The Indian film fraternity is in mourning following the demise of veteran producer and custodian of the iconic AVM Studios, M. Saravanan. The legendary figure breathed his last on the morning of Thursday, December 4, in Chennai. He was 86 years old, and his passing was attributed to age-related health complications.
An Enduring Legacy in Indian Cinema
M. Saravanan's death truly marks the conclusion of a golden era, particularly for Tamil cinema, where his influence spanned an incredible six decades. As a pivotal force behind AVM Productions, he helped sculpt the landscape of Indian cinema. The studio, under his stewardship, earned a reputation as one of the nation's most esteemed and dependable film banners.
His prolific career was decorated with a host of memorable and landmark films that resonated with audiences across generations. Some of the notable classics from his extensive filmography include 'Naanum Oru Penn' (1963), the family drama 'Samsaram Adhu Minsaram' (1986), the musical romance 'Minsara Kanavu' (1997), and the blockbuster 'Sivaji: The Boss' (2007) starring Rajinikanth. Other significant hits like 'Vettaikaran' (2009) and 'Ayan' (2009) further cemented his status. Overall, AVM Productions has an astounding legacy of producing over 300 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi languages.
A Heartwarming Tale of Dedication and Respect
In 2023, Saravanan's granddaughter, Aruna Guhan—a fourth-generation producer at AVM—recalled a poignant story that underscores the deep bonds within the industry. After 1976, AVM Studios had halted film production for several years. The studio's founder, A.V. Meiyappan, dearly wished to restart filmmaking but passed away in 1979 before realizing this dream.
Determined to fulfill their father's final wish, his sons, including M. Saravanan, resolved to revive the studio's cinematic journey. This mission led them to approach Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi for the Telugu adaptation of Pournami Nilavu. At that time, Chiranjeevi was a newlywed and his schedule was completely packed.
However, upon learning the emotional reason behind AVM's request—to honor their late father's wish—Chiranjeevi immediately agreed. Aruna Guhan shared that despite having no free dates, the actor would complete his scheduled daytime shoots and then report to the AVM set in the evenings, often working late into the night. His unwavering dedication during that period left an indelible mark on the AVM family.
It was also Chiranjeevi who suggested the title Punnami Naagu for the film, which the team gladly accepted. The project not only released on schedule but also became a major commercial success, turning into AVM's highest-grossing Telugu film at that time.
Final Tributes and Family
M. Saravanan is survived by his son, M.S. Guhan, and his granddaughters, Aruna Guhan and Aparna Guhan. To allow colleagues, friends, and admirers from the film industry and the public to pay their last respects, his mortal remains were kept at the iconic AVM Studios in Chennai until 3:30 pm on Thursday.
The passing of M. Saravanan is not just the loss of a producer but of a pillar of Indian cinema whose legacy, built on quality, family values, and profound relationships, will continue to inspire future generations.
