Karthik Subbaraj’s Dorothy has found a new audience after its recent Netflix premiere. Despite receiving a below-average response at the theatrical box office, the film is now getting tremendous love from viewers across sections. While the final 10 minutes have faced some criticism, many are calling it one of the best films of 2026.
Amid the renewed discussion around the climax, Karthik Subbaraj has revealed how the ending was originally planned in the script.
According to the original version, after the kiss, Karthi and Subbu (who has now become Dorothy) would return to Madurai, where wedding preparations would begin in the presence of their close ones. However, Whistle Veeraya and his gang would arrive with the intention of killing them. On seeing Dorothy in that attire, Veeraya would be reminded of his mother and try to stop his men.
The gang would then question how they could accept Dorothy as a girl and Karthi as someone from a different caste as their son-in-law by allowing their son (daughter) to marry him. When they attempt to kill Karthi, Dorothy steps in and fights them in a Bruce Lee-style martial arts sequence.
This version of the climax would have taken the film in a completely different direction, adding a full-fledged action sequence to its emotional conclusion. Whether this ending would have worked better or simply dragged the film and diluted its impact is something we will never know.
However, many feel the film should have ended when Karthi accepted Dorothy as a woman and let their friendship continue. There was no need to make the two characters turn lovers and romance each other. It spoiled the film for a few viewers.
