‘Dorothy’ banned in Malaysia over LGBTQ-related content

Karthik Subbaraj’s 'Dorothy' has opened in Indian theatres on September 25, but the Tamil film’s international rollout has reportedly hit a roadblock in Malaysia. Reports from Tamil media claim that the film has been denied release in the country, allegedly over LGBTQ-related content.

However, an official Malaysian censorship order has not been cited in the reports available so far. The development comes shortly after Dorothy premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation.

‘Dorothy’ reportedly denied release in Malaysia over LGBTQ-related content

According to Maalaimalar, Dorothy has faced a release setback in Malaysia, with the film reportedly being barred from theatrical release in the country.A Dinamani report claimed that the development was linked to LGBTQ-related elements, including same-sex attraction, in the film.

However, this remains a reported reason rather than a confirmed official explanation, as an official Malaysian censorship order has not been cited in the available reports.The reported development has drawn attention on the film’s release day, particularly because Dorothy has already generated international interest through its selection at the Toronto International Film Festival.

What is ‘Dorothy’ about?

Set in rural Tamil Nadu in the early 1990s, Dorothy follows two childhood friends, Karthi and Subbu, whose lives and relationship change after Dorothy, played by Keerthy Suresh, enters their world. The story explores friendship, love and conflict against a backdrop shaped by caste divisions, violence and toxic masculinity.

The arrival of Dorothy challenges the worldview of the characters and sets their relationship on a different course.The film brings together Rishikanth and Sananth as the two central friends, with Keerthy playing the titular character. The narrative also engages with themes of masculinity, caste and social expectations, with the friendship at its centre eventually becoming strained by circumstances and conflicting emotions.

‘Dorothy’ received a standing ovation at TIFF

The reported Malaysia release issue comes after Dorothy received attention at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival. The film had its world premiere in the festival’s Centrepiece section on September 12. The screening was followed by a standing ovation, with Karthik Subbaraj, Keerthy Suresh, Sananth, Rishikanth and producers Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain present at the premiere. Dorothy was also reported to be the first Tamil feature to premiere at TIFF in a decade.'Dorothy' is Karthik Subbaraj’s 10th directorial venture and that the filmmaker is producing the film under Dhammam Films along with Guneet Monga and Achin Jain of Sikhya Entertainment and Jyoti Deshpande of Jio Studios.

Karthik Subbaraj’s ‘Dorothy’ features music by Ilaiyaraaja

Dorothy marks a notable collaboration between Karthik Subbaraj and veteran composer Ilaiyaraaja. The film’s technical team includes cinematographer S Thirunavukkarasu and editor Ganesh Siva. The film released theatrically in India on September 25, following its TIFF premiere earlier this month.