Dorothy is a special film for everyone, says Karthik Subbaraj

CHENNAI: The Dorothy team, including director Karthik Subbaraj, actors Rishikanth and Sananth, actress Keerthi Suresh, and cinematographer Thiru, came together for the film’s pre-release event. The film recently premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it received a strong response. It is now gearing up for its theatrical release on September 25.

Speaking at the event, Rishikanth thanked Karthik Subbaraj for bringing together a team that gave him the confidence to pursue cinema. Recalling his preparation for Dorothy, he said he and Sananth were sent to Madurai for two months, where they underwent training and script-reading sessions.

“We were trained like in Jigarthanda, which didn’t go well,” he said with a laugh, adding that Karthik took them through the script and helped them prepare for their characters.

Rishikanth also spoke about his 15-year friendship with Sananth and their shared struggles to find opportunities in cinema. The two would often joke about becoming heroes and acting in each other’s films. “But that has become a reality today,” he said.

He revealed that Dorothy was technically his first film, as he began shooting Modha Rathiri only after completing this project. He credited Karthik with preparing him thoroughly before putting him in front of the camera.

Sananth said screening the film at TIFF had been a special experience even before its theatrical release. Recalling how people approached him and hugged him after watching the film, he said the response had made the experience memorable.

“It is destiny that Rishi and I had to come together for Dorothy. This is a very special film for everybody,” he said. Sananth also recalled that his short film Madhu and Rishikanth’s Puzhu were part of Karthik Subbaraj’s Bench Talkies 12 years ago. Working together under Karthik’s direction now, he added, felt like a full circle.

Keerthi Suresh said she immediately agreed to be part of the film after Karthik sent her the synopsis and asked if she was interested. “Dorothy means ‘gift of God’, and this movie is exactly that,” she said.

She also praised Rishikanth and Sananth’s performances, saying the three had become friends during the making of the film. “When the movie releases, I’ll be whistling for them,” she added. Keerthi expressed confidence that Dorothy would make Tamil cinema proud both in India and internationally. She also said the film would spark discussions and bring about changes.

For Karthik Subbaraj, one of the biggest achievements of Dorothy was getting music maestro Ilaiyaraaja to compose its music. Recalling the 25 days he spent sitting beside the composer during the music sessions, the director described the experience as a special one.

He also expressed confidence in Rishikanth and Sananth, saying the two actors would go on to become big stars. “For all the talent they have and the struggles they have gone through, they will be rocking the Indian film industry very soon,” he said.

Karthik said it had been his dream to premiere the film internationally and subsequently release it in theatres in India. He clarified that the version screened at TIFF is exactly the same as the theatrical version, with not even a single frame altered.

Addressing whether Tamil audiences would accept the film, Karthik said he had written the script keeping them in mind and had complete faith in them.

“I am looking forward to screening the film for Tamil audiences on September 25. I am very eager to show it to everyone, and I am sure everyone will enjoy it,” he said. He also urged audiences not to reveal spoilers, saying he wanted everyone to experience the film for themselves in theatres.