post read, “#Dorothy’s first half is a slow-paced but steady rural drama, supported by a compelling performance by Karthik Subbaraj. Easily his most grounded and realistic film yet and he delivers it really well. Both @iam_rishikanth and @sanant__ deliver solid performances. Boudugra’s presence is impressive even before the short film between two friends of @KeerthyOfficial. Raw conflict and interesting. Introducing the characters that we see are the main highlights of the film’s single-shot sequence and interval block, the interval block shot during the fight scene, was perfect (maybe even CG).

Another viewer similarly praised the first half, calling it a “slow but steady rural drama” and highlighting the performances, visuals, single-shot sequences and interval block.

#Dorothy First half review 🍿

– A slow but steady rural drama so far, with a very compelling execution. #Karthik Subbaraj..🤝
– His most grounded and realistic film yet..and he has executed it really well..👍
– #Rishikant And #Santaperformance of..
– # Keerthy Sureshof… pic.twitter.com/1yGgtpqFnm

— Lakshmi Kant (@iammoviebuff007) September 25, 2026

The same viewer added, “Flashback scenes, single shot scenes, and interval blocks were the highlights so far.. and no, there hasn’t been any “bold” stuff so far.. but can understand that there are going to be some traces of it.. Let’s see how the second half turns out.. Now on to the second half…”

Another early reaction described the first half as slow-paced but exciting, with the last 20 minutes being more intense.

“#Dorothy First Half – Slow paced but engaging without any dull moments. Realism does a good job First 40 minutes are entertaining, last 20 minutes of first half are intense..”

#Dorothy First Half – Slow paced but engaging without any dull moments. Realism works well 🤝 First 40 minutes are entertaining, last 20 minutes of first half are intense.

— Trendswood (@Trendswoodcom) September 25, 2026

Some reactions suggest that Dorothy undergoes a tonal shift after the interval. One viewer wrote:

Amid positive reactions, a section of social media users have criticized the film for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters.

Some users have called for a boycott of the film with a post saying, “Guys, please don’t promote these kind of films. Let’s boycott #Dorothy. This was not expected from a director like @karthiksubbaraj. It’s ok to talk about LGBTQ+, but not to force it on people. It’s not a good direction.”

Guys please don’t promote this kind of movies ❌👎

Let’s boycott #Dorothy 🙏🫠 pic.twitter.com/AMEeWmDzIP

— Karthik SK🥳💫 (@Karthik_SK45) September 25, 2026

This was not expected from such a director @karthiksubbaraj.

A conversation from trans women:
“Innam 10 Varsathula Nanga Dhan Sadharan, Indha Ungla Dhan Kewalma Pakum 🙂”

It’s okay to talk about LGBTQ+, but not to force it on people

This is not a good direction to go🚶‍♂️…

— Ayyappan (@Ayyappan_1504) September 25, 2026

background

of Karthik Subbaraj dorothy Set in rural Tamil Nadu in the early 1990s, it revolves around two childhood friends, Karthi and Subbu, who grow up amidst caste division, violence and rigid ideas of masculinity. Years later, circumstances put the two friends on opposite sides, with Karthi tasked with finding Subbu. Keerthy Suresh plays Dorothy, a character whose arrival becomes central to the film’s emotional and narrative trajectory.

Directed by Karthik Subraj, dorothy This is his 10th feature film as a director. Iliyaraja has composed the original soundtrack and background score for the film, marking his 1,540th film project. Thiru has handled the cinematography.