‘Dorothy’: Karthik Subbaraj’s film received a standing ovation during its world premiere at TIFF
Achin Jain, Rishikanth, Sananth, Karthik Subbaraj, Keerthy Suresh and Guneet Monga Kapoor at ‘Dorothy’ World Premiere at Toronto International Film Festival 2026 | Photo credit: Special arrangement
Karthik Subbaraj’s upcoming film Dorothy had its world premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival in the Centerpiece section on 12 September 2026. With a soundtrack composed by Illaiyaraaja, the film stars Keerthy Suresh, Sananth and Rishikanth in pivotal roles. It is the first Tamil feature film to premiere at TIFF in a decade.
The premiere was held at Toronto’s Scotiabank Theatre, Karthik was joined by Keerthy, Sananth and Rishikanth along with producers Guneet Monga Kapoor, Achin Jain.
Set in the early 1990s, Dorothy follows Karthi and Subba, two boys growing up in the unforgiving landscape of rural Tamil Nadu. “When misfortune befalls Dorothy (Keerthy Suresh), a member of the household who has always been kind to her childhood friends, the story takes an unexpected turn, moving from their mere survival to the harsh reality of a scorched earth shaped by rigid patriarchal hierarchies and everyday violence,” says the synopsis published on the TIFF website.
Speaking about it, Karthik said in a statement, “Dorothy is a story that comes from a place and culture I know intimately, but its questions around friendship, prejudice and human connection are universal. To have its world premiere at TIFF is incredibly special. It gives the film an opportunity to reach audiences around the world while staying true to the story I wanted to tell. And to have Ilaiyaraaja accompany sir’s music even more special.”
Producer Jyoti Deshpande, President, Jio Studios, said, “Cinema has the ability to blend languages when the emotions at its center are universal. Dorothy is a powerful example of that. Karthik has created a story about friendship, identity and human dignity that can resonate far beyond the boundaries of his language. We at Jio Studios are proud to bring this deeply human story to TIFF for this film and a meaningful and human story at this moment. Proud of Tamil cinema.”
Together, Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain added, “TIFF has been an important part of Sikhya’s journey and bringing Dorothy here is especially special. At its heart, Dorothy is a deeply human story about identity, belonging and the courage to find your way back to yourself. Working with Karthik and Jio Studios has brought together different strengths and viewpoints that Indian audiences can find anywhere.”
Ilaiyaraaja composed the original music and songs of the film. His 18-track OST was also recently presented as a live musical experience in Chennai, where the musicians performed the Dorothy score non-stop for around 40 minutes.
Produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain in association with Dhammam Films, Dorothy will hit theaters on September 25.
Karthik’s previous directorial was Retro, starring Suriya. Starring Pooja Hegde and Joju George in prominent roles, Retro hits the screens on May 1, 2025.
Published – 12 Sep 2026 11:29 IST