Karthik Subbaraj’s ‘Dorothy’ Makes World Premiere at TIFF, Marks First Indian Tamil Feature at Festival in a Decade

 Karthik Subbaraj’s ‘Dorothy’ Makes World Premiere at TIFF, Marks First Indian Tamil Feature at Festival in a Decade

Presented by Jio Studios and produced by Sikhya Entertainment, the Tamil feature film received a standing ovation at its World Premiere

TORONTO — Karthik Subbaraj’s Tamil-language feature Dorothy has made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2026, screening in the prestigious Centrepiece section alongside world premieres and acclaimed international features. Presented by Jio Studios and produced by Sikhya Entertainment in association with Dhammam Films, the film marks the first Indian Tamil feature to premiere at TIFF in the past decade, bringing one of contemporary Tamil cinema’s distinctive voices to the global stage. The film received a standing ovation at its World Premiere, marking an especially warm and memorable beginning to its international journey.

The premiere took place at Toronto’s Scotiabank Theatre, with Subbaraj joined by lead actors Keerthy Suresh, Sananth and Rishikanth, alongside producers Guneet Monga Kapoor, Achin Jain. 

Karthik Subbaraj, Writer-Director, said: “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 across the world while staying true to the story I wanted to tell. And to have Ilaiyaraaja sir’s music accompany that journey makes it even more special.”

Jyoti Deshpande, President, Jio Studios, said: “Cinema has the ability to cross languages when the emotion at its centre is universal. Dorothy is a powerful example of that. Karthik has crafted a story about friendship, identity and human dignity that can resonate far beyond its language. At Jio Studios, we are proud to bring this deeply human story to audiences, and its premiere at TIFF is a significant moment for the film and a proud one for Tamil cinema.” 

Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain, Producers, Sikhya Entertainment, said: “TIFF has been an important part of Sikhya’s journey, and bringing Dorothy here feels particularly 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 perspectives, with the shared belief that a strong Indian story can find an audience anywhere. We’re thrilled to see Dorothy begin its international journey in Toronto.”

Dorothy is also an Ilaiyaraaja musical, with the legendary composer creating the film’s original score and songs. The soundtrack has become a significant part of the film’s pre-release conversation: “Kalyana Virundhu” and “Muthumani” have each crossed 10 million views on YouTube and both have featured among the Top 5 trending music videos on YouTube India. The two songs have helped establish the film’s musical identity well ahead of its theatrical release.

The film’s 18-track OST was also presented as a live musical experience in Chennai, with musicians performing the Dorothy score continuously for around 40 minutes. The Dorothy Concert, held at Image Auditorium, was met with a strong audience response, extending Ilaiyaraaja’s music for the film from the screen into a live concert setting.

Dorothy marks Guneet Monga Kapoor extending a relationship with the festival that spans more than 15 years. Some of her TIFF credits include That Girl in Yellow Boots (2010), Peddlers (2012), Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 1 and Part 2 (2012), The Lunchbox (2013), Monsoon Shootout (2014), Kill (2023), Yellow Bus (2023) and now Dorothy (2026). With Dorothy, Monga Kapoor brings her longstanding TIFF association together with Karthik Subbaraj and Jio Studios, extending Sikhya Entertainment’s international festival journey into Tamil cinema.

Written and directed by Karthik Subbaraj, Dorothy stars Sananth, Rishikanth and Keerthy Suresh in pivotal roles. The film will release worldwide in cinemas on September 25, 2026.

Produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain in association with Dhammam Films, Dorothy is backed by Jio Studios and Sikhya Entertainment.