Producer Saravanan Passes away at 89: Veteran Tamil producer AVM Saravanan has passed away in Chennai at the age of 86, reported PTI. Leaving a void in the film fraternity, the legendary producer breathed his last due to prolonged age-related illness in his home state. Known for AVM Studios, he had helped curate the debut performances of legends like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan.
As the news of his demise was confirmed, Chief Minister MK Stalin, actors Rajinikanth, KR Vijaya, Sivakumar, Vishal and Suriya paid their final tribute. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), CM Stalin penned a heartfelt note to the film icon. It read, “Mr. Saravanan, who brought glory to his father, the revered AVM (affectionately called “Appacchi” by all as both a son and a film industry luminary), forged a long-standing bond between AVM Productions and the Dravidian movement’s cinematic journey.”
Who was AVM Saravanan?
Officially known as Saravanan Surya Mani and lovingly ‘Appacchi’, he took over AVM Productions after his father, AV Meiyappan, founded it. AVM Productions is one of India’s oldest and most influential film production houses. Known to have defined Tamil cinema, Saravanan and his brother M Balasubramanian, took AVM Productions to insurmountable heights over the years.
They expanded beyond Tamil cinema and made several notable Telugu and Hindi films, operating from Chennai. It has helped launch the successful careers of Rajinikanth and helped Haasan kickstart as a child actor in an AVM Productions film. Interestingly, AVM Saravanan also served as Sheriff of Madras in 1986. From blockbuster commercial films to other regional favourites, AVM Productions had a huge mass appeal among its fans.
Some notable films include Naanum Oru Penn (1963), Samsaram Adhu Minsaram (1986), Sivaji: The Boss (2007), Vettaikaran (2009), Minsara Kanavu (1997), Ayan (2009), and Ek Duuje Ke Liye (Hindi, 1981).
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… pic.twitter.com/pzB90zbDYU
— M.K.Stalin – தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) December 4, 2025
AVM Saravanan: Awards and achievements
AVM Saravanan’s Naanum Oru Penn and Samsaram Adhu Minsaram won the Best Film in Filmfare Awards South. He was also honoured with the Kalaimamani Award from the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Sigaram Award from the Government of Puducherry, along with several nationwide recognitions.
AVM Saravanan is survived by his son, MS Guhan, a film producer. Guhan has twin daughters, Aruna Guhan and Aparna Guhan. His mortal remains have been placed for homage till 3:30 PM at AVM Studios, Chennai.