Karuththamma(1994)
Karuththamma is a 1994 Indian Tamil-language drama film produced and directed by Bharathiraja. The film stars Raja, Rajashree, and Maheswari in lead roles, with Saranya, Periyar Dasan, Ponvannan, Vadivukkarasi, Vadivelu, and Janagaraj in supporting roles. Set in a rural Tamil Nadu village, the story follows Karuththamma, a young woman who fights against the prevalent practice of female infanticide. The film highlights the social and economic pressures that lead families to kill newborn girls. It won three National Film Awards, including Best Film on Family Welfare, and four Tamil Nadu State Film Awards. The film was a commercial success and ran for over 100 days in theatres. It was released on 3 November 1994.
Karuththamma (1994) OTT release date is not officially announced yet — GudVibe tracks its streaming availability daily.
Where to watch:Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 3 November 1994
- Director
- Bharathiraja
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 33m
- Rating
- 3.8/10
Storyline
In a village where killing newborn girls is accepted, a young woman named Karuththamma stands up against the cruel tradition. She fights for justice after her sister is murdered for giving birth to a girl. Karuththamma must choose between love, family, and doing what is right.
“One girl's fight against a village's darkest secret.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Karuththamma
Cast reunions in this film: Bharathiraja & B. Kannan (17 films together), Vadivelu & A. R. Rahman (13 films together), Bharathiraja & Janagaraj (11 films together), Janagaraj & B. Kannan (9 films together), Vadivelu & Janagaraj (7 films together), and Vadivelu & B. Kannan (5 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Karuththamma' is a traditional Tamil name meaning 'dark girl', often given to daughters believed to bring good fortune.
- This was one of the earliest Tamil films to prominently address the issue of female infanticide and gender discrimination in rural society.
- Director Bharathiraja cast newcomer Rohini in the lead role, and her performance received critical acclaim, launching her career.
- The movie was shot extensively in real village locations in Tamil Nadu to capture authentic rural life and settings.
- Composer Ilaiyaraaja's background score for the film is noted for its use of folk instruments to enhance the emotional scenes.
- The film was a moderate commercial success but gained a lasting reputation as a socially relevant drama over the years.
- A key scene where the father realizes his daughter's value after his paralysis was reportedly filmed in a single long take to maintain emotional intensity.