Dorothy director Karthik Subbaraj shreds Mohan G over transphobic remarks

Director Karthik Subbaraj has strongly condemned filmmaker Mohan G for his remarks against transgender woman Negha during a televised debate, calling them transphobic and a form of psychological violence. The Dorothy filmmaker said publicly humiliating a transgender person by insinuating that their inability to have children made their relationship less fulfilling was unacceptable. He also called for rules to address gender-discriminatory comments.Karthik shared a video statement nearly a month after Dorothy's release, reflecting on the film's reception and the hostility it faced from a section of people before and after its theatrical debut. He said watching the film alongside audiences in theatres had been an overwhelming experience, particularly as he witnessed viewers emotionally connecting with its story and perspectives on the transgender community.The filmmaker said he had initially chosen not to react to the targeted criticism surrounding the film. However, a video of director Mohan G participating in a televised debate with Negha prompted him to speak out.During the debate, Mohan G questioned Negha about marriage and whether a relationship between a man and a transgender woman could be fulfilling. Karthik said the exchange eventually centred on whether such a couple could lead a fulfilling life without a sexual relationship and children. Calling the line of questioning insulting rather than a genuine discussion, Karthik said, “It's not even a question, it's an insult.”He added that while people were free to criticise Dorothy, there was no justification for remarks that humiliated a person because of their gender identity. “The film Dorothy specifically nudges viewers to look at transpeople as equals. Despite that, he was able to make transphobic comments in an open forum. Whatever comment he made, it was violence against the transwoman. It's a psychological hit. I strongly condemn Mohan G. You can talk anything about the movie. I don't even care. But there should be humanity,” he said.Here's the video:Mohan G has previously drawn criticism for films and themes perceived to glorify caste and community identities and promote regressive social ideas. His remarks during the televised debate have now drawn sharp condemnation from Karthik, who accused him of humiliating a transgender woman in a public forum."Is childbirth the ultimate motive of humans?"Karthik also challenged the implication that having children was essential to a fulfilling relationship. He pointed out that couples who cannot have children are equally entitled to lead happy lives, questioning why a transgender woman's relationship should be judged by the same measure.“His comments imply that one's aim should revolve around childbirth. Even dogs and pigs do that. Is it the ultimate motive of humans?” he asked.The filmmaker said Negha had repeatedly explained during the debate that a man and a transgender woman could lead a happy life together, but the questioning about what happens after marriage continued. He argued that such remarks amounted to public humiliation and called for accountability for gender-discriminatory statements.“This is a harsh, transphobic statement that's more like a violence to them. Like how people who make comments on caste and religion are eligible for legal action, there should be a rule for these gender-discriminating comments too,” Karthik said, reiterating his condemnation of the remarks.Expressing his frustration, he said, "Don't do this. It's hurting that we're living at a time when a person can make such comments and walk away without consequences. I thought I should openly comment. I strongly condemn the person who spoke like that. Don't do this hereafter. I request others not let people do this."He also urged people to treat transgender individuals with dignity and recognise their right to live without being insulted in public forums.“Because the person sitting opposite you is a human being. Look at her as a human being. Because nobody gave you the rights to insult her on an open forum,” he said.Negha thanks Karthik Subbaraj for speaking upNegha, who appeared on the televised debate alongside director Mohan G, responded to Karthik's video and thanked the filmmaker for publicly supporting her and the transgender community.“OMG! Thank you so much, Karthik Subbaraj thambi for speaking up so powerfully about this. You stood up against something that deeply hurt me and my trans community, honestly, this is something I’ve rarely experienced in my life (sic),” she wrote.Karthik's statement comes amid conversations around transgender representation in mainstream cinema, particularly after Dorothy, and the treatment of transgender people in public discourse. Dorothy stars Rishikanth and Sananth and explores themes of patriarchy, caste and gender identity.The film encourages viewers to look beyond social prejudices and see transgender people as equals, a message that Karthik said must extend beyond cinema to how people are treated in everyday life.- Ends