Veteran film producer and AVM Studios chief M Saravanan, popularly known as AVM Saravanan, passed away in Chennai on Thursday at the age of 86. According to reports, he died due to age-related ailments after battling health issues for several years.
Saravanan had been undergoing intermittent treatment and had largely stayed away from public life in recent times.
Head of India’s Oldest Film Studio
Saravanan took over AVM Studios, one of India’s oldest and most influential production houses, in 1979. The studio was originally founded in 1946 by his father and legendary filmmaker A.V. Meiyappan.
Under Saravanan’s leadership, AVM Studios continued its dominance in Indian cinema, producing films across Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, and other languages. The AVM banner became synonymous with large-scale productions, innovation, and commercial success.
Shaping Tamil Cinema for Over Six Decades
Working alongside his brother M. Balasubramanian, Saravanan played a pivotal role in shaping Tamil cinema from the 1950s onwards.
Some of his most iconic productions include:
- Naanum Oru Penn (1963)
- Samsaram Adhu Minsaram (1986)
Both films were major commercial and critical successes and remain classics in Tamil cinema.
The Rajinikanth Era: AVM’s Historic Comeback
After A.V. Meiyappan’s death, AVM Productions returned to Tamil cinema with the blockbuster Murattu Kaalai (1980), starring Rajinikanth and Rati Agnihotri.
The film:
- Became the highest-grossing Tamil film of its time
- Marked Rajinikanth’s first film under the AVM banner
- Cemented his rise as an action hero and later a superstar
This collaboration remains one of the most important milestones in Tamil cinema history.
Kamal Haasan’s Early Career and AVM Legacy
The legendary actor Kamal Haasan also began his illustrious journey with AVM Studios. He debuted as a child actor in Kalathur Kannamma (1960), a film that earned him the President’s Gold Medal for Best Child Actor.
Saravanan’s influence extended beyond films. He ensured AVM Studios continued as a major shooting hub in Chennai and expanded the company into:
- Television production
- New media ventures
- Studio services
His contributions to the industry were both creative and infrastructural.
Public Service and Honors
Beyond cinema, Saravanan also served the city in public roles. He was appointed Sheriff of Madras in 1986, reflecting his stature in cultural and civic spheres.
End of an Era
M Saravanan’s passing marks the end of a defining chapter in South Indian cinema. As the steward of AVM Studios, he upheld a legacy that shaped countless careers and produced classics that remain unforgettable to audiences across generations.
Celebrities, filmmakers, and fans continue to share tributes, remembering a pioneer whose work transformed the landscape of Indian filmmaking.