Chennai: M. Saravanan, the esteemed owner and producer of India’s oldest surviving film studio, AVM Productions, passed away early this morning in Chennai. He was 86. The veteran filmmaker, who had been undergoing treatment for age-related health issues, died due to old age, family sources confirmed.
Saravanan was the son of the legendary founder, A.V. Meiyappan (A.V. Meiyappa Chettiar), who established the iconic AVM Studios in 1946. Following in his father’s footsteps, Saravanan took the helm of the storied production house and steered it through several decades of Indian cinema.
Producer AVM Saravanan passed away this morning
Under his leadership, AVM Productions delivered a diverse range of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films across Tamil and other languages. His notable productions include timeless classics like Naanum Oru Pen and Samsaram Athu Ektil, as well as blockbusters such as the Rajinikanth-starrer Sivaji, Vijay’s Vettaikaran, the musical romance Minsara Kanavu, and Suriya’s Ayan.
AVM Studios is renowned for launching and nurturing the careers of countless superstars and technicians in the industry. Mr. Saravanan meticulously preserved the legacy and ethos of the studio founded by his father. In recent years, the operations of the family-owned banner have been managed by his son, M.S. Kugan.
The passing of M. Saravanan marks the end of an era for one of the most influential film dynasties in Indian cinema. The film fraternity and fans are mourning the loss of the gentle giant who upheld a monumental cinematic legacy. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced later today.