M Saravanan, who took the reins of AVM Productions in Chennai after his father AV Meiyappan passed away, produced numerous blockbusters over four decades, has passed away at 86 due to age-related complications on December 4.
Known as AVM Saravanan, he is hailed as a pioneer in Tamil cinema, creating hits like Naanum Oru Penn (remade in Hindi as Main Bhi Ladki Hoon), Samsaram Adhu Minsaram, Minsara Kanavu (Hindi: Sapnay), Sivaji: The Boss, Vettaikaran, Leader, and Ayan, among others.
Under the AVM banner, many stars have delivered career-defining performances, including Rajinikanth in Sivaji: The Boss (2007), Kamal Haasan in Sakalakala Vallavan (1982), Vijay in Vettaikaran (2009), and Suriya in Ayan (2009), as well as Vikram in Gemini (2002).
AVM’s Raja Chinna Roja (1989), featuring Rajinikanth, Gautami, and Raghuvaran, is renowned as the first Indian film to incorporate animation with live action.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin was among those who paid respects to Saravanan, along with actors Rajinikanth, Sivakumar, and Suriya, all of whom have worked in AVM films.
Saravanan’s body will be available for public viewing until 3:30 PM at the AVM Studios, India Today reported.
After paying tribute to the legendary producer, Superstar Rajinikanth described Saravanan as a true gentleman. “His attire was always white, just like his heart,” he said. “His love for cinema was unparalleled.”
Rajinikanth reflected on Saravanan’s unwavering support during challenging times, noting that AVM produced nine of his films, starting with Murattu Kaalai (1980) to Sivaji.
“If all my films with AVM were major box office hits, it was because of Saravanan,” he added.
Saravanan also served as the sheriff of Madras in 1986. He is survived by his son MS Guhan, also a film producer, and granddaughters Aruna Guhan and Aparna Guhan.
Founded in 1945 by AV Meiyappan, AVM Productions is one of India’s oldest film studios, producing films in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, and Bengali, and launching stars such as Sivaji Ganesan, Rajkumar, SS Rajendran, Vyjayanthimala, and Kamal Haasan.
The “AVM globe” at the studio entrance remains a Chennai landmark, featured in many films.
In recent years, AVM Productions has transitioned to creating tele-serials and web series.
