AVM Saravanan, Producer Behind ‘Sivaji’, ‘Ayan’ and More, Dies at 86 After Prolonged Illness
AVM Saravanan, the veteran producer and driving force behind the iconic AVM Studios, passed away early Thursday morning at the age of 86 following age-related ailments. He had been undergoing treatment for several months and died at his residence within the AVM Studio premises in Chennai.
A.V.M. Saravanan, veteran film producer and managing force behind the iconic AVM Studios, passed away early Thursday morning at the age of 86 due to age-related ailments. Tamil Actor Abhinay, Best Known for His Role in ‘Thulluvadho Ilamai’, Dies at 44 After Prolonged Battle With Liver Disease.
He had been under treatment for several months and breathed his last at 5.30 a.m. at his residence inside the AVM Studio premises in Chennai.
Veteran Producer AVM Saravanan Dies at 86
Saravanan, the third son of legendary filmmaker A.V. Meiyappan Chettiar, took over the reins of AVM Productions in 1958 and went on to become one of the most influential figures in Tamil cinema. After Meiyappan Chettiar, it was Saravanan who steered the company into its most successful decades, producing films that shaped the careers of major stars and strengthened AVM’s reputation as one of India’s oldest and most trusted production houses.
Under his leadership, AVM produced several landmark films, including Naanum Oru Penn, Samsaram Adhu Minsaram, Sivaji, Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu, Minsara Kanavu, and Ayan. Many of these films set new benchmarks in quality, commercial success, and technical innovation.
Industry insiders often credit Saravanan for nurturing the early careers of superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, providing them with platforms that elevated them to national fame.
In recent years, Saravanan had been battling declining health and was unable to walk for nearly two years. He had undergone treatment at a private hospital a month ago and was later shifted to his home at the AVM Studio campus, where he spent his final days under medical supervision.
His passing comes just a day after his 86th birthday, adding emotional weight to an already sombre moment for the Tamil film fraternity.
His body will be kept for public homage on the third floor of AVM Studios until 4 p.m. The funeral will take place at the AVM Electric Crematorium this evening.
AVM, which has given Indian cinema countless memorable films and legendary artists, is currently managed by Saravanan’s son, M.S. Kugan, ensuring that the illustrious legacy continues. B Saroja Devi, Legendary South Indian Actress, Dies at 87 in Bengaluru Due to Age-Related Illness.
The Tamil film industry, fans, and cultural icons have begun expressing their condolences, remembering Saravanan as a visionary who combined tradition with innovation and helped shape modern Tamil cinema for more than six decades.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 04, 2025 09:25 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).