Kadhal Desam ( ) is a 1996 Indian Tamil-language teen romance film written and directed by Kathir and produced by K. T. Kunjumon. The film stars Vineeth, Abbas and Tabu. This marked Abbas's feature debut and Tabu's Tamil debut. The supporting cast includes S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Vadivelu, Chinni Jayanth and Srividya. K. V. Anand was the cinematographer and A. R. Rahman composed the music. Kadhal Desam released on 23 August 1996 and became a box office success.

Plot

In Chennai, a traditional rivalry has always existed between the students of Pachaiyappa's and Loyola colleges. Karthik is a poor orphan who studies in Pachaiyappa's, a hobo in a rented room, travels by the bus, hangs out with a number of friends, and is the captain of his football team. He is also a good poet and daydreams about his dream girl. Arun, by contrast, comes from a wealthy family, studies in Loyola, drives his own car, hangs out with numerous friends, and is also the captain of his football team. In a nasty intercollege riot, Arun saves Karthik's life. So in return, Karthik lets Arun win in a football game because he thinks Arun cannot take losses easily. Arun soon realises that the victory is because of Karthik's sacrifice.