Dorothy Brings Trans Lives Into Tamil Cinema's Mainstream

Tamil filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj's latest film, Dorothy, released in theatres on September 25, has been embraced by members of the queer community for its sensitive portrayal of a trans woman's journey towards self-acceptance and love. The film has received positive reviews and, more significantly, appreciation from those who have long awaited respectful representation in Tamil cinema.

Trans activist Jaya, general manager of the NGO Sahodaran, described the film's impact as akin to stepping onto an escalator rather than a mere step up. Actor and author Negha Shahin said the film offered a deep look into trans life and was surprised by how even cisgender, heteronormative audiences connected with it. Marakkah, a teacher, poet, theatre artiste and founder of the Chennai Queer Library, said she saw herself in the film and was moved to tears during its final half hour.

Actor-filmmaker and activist Malini Jeevarathnam called Dorothy a raw, real story that did not compromise authenticity for aesthetic quality. The film's treatment of honour killings targeting trans persons resonated strongly. Marakkah noted that while society has witnessed honour killings related to caste and religion, the film exposes an issue people avoid discussing. Negha, herself a survivor of family violence, found that aspect of the film particularly valid.

The narrative also addresses gender dysphoria before transition, a subject rarely explored in mainstream Tamil cinema. Jaya observed that many trans women secretly engage in feminine activities to feel euphoric, while others suppress such feelings due to fear and parental expectations. She praised the film for showing both dysphoria and the gender euphoria that follows transition with tenderness.

Ilaiyaraaja's music for the film has been welcomed as a significant moment. Negha highlighted the song 'Muthumani', written by Ilaiyaraaja, as a rare track that expresses trans feelings well, contrasting it with earlier songs such as 'Kokkarakozhi Koovura Velai' that humiliated trans lives. Marakkah recalled the hatred she faced because of that older song and said the shift represents progress after more than four decades.

Despite the acclaim, the community has faced a wave of queerphobia in recent weeks. Negha questioned how society would react to portrayals of gay men or lesbian women if a film like Dorothy provokes such hostility. The film's final shot, featuring a kiss between a cis man and a trans woman, has drawn particularly vicious online remarks, with some calling it a kiss between two men — a transphobic framing, according to Negha. Jaya found it strange that viewers confuse queer identity with homosexuality and questioned why the kiss is deemed grotesque when cis men have long sexualised trans women. Malini said accepting trans identity while rejecting trans romance stems from a faulty political lens that offers acceptance as pity.

Marakkah dismissed fears that the film would influence people negatively, arguing it would instead give confidence, courage, validation and healing to those who carry such feelings. She also noted that dysphoria exists to some degree in all people.

Watching the film in a theatre may still not be easy for trans women. Negha spoke of eve-teasing and hostile gazes, and said she does not want pity from cis people. Marakkah expressed hope for a day when trans people are simply passed by on the street like anyone else. Jaya acknowledged that much has changed over two decades but said more advocacy and lobbying are needed.

The community agrees that cinema plays a crucial role. Marakkah said art forms directly reach people and shape how society accepts trans lives. Dorothy features trans woman actor Jeeva Subramanian in a pivotal role, and Karthik took her to the Toronto International Film Festival, where the film premiered. Negha said this gives her hope, though she noted that four years after winning a Kerala State Film Award, many doors have not opened for her.

Some community members also pointed to flaws. Negha wished the makers had muted certain slurs or added a disclaimer urging viewers not to use them, as such words remain hurtful and are still weaponised. Malini argued that criticism of queer films in Tamil cinema is itself shaped by privilege, given how few films in a century of cinema reflect the lives of marginalised people.