Dorothy (2026), Karthik Subbaraj returns with impact

After Petta (2019), Director Karthik Subbaraj has given a winner with Dorothy (2026). The film deals with two social ills that prevail in rural Tamil Nadu. Set in the 1990s, the screenplay hits hard on the evils of patriarchy and caste. When it moves on to another social stigma, it struggles a bit before reaching the climax. The film is emotionally heavy and may not appeal to everyone, so go with that warning. Mangoidiots gives it a Ripe.

The film starts with two brothers and a friend of the dead burning a corpse. It then moves into a flashback, showing how the dead man and his friend, Subbu and Karthi, grew up as close friends from a very young age. Subbu is the youngest son in a household headed by a ruthless father and two unscrupulous elder brothers. Karthi is the son of a single mother who sells snacks by the roadside. Karthi grows up to be strong and fearless, becoming a local thug. Subbu struggles in his household but remains close to his friend. What happens when Karthi has to murder Subbu forms the second half of the film, narrated from an unexpected perspective.

The screenplay spends much of the first half finding its footing. With the introduction of Dorothy’s character, we sit up, but that timeline ends abruptly. Then suddenly, the film shoots high into the sky and keeps us engaged till the end. It is in this second part that Director Karthik Subbaraj shows his mettle. If you can sit through the familiar portions to reach this point, Dorothy finds its strength.

The emotionally heavy film is carried by Rishikanth and Sanath. They both deserve all the credit that comes their way. Sanath was brilliant in particular. Keerthy Suresh has a small role, and her character’s contribution is primarily to lend the title its name. As Veeraiya, the ruthless moneylender and caste-obsessed father, Muthukumar has given a memorable performance. Joining him were Ramachandran Durairaj and Soundaraja. I had difficulty identifying the male characters, as most of them sported heavy beards and appeared with similar makeup.

Ilaiyaraaja‘s song Kalyana Virundhu and the background score effortlessly transport us to the period portrayed by the film.