The appreciation comes after several other notable names, including Suriya, Mari Selvaraj and Mammootty, praised Dorothy. The film has also made its presence felt on the international festival circuit, earning a standing ovation at the Toronto International Film Festival. Despite the encouraging critical response, however, its theatrical performance in India has been more modest.
In the video shared by Karthik on X, Upendra speaks about the film’s balance of artistic ambition, commercial appeal and poetic sensibility. He commended the director for handling a sensitive subject without compromising his vision and expressed admiration for the way the narrative had been brought to the screen.
“You have taken such an interesting film and have done it superbly. Hats off to you, sir,” Upendra told Karthik, offering an endorsement that clearly meant a great deal to the filmmaker.
Upendra applauds Dorothy’s performances and filmmaking
Beyond praising Karthik Subbaraj’s directorial approach, Upendra also had words of appreciation for the film’s lead performers, Rishikanth and Sananth. The actor-director appeared particularly impressed by their screen presence and the performances they had delivered.
Addressing Rishikanth, Upendra remarked, “You are like a commercial mass (hero), and you look very beautiful.” He also praised Sananth for his work in the film, telling the actor, “You have delivered an extraordinary performance.”
The interaction also revealed the admiration Karthik has long held for Upendra and his work. During their conversation, the Kannada star acknowledged that the director was an admirer of his cinema, adding that watching Dorothy had helped him understand the filmmaker’s appreciation for his cult films.
Upendra’s response is particularly noteworthy given his own reputation as an actor and filmmaker who has often experimented with unconventional storytelling. His filmography includes works that have challenged mainstream narrative conventions, making his appreciation of Karthik’s approach an encouraging endorsement for the Tamil filmmaker.
He also expressed confidence that Dorothy would continue to find audiences beyond its theatrical run, suggesting that the film would travel to several more festivals. He conveyed his best wishes to Karthik and the entire team, adding to the growing list of industry voices backing the film.
Karthik, in turn, thanked Upendra for his generous words. Sharing the video on X, he wrote, “Thank you Upendra sir for showering your love on Dorothy. Your appreciation means a lot sir,” underlining the significance of receiving praise from someone whose work he admires.
Dorothy earns critical appreciation amid modest box office returns
The latest endorsement adds to the positive response Dorothy has received since its release. The film’s standing ovation at the Toronto International Film Festival has further strengthened its presence on the festival circuit, while appreciation from filmmakers and actors across industries has kept it in the conversation.
The response also highlights the difference between critical recognition and commercial performance. While Dorothy has found supporters among prominent members of the film fraternity, the film has yet to translate that goodwill into a comparable box office showing.
According to the latest available figures from box office tracker Sacnilk, Dorothy has collected Rs 13.30 crore from theatres across India. The numbers suggest that the film’s theatrical reach has remained limited despite the attention surrounding its content and the praise it has received from industry figures.
Keerthy Suresh also plays an important role in the film, which has drawn attention for its storytelling and performances. With Upendra now joining the growing list of admirers, Dorothy continues to attract appreciation beyond its immediate audience.
Whether the film’s festival journey will bring it greater visibility remains to be seen. For now, Karthik Subbaraj has another significant endorsement for a project that has earned considerable goodwill among his peers, even as its commercial prospects remain a point of discussion.
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