Chennai: Superstar Rajinikanth has heaped praise on director Karthik Subbaraj’s latest film, Dorothy, after spending nearly an hour discussing the movie with the filmmaker and actors Rishikanth and Sananth. The appreciation left Subbaraj delighted, with the director sharing photographs from their meeting and revealing the superstar’s reaction on social media.

Subbaraj, who has often spoken about his admiration for Rajinikanth, described the interaction as a memorable moment. The superstar reportedly praised several aspects of the film, with one particular comment from him leaving the director especially thrilled.

Sharing his reaction online, Subbaraj wrote, “Thalaivaaaaa. Fantastic. Beautiful. Mindblowing!”

He added that Rajinikanth had discussed the film in detail during their conversation. The filmmaker also recalled the superstar telling him, “Intha Karthik Subbaraja thaan thedittu irunthen,” which translates to, “This is the Karthik Subbaraj I was looking for.”

For Subbaraj, the appreciation from an actor he deeply admires was particularly meaningful. He said he would remember the conversation forever.

Rajinikanth impressed by Dorothy

Rajinikanth’s response has added to the positive attention surrounding Dorothy, which stars Keerthy Suresh alongside Sananth and Rishikanth.

The reported hour-long discussion suggests that the superstar had plenty to say about the film and its creative choices. Subbaraj’s social media post offered a glimpse into the meeting, highlighting the praise he received from Rajinikanth.

The director’s association with the superstar is significant given his long-standing admiration for the actor. Subbaraj previously directed Rajinikanth in Petta, the 2019 action drama that also featured Sananth in the role of Anwar.

Rajinikanth’s latest comments have therefore resonated with the filmmaker, particularly because the praise came after the actor had watched his new project.

The interaction also brought together performers who have previously worked with Rajinikanth, making the meeting a notable moment for the Dorothy team.

Sananth says Rajinikanth predicted an award

Actor Sananth, who played Anwar in Petta, also shared the superstar’s reaction to his performance in Dorothy.

According to Sananth, Rajinikanth praised his role and the challenges involved in portraying the character. The actor said the superstar even predicted that he would win an award for the performance.

Sharing the conversation on X, Sananth wrote: “Award confirm! Enna oru challenging ana role! Hats off! Sema Alaga iruntheenga! Petta la patha Anwar ah ithu.”

The remarks translate to: “Award confirmed! What a challenging role! Hats off! You looked absolutely beautiful! Is this the same Anwar from Petta?”

Sananth’s post conveyed his excitement at receiving such a response from Rajinikanth. The superstar’s comment about an award was an expression of appreciation rather than confirmation of any award or nomination.

The actor’s performance in Dorothy has become one of the talking points following the meeting, with Rajinikanth reportedly drawing attention to the transformation from his earlier role in Petta.

Rishikanth and Sananth reunite with Rajinikanth

The meeting was also notable because both Sananth and Rishikanth have previously appeared in films featuring Rajinikanth.

Sananth played Anwar in Petta, directed by Subbaraj and released in 2019. Rishikanth, meanwhile, was part of Coolie, the Rajinikanth-starrer directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj.

Their presence alongside Subbaraj during the meeting gave the actors an opportunity to hear the superstar’s response to their latest work.

For Sananth, the praise was particularly personal because Rajinikanth remembered his earlier character from Petta while commenting on his performance in Dorothy.

The meeting has consequently generated attention among fans of Rajinikanth, Subbaraj and the film’s cast, especially after the director and actor shared their reactions publicly.

What is Dorothy about?

Written and directed by Karthik Subbaraj, Dorothy features Keerthy Suresh, Sananth and Rishikanth in leading roles.

The story follows Subbu and Karthi, played by Sananth and Rishikanth, two friends who grow up surrounded by toxic masculinity, caste prejudice and violence. Their beliefs and outlook begin to change when Dorothy challenges the assumptions they have long accepted.

The film explores how social conditioning and entrenched prejudices influence relationships and behaviour. Dorothy’s presence becomes a catalyst for the two friends to question their beliefs and confront the attitudes shaped by their surroundings.

The narrative places these social themes at the centre of the story, combining character-driven drama with questions about caste, masculinity and violence.

Keerthy Suresh’s role is central to the shift in the protagonists’ perspectives, while Sananth and Rishikanth portray characters whose understanding of the world is challenged by their experiences.

Film receives praise from industry figures

Rajinikanth is among several prominent names from the film industry who have reportedly praised Dorothy.

The film has also received positive reactions from actors and filmmakers including Dhanush, Suriya, Mani Ratnam and Upendra, adding to the attention surrounding the project.

Such endorsements have brought additional visibility to the film and its themes. The response from established figures across the industry has also drawn attention to Subbaraj’s approach to storytelling and the performances of the cast.

Rajinikanth’s detailed appreciation, in particular, carries personal significance for Subbaraj because of the director’s admiration for the superstar and their previous collaboration on Petta.

However, the reactions from individual industry figures remain separate from audience figures, box-office performance or formal awards recognition.

Ilaiyaraaja reaches a major milestone

Dorothy also marks a significant milestone in the career of legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja.

The film is reported to be his 1,540th project as a music director, adding another title to a career spanning decades of work across Indian cinema.

Ilaiyaraaja’s contribution to the film forms part of a production that brings together an experienced technical team. The movie is produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain.

S Thirunavukkarasu has handled cinematography, Ganesh Siva is responsible for editing, and Sherif M has choreographed the film.

The combination of its cast, creative team and socially focused narrative has helped place Dorothy in the spotlight following its release.

A memorable moment for Karthik Subbaraj

For Subbaraj, Rajinikanth’s praise appears to have been one of the most rewarding moments associated with Dorothy so far.

The director’s excitement was evident in his social media post, where he recalled the superstar’s detailed response and the remark about the kind of filmmaking he had been looking for.

Sananth’s account added another personal dimension to the meeting, with the actor revealing that Rajinikanth had praised his challenging role and predicted an award for his performance.

Together, the reactions have brought fresh attention to Dorothy, its cast and its director. While formal awards and the film’s wider reception remain separate matters, the appreciation from Rajinikanth has given Subbaraj and the actors another reason to celebrate the project.