Karuthamma is a 1994 Indian Tamil-language drama film produced and directed by Bharathiraja from a story by M. Rathnakumar.

The film stars Raja, Rajashree and Maheswari, with Saranya, Periyar Dasan, Ponvannan, Vadivukkarasi, Vaani, Vadivelu, and Janagaraj in supporting roles.

It is set in a village where female infanticide is prevalent and considered acceptable, but the title character is against the practice.

Unable to pay hefty dowries for their daughters' marriages, the villagers consider female infanticide acceptable.

When Mokkatha delivers a girl again, Mokkaiyan orders the village midwife Mooli to kill the baby.

When Karuthamma is giving a ceremonial bath to Ponnatha's body, she notices bloodstains on her abdomen.

The village chairman Chellamuthu, who is close to Thavasi, asks the police not to intervene, and they comply.

Stephen, who was passing by, threatens action against the police if they do not act on her complaint, as he is also a government employee.

Chellamuthu, who has lent money to Mokkaiyan, threatens and seeks immediate repayment if he does not accept this proposal.

Realising that Rosy is her own sister, Karuthamma asks her to look after the children and their father and leaves with the police.

[8] Kamala Sekhar, the film's art director, also portrayed the village chairman Chellamuthu.

[15] Ananda Vikatan mentioned in its review dated 4 December 1994, "Though the subject taken up was delicate, instead of making a documentary, the director has narrated the film, through visuals, which should be appreciated.

[15] Malini Mannath of The Indian Express wrote, "Karuthamma is a film that will move many a human heart.

"[9] K. Vijiyan of New Straits Times wrote, "Bharathiraja returns to do what he is best at — telling stories about ordinary village people [...] And in Karuthamma he has a winner".

[16] Prince of Kalki lauded Bharathiraja for daring to depict such an atrocious social problem onscreen.

It became a catalyst for this change in the society,[15] and was instrumental in "making way for the ban on prenatal sexual identification".

In Kadhal Sadugudu (2003), a character played by Theni Kunjarammal tries to kill a female child with poisoned milk.