The film was was named after Bharathiraja's mother.
The film's story was based on a real-life incident in an interior village.
Karuththamma's script was written by Bharathiraja's assistant M. Rathnakumar.
Periyar Dasan who worked as professor in Pachaiyappa's college made his acting debut with this film.
Rajashree, a popular serial artist who has acted in over 30 serials, made his debut as the lead.
Maheshwari, one of the cousins of late actor Sridevi, also debuted with Karuththamma. She played Dr. Rosy.
The soundtrack of the film by Academy Award winnerAR Rahman is hailed as a masterpiece., with all songs going on to become chartbusters.
AR Rahman demonstrated his skills in composing for smaller budget films, reflecting themes of rural life, equally effectively.
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.
The music of 'Porale Ponnuthayi' was reused for 'Gurus of Peace', for the album Vande Mataram.
The film was dubbed and released in Telugu as Vanitha.
Karuththamma won the National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare in 1994.
The film was a blockbuster, and completed a 150-day run in many centres.
Bharathiraja once mentioned that Karuththamma is the finest film in his career. Such was his attachment to the theme of this film.
The film is spoofed in Tamizh Padam. The opening scene shows Periyar Dasan as the father of a baby who is about to be killed. Dasan played the same role in Karuththamma as well.