(MENAFN- AsiaNet News)

Veteran film producer M Saravanan, revered as a pillar of Tamil cinema and the guiding force behind the legendary AVM Studios in Chennai, passed away on Thursday at the age of 86. Among those who arrived to pay their final respects was Superstar Rajinikanth, who recalled the long professional association he had with AVM Studios. The two collaborated on multiple films.

Speaking to the media after paying his respects to the late film producer, Rajinikanth described Saravanan as a "wonderful person," adding that he worked on 9 films under the AVM banner, all of which became major successes. He said, "He was a wonderful person. I acted in nine films under the AVM banner, and all of them were hits. He had immense faith in me and stood by me during my difficult times."

Tributes from Dignitaries

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin was among those who paid respects to the departed icon of Tamil cinema. Taking to his X account, Stalin wrote, "Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of A.V.M. Saravanan, one of the senior-most stalwarts of the Tamil film industry and the face of the historic and renowned AVM Studios. Just as the AVM company played a crucial role in shaping the course of Tamil cinema, Mr. Saravanan's contribution in shaping the course of the AVM company itself is equally immeasurable."

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... twitter/pzB90zbDYU - K - தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) December 4, 2025

A Storied Legacy

Saravanan, born on December 3, 1939, carried forward the legacy of his father, AV Meiyappan, one of the earliest pioneers of Tamil cinema and the founder of AVM Studios, which remains one of India's oldest film production houses. AVM Studios has been home to numerous iconic films across generations, including Naanum Oru Penn, Samsaram Adhu Minsaram, Sivaji: The Boss, Vettaikaran, Minsara Kanavu, Leader, and Ayan. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

MENAFN04122025007385015968ID1110435875