The Tamil film industry came together in a poignant moment of remembrance on January 4, 2026, as two of its biggest superstars paid homage to a legendary figure. Actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan attended a solemn ceremony in Chennai's Virugambakkam area to unveil a portrait of the late film producer AVM Saravanan at his school.
A Legacy Remembered: Stars Pay Final Respects
The event was held in memory of Saravanan, the stalwart of AVM Productions, who passed away on December 4, 2025. The portrait unveiling served as a tribute to his immense contribution to Indian cinema, drawing colleagues who shared deep personal and professional bonds with him.
During his speech, Rajinikanth was visibly moved, his voice thick with emotion as he reflected on the producer's passing. He expressed a profound sense of loss, stating that the departure of such respected individuals leaves one feeling orphaned, regardless of worldly success, wealth, or fame.
Rajinikanth's Heartfelt Memories of a Mentor
Rajinikanth took the attendees on a nostalgic journey, tracing his long association with AVM Saravanan back to their first meeting in 1975. He vividly recalled visiting the producer's office for the first time, an experience that left a lasting impression.
"His office was extremely clean, neatly decorated, and filled with a sense of positivity," Rajinikanth shared. "I have visited many politicians', industrialists', and even multi-billionaires' offices, but I have never seen anything like that."
Their professional collaboration solidified with the 1980 blockbuster 'Murattu Kaalai'. This film was particularly significant as it marked the triumphant return of AVM Productions after a hiatus of eight years. Rajinikanth revealed that he went on to work in a total of 11 films under Saravanan's banner.
The Producer's Genius: A Hands-On Visionary
Praising Saravanan's unparalleled understanding of filmmaking, Rajinikanth described him as a master orchestrator. "He arranged everything sitting right there in his office — analysing screenplay, music, editing, and giving inputs on all aspects," the superstar said, highlighting the producer's holistic and hands-on approach.
This deep involvement and cinematic wisdom, according to Rajinikanth, made AVM Saravanan a great man and a pillar of the industry. The gathering in Virugambakkam, attended by Kamal Haasan and other dignitaries, stood as a final, dignified farewell to a titan whose legacy is permanently etched in the annals of Tamil and Indian cinema.
