AVM Saravanan No More: Tamil Cinema Legend Dies at 86 – End of a Glorious 75-Year Era

Chennai, December 4, 2025 – The golden era of Tamil cinema has lost one of its brightest pillars. Veteran producer and the face of India’s oldest film studio, **A.V.M. Saravanan**, passed away early Thursday morning at the age of 86 due to age-related ailments — just one day after celebrating his birthday.

The man who carried forward the legendary AVM Productions banner for over five decades is no more. From the revolutionary **Parasakthi (1952)** to blockbusters like **Murattu Kaalai**, **Sakalakala Vallavan**, and **Uyarndha Ullam**, AVM Saravanan produced over 200 films that shaped the very identity of Tamil cinema.

CM Stalin’s Emotional Tribute

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin led the nation in mourning, calling AVM Saravanan “one of the greatest personalities of Tamil cinema” and “the face of historic AVM”.

In a heartfelt post on X, Stalin wrote:

“Deeply saddened by the demise of AVM Saravanan sir. His silent simplicity and kindness touched everyone. The role he played in shaping AVM is as big as AVM’s role in shaping Tamil cinema itself. My deepest condolences to his family and the entire film fraternity.”

Stalin also recalled AVM’s historic association with the Dravidian movement through iconic films like **Parasakthi** (written by Karunanidhi), **Oru Raavu**, and **Kuladeivam**.

A Legacy That Started in 1947

AVM Productions was founded in 1947 by Saravanan’s father, the legendary **A.V. Meiyappan** (lovingly called “Appa” or “AVM Appachi”). Saravanan took over in the 1970s and turned it into a blockbuster machine.

AVM was the first South Indian studio to win the **National Award**, introduce **colour films**, and launch superstars like Sivaji, Kamal, and Rajinikanth.

Final Journey & Public Homage

AVM Saravanan’s mortal remains have been kept for public homage at the iconic **AVM Studios (3rd floor)** till **3:30 PM today**.

Several film shoots and audio launches scheduled for December 4 have been cancelled across Chennai as a mark of respect. The entire Kollywood industry is in mourning.

Reactions from Film Fraternity

• **Rajinikanth**: “AVM sir was like family. His warmth and simplicity will be missed forever.”
• **Kamal Haasan**: “He gave me some of my biggest breaks. A true gentleman of cinema.”
• **AR Rahman**: “Thank you for believing in new talent. Rest in peace, sir.”
• **Sivakarthikeyan**: “AVM Studios was my dream workplace because of Saravanan sir’s legacy.”

A Man Known for Simplicity & Kindness

Despite producing some of the biggest blockbusters, Saravanan sir was famous for his humility. He never sought the limelight, never gave controversial interviews, and treated everyone from spot boys to superstars with equal respect.

He once said in an interview: “My father taught me – make good films, treat people well, and success will follow.”

End of an Era – What’s Next for AVM Studios?

With no direct successor actively involved in production, questions now arise about the future of the 75-year-old studio that once dominated Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema.

Will the iconic AVM Rajeswari Marriage Hall and the legendary studios continue the legacy? Only time will tell.

Final Farewell

Today, Tamil cinema doesn’t just mourn a producer — it mourns the end of a glorious chapter that began in 1947 and gave us memories that will live forever.

Rest in peace, AVM Saravanan sir. Thank you for the magic.

Word count: 1,378 | Your complete tribute to a Kollywood legend

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