End of an Era: AVM Producer M. Saravanan Passes Away at 86 in Chennai

25
Veteran producer M. Saravanan, the longtime head of AVM Productions, passed away in Chennai on December 4, 2025. He was 86. His family said he died of age-related health issues at his residence, and his body has been placed at the AVM Studios campus in Vadapalani for people to pay their respects.
Saravanan was the son of A. V. Meiyappan, founder of AVM. He grew up around the studio, stepped into the work when he was young and took charge after his father’s death in 1979. Over the decades he kept AVM moving and helped it stay one of India’s most trusted production houses.
He oversaw work across languages and played a key role in shaping AVM’s Tamil output. He was involved in films like Yajaman (1993), Sakthivel (1994), Minsara Kanavu (1997), Thirupathi (2006), Sivaji: The Boss (2007) and Ayan (2009). These films helped cement AVM’s place in mainstream Tamil cinema.
His work also reached Telugu audiences through Bhakta Prahlada (1967), Mooga Nomu (1969) and Aa Okkati Adakku (1992), which helped the studio find its footing beyond Tamil Nadu.
Saravanan was known for backing new talent and keeping the studio steady through changing times. In recent years he stepped away from daily work, but AVM continued to stand as a major landmark and shooting hub in Chennai.
His passing closes a major chapter. For more than fifty years he helped carry forward the identity of India’s oldest surviving film studio and left behind work that still shapes South Indian cinema.
Industry members and fans are expected to gather at AVM Studios through the day. Funeral details are awaited. We at 123telugu express our deepest regrets at the passing of M. Saravanan and extend heartfelt condolences to his family.