The world of Indian cinema is mourning the loss of a true pioneer, AVM Saravanan, the head of the historic AVM Productions. The veteran producer, who steered the production house through decades of cinematic success, passed away early Thursday morning, December 4, 2025, at the age of 86.
Born in 1939, M. Saravanan was the son of A. V. Meiyappan Chettiar, the founding father of AVM Productions. Taking charge of the studio in the late 1950s alongside his brother, he played a crucial role in shaping the careers of legendary actors and producing timeless blockbusters like Samsaram Adhu Minsaram (1986), Minsara Kanavu (1997), and the Rajinikanth mega-hit Sivaji: The Boss (2007). He was known for his simple demeanor, usually seen in white attire, and his commitment to quality filmmaking.
Political Tributes Led by CM M.K. Stalin
The passing of AVM Saravanan prompted immediate condolence messages from political leaders across Tamil Nadu, highlighting his stature beyond the film industry (he also served as the Sheriff of Madras in 1986).
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin paid his respects to the family at AVM Studios and shared a heartfelt tribute on social media. CM Stalin expressed his deep sorrow, recalling Saravanan's indelible mark on the industry:
"I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. A.V.M. Saravanan, one of the senior-most stalwarts of Tamil cinema and the face of the historically renowned AVM Studios. The contribution of AVM in determining the path of Tamil cinema is immense. He upheld the legacy of his father, Appachi."
தமிழ்த் திரையுலகின் முதுபெரும் ஆளுமைகளில் ஒருவரும் வரலாற்றுப் புகழ்மிக்க AVM நிறுவனத்தின் முகமாகவும் திகழ்ந்த ஏவி.எம். சரவணன் அவர்கள் மறைவெய்திய செய்தியறிந்து மிகவும் வருந்தினேன். தமிழ்த்திரையுலகின் பாதையைத் தீர்மானித்து உருவாக்கியதில் ஏவி.எம். நிறுவனத்தின் பங்கு எவ்வளவு… pic.twitter.com/pzB90zbDYU
— M.K.Stalin - தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) December 4, 2025
Rajinikanth Leads Film Industry Homage
Superstar Rajinikanth, who collaborated with AVM Productions on several blockbusters including Murattu Kaalai and Sivaji: The Boss, was visibly moved as he paid his final respects at AVM Studios.
Addressing the media, Rajinikanth fondly recalled his decades-long association with the producer:
"He loved cinema wholeheartedly... He had so much affection for me, and he was my well-wisher. He stood by me whenever I went through a tough time. I have acted in nine films for AVM Studios, and all of them were hits; Saravanan Sir was the main reason for that. His loss deeply saddens me."
Chennai | After paying last respects to Tamil film producer AVM Saravanan, Actor Rajinikanth says, "He was a wonderful person. I acted in 9 films under the AVM banner, and all of them were hits. He had immense faith in me and stood by me in my difficult times." pic.twitter.com/Afl7FYaPlm
— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025
Vishal and the Fraternity Express Grief
The grief was echoed by younger generations of actors and producers. Actor Vishal, expressing his condolences on social media, remembered the producer as an inspiration:
"Just heard the news that the legendary filmmaker AVM Saravanan sir... has left us all forever. Sir, I remember meeting you as a kid, as an assistant director, as an actor, as a producer... Every producer used to look up to you for your sincerity and your dedication."
Numerous other personalities from Kollywood and other regional film industries have also paid tribute, acknowledging AVM Saravanan's legacy of combining tradition with commercial innovation over six decades.
The mortal remains of M. Saravanan have been kept for public homage at AVM Studios, allowing friends, colleagues, and fans to pay their final respects before the funeral later today. The torch of the production house is now carried by his son, M. S. Guhan, ensuring the AVM legacy continues.
