Dorothy Release: Keerthy Suresh And Karthik Subbaraj Arrive In Theatres After A TIFF Standing Ovation

Two weeks ago, Dorothy played to a standing ovation at the Toronto International Film Festival. Today, Karthik Subbaraj's 10th film reaches theatres, and it arrives as one of the most talked-about Tamil releases of the year.

It is also a film that looks very different from the Karthik Subbaraj of Petta and Jigarthanda DoubleX: smaller, independent, and built around a woman at its centre.

What Dorothy Is About

Set in rural Madurai in 1995, the film follows two childhood friends, Subbu and Karthi, whose bond starts to crack when Dorothy, played by Keerthy Suresh, enters their lives as Subbu's sister-in-law. As Subbu moves down a dangerous path, Karthi is left with an ethical dilemma he cannot avoid. The story plays out against the backdrop of caste-related violence in 1990s Tamil Nadu, and it takes a hard look at toxic masculinity and the women who push back against it.

Ilaiyaraaja Meets Karthik Subbaraj

One of the biggest draws is the music. Ilaiyaraaja composed the film in his first collaboration with Subbaraj, and his 18-track background score album was released on September 5. Songs such as Kalyana Virundhu and Muthumani have already been circulating among fans.

Cast And Team

Keerthy Suresh plays the title role, with Sananth and Rishikanth as the two friends. Dorothy is produced by Guneet Monga Kapoor, Achin Jain and Jyoti Deshpande through Sikhya Entertainment, Dhammam Films and Jio Studios. It was shot in Madurai between November 2025 and March 2026, with cinematography by Tirru and editing by Ganesh Siva.

The Early Verdict

Early reviews have been strong. Critics have called it a sharp subversion of the conventional Tamil film romance, praising Keerthy's compelling performance and a mesmerising first half. The main complaint is length: the film runs 150 minutes, and some post-interval stretches drag. Even so, its finale is being described as a first for Tamil cinema.

Quick Facts

• Film: Dorothy

• Director and writer: Karthik Subbaraj

• Cast: Keerthy Suresh, Sananth, Rishikanth

• Music: Ilaiyaraaja

• Producers: Guneet Monga Kapoor, Achin Jain, Jyoti Deshpande

• Language: Tamil

• Runtime: 150 minutes

• Release: September 25, 2026 (theatrical)

• Festival: Premiered at TIFF on September 11, 2026

FAQs

Who directed Dorothy?

Karthik Subbaraj wrote and directed Dorothy. It is his 10th film as director.

Who composed the music for Dorothy?

Ilaiyaraaja, in his first film with Karthik Subbaraj.

Where is Dorothy set?

In rural Madurai in 1995.

How long is Dorothy?

The film runs about 150 minutes.