Dorothy Movie Review: Karthik Subbaraj’s Film Is Not Your Usual Love Story, And That’s Its Biggest Strength
Star Cast: Rishikanth, Sananth, Keerthy Suresh
Director: Karthik Subbaraj
What’s Good: Story, cinematography and performances
What’s Bad: Certain dragged portions in the 2nd half
Loo Break: Anytime
Watch or Not?: Definitely, a must-watch
Language: Tamil
Available On: Netflix
Runtime: 145 Minutes
User Rating:
Saying that Dorothy is a love story would be simplifying it. But it also wants to tell you that it truly is that simple. Every love story we experience on screen comes with obstacles the lovers must overcome to reunite. Most end successfully, while some have tragic endings. Karthik Subbaraj’s film has no tragic ending, but it still has plenty of tragic moments. It could have been a simple film, but its reflective nature reminds us that we humans love to complicate things.
Karthik Subbaraj’s recently released film became a topic of discussion on social media soon after its theatrical release a month ago. The film is now on Netflix, allowing a wider audience to share their perspectives on this beautiful love story that confronts the realities of society before blossoming. This may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Read on to find out whether it’s your cup of tea or you should make it your cup of tea.
Dorothy Movie Review: Script Analysis
Dorothy is the tale of two friends, Subbu (Sananth) and Karthi (Rishikanth). They belong to a village where caste dominates above all else. The two friends belong to different castes, with Subbu and his family being upper-caste. Subbu carries a lot of trauma that he failed to understand as a child. He seems to have no heart or emotions. Meanwhile, his friend Karthi is sensitive. However, over time, their personalities seem to swap.
Subbu loses his mother and sister at a very young age due to caste politics. His father and two older brothers are away from the village. According to Subbu, his father is a villain and a brutal moneylender in the village. For him, pride and honor are above everything else, even his own children.
Meanwhile, Subbu’s brother goes to Kerala and marries a Malayalee woman named Dorothy (Keerthy Suresh). She instantly becomes Subbu’s favorite family member, and he grows close to her. However, Subbu has a secret that he has kept to himself for the longest time. As time passes, his patience is tested, and he finally unleashes his secret, which forms a major part of the second half of the story. It also tests the boundaries of Karthi and Subbu’s friendship and beyond.
Dorothy Movie Review: Star Performance
This is a story driven by Rishikanth and Sananth’s characters, and the two actors do complete justice to their roles. They bring the kind of chemistry to their bond that makes you want to root for them. Sananth, especially, performs gloriously in the second half.
With back-to-back praised films, Modha Raatri and Dorothy, Rishikanth has showcased his range. From intense scenes to comedy and even dancing, he has proved that he has the makings of a hero.
Keerthy Suresh has a special role in the film as Dorothy. She looks enigmatic and holds her own despite her limited screen time.
The film also has a solid supporting cast, especially the actors playing Subbu’s father and brothers. The casting of transgender actors is also powerful, as they make a significant contribution to the narrative.
Dorothy Movie Review: Direction, Music
Karthik Subbaraj is a fun director. But Dorothy is unlike the ones in his commercial films. This one pierces through the heart. Every action and moment in the film happens for a reason and connects well with the characters.
The film’s narrative builds quite well, with some of its core tensions being revealed right at the beginning. These then unfold as the film progresses. The first half effectively establishes the village in Tamil Nadu where Subbu and Karthi are raised — a place where caste pride takes precedence over human emotions.
What’s interesting is that Dorothy, too, has its share of violence, but it hits quite differently from that in other recent films featuring similar levels of violence. The violence occurs when you are already invested in the protagonists and know things about them that those around them do not. You feel connected to the characters and empathize with them.
The film is also technically strong, with beautiful frames by S. Tirru. Every frame and shot has been carefully curated, beautifully reflecting the contrasts and tensions. Then there is the music by maestro Ilaiyaraaja, which brings the 1980s and 1990s to life.
Dorothy Movie Review: The Last Word
Dorothy’s strength lies in making you feel for its characters while showing you the realities of the society we live in. While the story takes place in the 1980s and 1990s, the hard-hitting truth is that we have not come very far from that reality.
In one scene, a transgender woman confronts Karthi about looking at her community with disgust. She looks into his eyes and tells him that, because of men like him, they are forced to beg and sell their bodies to earn a living. Towards the end, she says that within 10 years, her community will be respected while men will be looked down upon. The film is set in the mid-1990s, when this scene takes place, and we all know how society continues to function even today.
However, the confrontation has a profound impact on Karthi, forcing him to look within himself and acknowledge his feelings towards his friend, Subbu. This realization leads to a vibrant, happy climax, one that leaves your heart full despite the tragic moments that have been part of the film from the beginning.
Dorothy can be a tough journey, but it is one that needs to be watched and understood. Art often imitates society, and this is one such story that imitates the real world while weaving a beautiful love story through it.
Dorothy Trailer
Dorothy releases on 23rd October, 2026.
Stay tuned to Koimoi for more South movie reviews!
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