Karthik Subbaraj: Views of men on transgender people changed after 'Dorothy'

Karthik Subbaraj’s ‘Dorothy’ has been receiving attention for the way it presents its characters and emotional themes. The film’s team recently held a success meet to celebrate the response from audiences.

The event has also revealed the social significance of the movie, as the director shared about the responses that people have been having to the film while watching in theaters.

Karthik Subbaraj says men crying for ‘Dorothy’ is the film’s real success

Speaking at the ‘Dorothy’ success meet, Karthik Subbaraj said the biggest achievement was seeing a change in the way some men viewed transgender people after watching the film. He revealed that several men told him they had cried while watching the movie and that their earlier perception of transgender people had changed.

“We may have looked at transgender people as fellow human beings, but a lot has changed now. Many men told me that they cried after watching this film and that their perspective towards transgender people has changed.

That is the real success of this film,” Karthik said. He added that this response mattered more to him than simply calling the film a commercial success.

Karthik Subbaraj thanks audiences and praises Ilaiyaraaja’s music

The filmmaker also recalled the period when the film faced negative opinions and said he chose not to react immediately.

Instead, he trusted the audience to decide the film’s fate. “When negative opinions came about the film, I stayed quiet and trusted the fans and the people. That is exactly what happened,” he said. Karthik also credited legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja for playing a major role in the film’s journey.

“We have grown up listening to his songs since childhood. His music has become an important part of this film and helped it reach this level,” he said, highlighting the emotional value of the soundtrack.

‘Dorothy’ Climax wins over audiences as Karthik Subbaraj thanks fans

Karthik further recalled the doubts surrounding the film’s climax before its release. Many people had wondered whether audiences would accept the ending, but the director said his theatre experience proved otherwise. “Everyone asked me whether people would accept the climax. But when I went to the theatre, I saw that they had accepted it. College students, especially, celebrated the film,” he said. He added that audiences have been enjoying the movie almost like a musical concert, particularly from the ‘Muthu Mani’ song onwards.

As part of the celebrations, the team also provided financial assistance to 25 transgender people from a portion of the film’s earnings, adding a meaningful gesture to the success meet.