The Tamil film industry is in mourning following the passing of M Saravanan, the revered and soft-spoken steward of AVM Productions, India's oldest film studio. He died on Thursday in Chennai due to age-related ailments. He was 86 years old.
The Gentleman Producer's Enduring Legacy
Widely celebrated as the "gentleman producer" of Kollywood, M Saravanan, along with his brothers Kumaran, Murugan, and Balasubramanian, guided the destiny of AVM Productions for more than six decades. Founded by their father, AV Meiyappan in 1945, the studio became a powerhouse, delivering a string of box-office successes across multiple languages including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi under their watch.
Saravanan's official journey in film credits began with Mamiyar Mechina Marumagal in 1959, a remake of a Marathi film. While this debut did not fare well, his next production, Deiva Piravi, starring the legendary Sivaji Ganesan, turned into a major hit. This film was later remade in Hindi as Bindya, featuring Balraj Sahni.
Architect of Iconic Cinema and Careers
Over the decades, Saravanan supervised a scintillating catalogue of films that came to define the essence of Tamil cinema. His most notable contributions include:
- Kalathur Kannamma (1960): The film that introduced a young Kamal Haasan to the world.
- Pava Mannippu (1961): A landmark film starring Sivaji Ganesan.
- Anbe Vaa (1966): A beloved classic featuring MGR.
- Paayum Puli (1983): A film starring the superstar Rajinikanth.
Through these and many other projects, Saravanan played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of some of Indian cinema's greatest stars, including Vyjayanthimala and Sivakumar.
Tributes Pour In for a Cultural Pillar
The news of his demise prompted an outpouring of grief and respect from across the political and cultural spectrum. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin highlighted the long-standing bond between AVM Productions and the Dravidian movement's cinematic journey. He fondly recalled meeting Saravanan at the AVM Heritage Museum in May 2023, where the producer warmly reminisced about old memories.
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi described Saravanan's death as a "significant loss to the cultural and creative landscape" of the state. The tributes underscored his status not just as a film producer, but as a custodian of Tamil Nadu's cultural heritage.
M Saravanan is survived by his son MS Guhan, daughter Usha, and his brothers. His passing marks the end of an era for AVM Productions and for the Tamil film industry, which he helped nurture through more than half a century of change with grace, humility, and an unwavering commitment to cinema.
