Karthik Subbaraj’s ‘Dorothy,’ Backed by Jio Studios and Sikhya Entertainment, Unveils Title Announcement Ahead of Historic TIFF Premiere

Mumbai: Jio Studios and Sikhya Entertainment have unveiled the title announcement for writer-director Karthik Subbaraj’s Dorothy, ahead of its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, and it is set to release in theatres across India on Sept. 25.
Writer-director Karthik Subbaraj’s landmark 10th feature, Dorothy, is set to have its world premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival in the Centrepiece section. The Tamil-language feature, with an original score by legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja in his milestone 1,540th film, is backed by Jio Studios and Sikhya Entertainment and joins TIFF’s acclaimed international program, formerly known as Contemporary World Cinema, which showcases celebrated filmmakers, festival favourites and highly anticipated world premieres from across the globe.
Ahead of its festival debut, the makers have unveiled the title announcement for Dorothy. Inspired by the vibrant yet fading tradition of Indian highway truck art, the poster reflects the spirit of the road and subtly foreshadows the journey that lies at the heart of Dorothy.
Produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain in association with Dhammam Films, Dorothy stars Sananth, Rishikanth and Keerthy Suresh in pivotal roles and is slated for a theatrical release across India on Sept. 25, 2026.
Karthik Subbaraj, Writer-Director, said, “Dorothy is a film I’ve carried with me for a long time. It comes from a world I know intimately, one where friendship becomes a refuge, where love survives in silence, and where tenderness exists even in the harshest of places. Through this story, I wanted to explore identity, caste, masculinity, and compassion, not through spectacle, but through deeply human characters. While it’s rooted in the culture and landscape of Tamil Nadu, I believe its emotions are universal. We’re proud that its journey begins on a global stage like TIFF.”
Jyoti Deshpande, President – Jio Studios, whose banner is behind the record-breaking global blockbuster Dhurandhar duology and whose films have collectively won the most National Awards by any Indian studio, said, “The most powerful stories are rooted in authenticity yet speak to audiences everywhere. In a world increasingly shaped by technology, it is human emotion that remains timeless. Dorothy embodies that beautifully. Karthik Subbaraj has crafted a deeply moving film, elevated by Illaiyaraaja’s extraordinary music and unforgettable performances. We’re thrilled that its journey begins at TIFF, where we hope it is celebrated for its artistry, heart and courage”.  
Guneet Monga Kapoor & Achin Jain, Producers, Sikhya Entertainment, the Academy Award-winning team behind The Elephant Whisperers, said, “Dorothy reminds us that empathy is one of the most powerful forces we have. What makes Karthik Subbaraj’s storytelling so distinctive is that it finds grace and humanity in places where you least expect it. That’s what makes Dorothy so special. It has the depth of a festival film with the heart and accessibility of commercial cinema. We hope its world premiere at TIFF is the beginning of a journey that connects with audiences across cultures and borders.”