Producer M Saravanan passes away: Rajinikanth pays emotional tribute, says He always stood by me
New Delhi, December 4
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."
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."
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
Reader Comments
Rajinikanth's words show what a great human being Saravanan sir was. To stand by someone during their difficult times says a lot about his character. May his soul rest in peace. The legacy of AVM will live on forever.
End of an era. From the black & white classics to the modern blockbusters, AVM has been a constant. My grandfather used to talk about AV Meiyappan. Now his son has also left. A huge loss for Indian cinema.
While it's wonderful to see the tributes, it does make me think about how we often celebrate legends only after they're gone. I hope the current generation of filmmakers studies and preserves the values and storytelling AVM stood for.
"All of them were hits" – that's the AVM magic! They had an eye for quality and backed the right talent. Sad news. Om Shanti.
My mother's favourite film is 'Minsara Kanavu' and my father's is 'Samsaram Adhu Minsaram'. AVM connected generations. Saravanan sir carried that legacy with grace. Deeply saddened.
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