Karuthamma is a 1994 Tamil drama film directed and written by P. Bharathiraja. The film's script was co-written by M. Rathna Kumar. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by A. R. Rahman. The film met with critical acclaim upon release and received accolades. It stars Rajashree played titular role in her debut with Raja, Saranya and debutante Maheswari played lead with Vadivukkarasi, Ponvannan and Janagaraj played pivotal role.

The soundtrack of the film by Academy Award winner A. R. Rahman is hailed as a masterpiece. The track Porale Ponnuthayi won a National Film Award for its singer Swarnalatha.

The film was a milestone in the annals of Tamil cinema, addressed the heinous act of female foeticide prevalent in Tamil Nadu during that time. This hard hitting film highlights this crime and created huge awareness among the people and officials, which led to the banning of the practice of prenatal sex identification across country. It was received with critical acclaim and received many accolades. The film looks at female infanticide and the hatred that surrounds the birth of a female child. A father blames his miseries on the birth of his daughters. Set in a rural village. Karuthamma was released to critical acclaim.

Bharathiraja once mentioned that Karuththamma is the finest film in his career. Such was his attachment to the theme of this film. The practice of gender identification of the foetus and terminating pregnancy for female foetuses was becoming a rampant practice in India. This film highlighted the next level of crime — killing female infants — which created mass awareness on the practice. The Government of Tamil Nadu initiated several new policies to prevent and control this practice in the last 15 Years. A new law across the country banning gender identification of foetus also saved millions of girls lives and maintenance of a healthy sex ratio.

The soundtrack of the film features score and 7 songs composed by A. R. Rahman, with lyrics by Vairamuthu.

The soundtrack proved popular upon release. A. R. Rahman demonstrated his skills in composing for smaller budget films, reflecting themes of rural life, equally effectively. The songs gained A.R. Rahman notice for composing native folk, and ballads, such as both versions of the song, as well as dance-inspired compositions like "Thenmerku Paruva Kattu" featured. "Porale Ponnuthayi", a soul touching song, won Swarnalatha the National Film Awards for her soulful singing. The song is based on Mohanam raga. The music was released to high acclaim. The music of "Porale Ponnuthayi" was reused for "Gurus of Peace", for the album Vande Mataram.

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