Ravichandran Ashwin recorded his sixth five-wicket haul in Test cricket as he reduced Australia to 215-5 at tea.
Australia dominated the morning session by reaching 126-2, but Ashwin helped the home side hit back in the afternoon with figures of 5-51.
Shane Watson fell victim to Ashwin in the first over after lunch, with the spin bowler trapping him in front of his stumps for 28.
David Warner was dismissed in similar fashion for 59 in Ashwin's next over as the momentum began to swing in Chennai.
Ashwin picked up his third LBW decision of the session as Mitchell Wade went for 12 to reduce Australia to 153-5.
However, captain Michael Clarke restored order at the crease for the tourists as he made an unbeaten 45 to guide Australia to tea just five wickets down.
You can keep updated with the final session of day one by following Sports Mole's live commentary.
