Filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj has strongly condemned director Mohan G for his remarks against the transgender community during a televised discussion about Dorothy. Calling the comments hurtful and discriminatory, Subbaraj said criticism of a film should never become an excuse to humiliate people over their gender identity.
In a video statement shared on social media, the "Dorothy" director said he had no objection to people criticising his film or disagreeing with its themes. However, he expressed concern over Mohan G’s exchange with transgender woman Negha, particularly the questions surrounding marriage and the ability to have children.
“I strongly condemn Mohan G’s comments. You can talk anything about the movie. I don’t even care. But there should be humanity,” Subbaraj said, emphasising the need to treat transgender people with dignity and respect.
Karthik Subbaraj questions Mohan G’s remarks on marriage and parenthood
Subbaraj said he was disturbed by a video of Mohan G questioning Negha about the possibility of a transgender woman having a fulfilling married life. According to the filmmaker, the discussion repeatedly focused on whether a couple could have children, reducing the value of a relationship to parenthood.
Questioning this line of argument, Subbaraj pointed out that having children is not the sole purpose of a relationship and that couples who cannot have children are equally entitled to lead happy and fulfilling lives.
Also read: Dorothy on OTT: Karthik Subbaraj’s polarizing crime drama to stream from THIS date?
He described the remarks as a form of psychological violence against a transgender woman, arguing that publicly questioning someone’s right to happiness because of their gender identity was unacceptable.
The filmmaker also called for greater accountability over discriminatory remarks made in public forums. Drawing a comparison with prejudice based on caste and religion, he stressed that comments targeting transgender people should be treated with similar seriousness.
‘Nobody has given you the right to hurt them’
Subbaraj reiterated that his objection was not about criticism of Dorothy, but about the manner in which a transgender person was addressed during the discussion.
“Look at the people in front of you as human beings. Nobody has given you the right to hurt them in front of everyone,” he said, calling for empathy and sensitivity when discussing gender identity.
The director’s response has brought renewed attention to the debate surrounding transgender representation in Tamil cinema, with Dorothy at the centre of discussions about acceptance, discrimination and the portrayal of transgender lives on screen.
Also read: Dorothy Movie Review: Karthik Subbaraj finds love and liberation in a story of toxic masculinity
Dorothy gets overwhelming response
Directed by Karthik Subbaraj, Dorothy explores transgender identity and the discrimination faced by transgender people in a patriarchal social environment. The film stars Keerthy Suresh, Sananth and Rishikanth in key roles, with music composed by Ilaiyaraaja.
The film has sparked debate over its themes and representation, with Subbaraj maintaining that audiences should engage with its story before passing judgment. His latest remarks underline his position that disagreements over cinema should not justify attacks on the dignity of transgender people.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Dorothy will be OTT bound shortly, after a fairly successful theatrical run. For all the details, tune in to The Cinema Post.
