Veteran producer AVM Saravanan of Kollywood passes away at 86

ONE of the most respected figures in Tamil cinema, veteran producer AVM Saravanan — who ran the iconic AVM Productions founded by his father in 1945 — passed away on Thursday at the age of 86, following age-related ailments.

AVM Productions, under Saravanan’s stewardship, played a crucial role in shaping Kollywood’s golden era.

The company produced blockbuster films featuring some of Tamil cinema’s biggest stars: from legends like M. G. Ramachandran and Sivaji Ganesan to modern icons like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. Under his watch, the studio also ventured into television and helped launch many successful series.

Saravanan, once the Sheriff of Madras in 1986, was easily recognised in the industry — a tall, dignified presence often seen in his trademark white shirt and trousers, exuding calm authority.

Among the notable films he oversaw were classics such as “Patti Sollai Thattathe,” “Samsaram Adhu Minsaram,” “Sivaji: The Boss,” “Minsara Kanavu,” and “Ayan.” Many of these went on to earn state and national honours, strengthening AVM’s legacy in Indian cinema.

With his passing, Kollywood mourns the loss of a stalwart whose decades-long contribution helped define Tamil film and entertainment culture.