The world of Indian cinema is in mourning over the demise of a true titan. Legendary film producer AVM Saravanan, who long managed iconic AVM Productions and AVM Studios with aplomb, breathed his last on Thursday, December 4, 2025, in Chennai. He was 86 years old and had been suffering from age-related ailments.

His death brings to a close an era in Tamil cinema, where his vision, humility, and uncompromising ethical standards shaped generations of filmmaking. AVM Saravanan leaves behind a towering legacy, a filmography of classics, and an institution built on the principle of perseverance.

The Torchbearer of AVM Productions

Born Saravanan Surya Mani in 1939, M Saravanan was the son of A V Meiyappan, the pioneer who founded AVM Productions in 1945. Taking over the family’s monumental legacy along with his brother M Balasubramanian in the late 1950s, Saravanan did not just maintain the studio’s reputation, he expanded its reach and relevance for over six decades.

He was the face of one of the oldest, most respected production houses in the country. He carried upon his person its very motto, “Muyarchi Thiruvinai Aakum”  meaning, perseverance leads to success, a guarantee that AVM stood for quality, family-friendly scripts, and commercial success.

A Filmography of Cinematic Gold

Under Saravanan’s astute leadership, AVM Productions churned out a string of critically acclaimed and massive box office hits across Indian languages. His uncanny ability to pick ‘winning’ scripts and to work with the biggest star names in cinema is perhaps evidence of his creative and business acumen.

His impressive filmography includes classics that continue to be celebrated today:

• Naanum Oru Penn (1963)
• Samsaram Adhu Minsaram (1986)
• Minsara Kanavu (1997)
• Sivaji: The Boss (2007)
• Ayan 2009
• Vettaikaran (2009)

He holds the distinction of having worked with five generations of actors-from legendary M G Ramachandran and Sivaji Ganesan to Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan and later to stars like Suriya and Vikram. His relationship with Superstar Rajinikanth was part of film lore, with the actor famously referring to him as his ‘mudalali’ or owner. All the nine films Rajinikanth did under the AVM banner were blockbusters.

Tributes Flow in for a Humble Gentleman

He is mainly known for his trademark simple white attire and soft spoken nature, besides being admired by one and all for his humility and integrity. The entire film industry, along with political leaders and fans, is shocked by his demise.

Many stars, including Rajinikanth, Suriya, and his father Sivakumar, rushed to AVM Studios in Chennai, where his mortal remains were kept for public homage. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has also expressed his deep sadness, acknowledging the role Saravanan played in shaping the path of Tamil cinema.

The personal touch and attention to detail of this veteran producer, along with his commitment to fulfilling his father’s vision for the studio, have created an indelible mark. One anecdote that comes to mind is how Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi worked late into the nights to bring a commitment made to the AVM family into practice: reviving their filmmaking with the superhit Punnami Naagu. Besides films,

AVM Saravanan’s repertoire also includes stints as the Sheriff of Madras in 1986. He is survived by his son M S Guhan and his granddaughters Aruna Guhan and Aparna Guhan, who have been keeping the AVM legacy alive.

His memories will continue to live through the umpteen classic films and the towering institution of AVM Studios, truly a landmark in Indian cinema.