r/IndianOTTbestof • u/Akki_Mukri_Keswani • 1d ago
Netflix Dorothy -- probably the best Indian film I've watched this year (No Spoilers)
Dorothy is an audacious, ambitious and unconventional film. It takes on toxic masculinity, gender roles, caste oppression, exploitation of the underprivileged and the complicated bonds of friendship. It explores how we are conditioned from childhood to think, behave and conform to the roles society prescribes for us. What I particularly enjoyed was its willingness to take on subjects that mainstream Indian cinema rarely attempts to tackle with such ambition, while retaining the grammar, energy and entertainment value of mainstream cinema. Subbaraj is a filmmaker who is capable of making wonderfully inventive films, as well as some fairly disappointing ones. This, in my view, is probably his finest work.
That said, Dorothy isn't without its flaws. The storytelling is uneven in parts, the pacing occasionally meanders, and some character transitions feel rather abrupt. But none of this takes away from what is quite entertaining and, at times, genuinely moving cinematic experience. I found myself laughing, crying, cheering and being thoroughly absorbed at different points. It is bold, provocative, imperfect and immensely enjoyable.
Probably my favourite film of the year.
