Dheena is a 2001 Indian Tamil-language action film written and directed by AR Murugadoss in his directorial debut.

It marked the beginning of a new image of Ajith Kumar and he earned his nickname, Thala (leader), from this film.

The film starts with the police arresting Aathikesavan's men as suspects for burning Minister Malarvannan's liquor shop.

Aathi sends Dheenadhayalan aka Dheena, his adopted brother, to attack the false witnesses in this case and bail them out.

Finding difficulties in obtaining Aathi's permission, Shanthi elopes with Ashok and gets critically injured in an accident.

In the hospital, Shanthi asks for Dheena's promise to protect Ashok's family from Aathi before she succumbs to her injuries.

Malarvannan, however, is determined to get his revenge on Dheena and sends his henchmen under the guise that they all belong to Aathi's group.

Meanwhile, Aathi learns about Shanthi's love for Ashok from some of her friends, realizes his mistake, and joins forces with Dheena once again and fights off Malarvannan and his men.

[7] The song "Nee Illai Endral" marked the singing debut of Anuradha Sriram's younger brother Murugan.

[12] The film's success marked the beginning of a new image of Ajith Kumar, that of an action hero that would appeal to the masses.