‘Inhuman violence’: Dorothy director Karthik Subbaraj slams Mohan G for transphobia

Dorothy director Karthik Subbaraj released a strongly worded video statement on October 13, condemning director Mohan G for transphobic remarks. “The comments he made are a form of violence. It was a psychological hit.” Karthik said. 

Mohan G had made derogatory comments against award-winning actor, writer and trans rights activist Negha during a panel discussion hosted by the Tamil magazine Kumudham. The director is known for making caste pride films, including Draupadi (2020) and Rudhra Thandavam (2021), that vilify Dalit men and legislation such as the Protection of Civil Rights Act. 

In the discussion, Mohan demanded that Negha explain to him what trans people “can do” after marriage. He was referring to Dorothy’s ending, in which a trans woman and a cis man are shown to fall in love and decide to spend their lives together. 

When Negha replied that such a couple would live happily, Mohan kept pushing her until she asked if he was referring to sex and childbirth. She went on to add that couples like the characters in the film could adopt a child if they wished to. 

Mohan G responded dismissively, asking, “Is that all?" The director appeared to be implying that only sex between cis men and women can be considered sex, as it can lead to biological children. 

“She [Negha] had already explained with clarity that a cis man and a trans woman can live happily together. But Mohan G kept on asking her, ‘What will you do?’ That is not a question. That is a terrible insult. And he asks that on camera,” Karthik said in his statement. 

He went on to say, “The point of the film was to ask people to stop transphobia and treat trans people with equality. But a person is able to so brazenly pass a transphobic comment in such a forum.”

Later in the video, he added that it was a reflection on the rest of society that Mohan could get away with making such remarks so openly. 

Condemning Mohan’s remarks as “violence” and a “psychological hit” on Negha, Karthik asked him, “There is such a thing as humanity. Is just marriage and childbirth the only aim in your life? Is that the ultimate motive for humans? Even dogs and pigs give birth.”

He also pointed out that cis couples can develop medical conditions that prevent them from having biological children. “Does that mean they are unfit to live too?” Karthik added. 

He also said, “Ever since the film was released, a group has been carrying out targeted hate. I didn’t take it too seriously. But they aim to ensure another film like this doesn’t come out again. They were very keen to make sure a story on a trans woman doesn’t have a victory as a mainstream film.”