Condolences have been pouring in following the demise of veteran producer M Saravanan, also known as AVM Saravanan of AVM Studios. Considered to be a doyen of Tamil cinema, he breathed his last on Thursday due to age-related ailments at the age of 86.
Several noted celebrities have been making a beeline to AVM Studios where his mortal remains have been kept for public to pay their last respects. Apart from Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, veteran actor Sivakumar along with Suriya, Rajinikanth, Vishal, directors Vasanth, Parthiban and others had placed garlands on Saravanan, paid their homage to him and shared their condolences to his family members.
A teary-eyed Sivakumar remembered how Saravanan gave Sivakumar his current stage name before stepping in the industry as Palaniswamy. "Saravanan introduced me to cinema in 1965 and changed my name to Sivakumar. To remember him and his good deed, I kept his name for my son Suriya as Saravanan. I remember crying in front of Manikkam theatre when my 500-foot-scene (in reels) was cut off from a film. AVM Saravanan consoled me, encouraged me to continue pushing through and said I would soon get a great role in films," he narrated.
Recalling his memories with the veteran, Vishal said, "I remember meeting you as a kid, as an assistant director, as an actor, as a producer ever since I entered AVM studios which was a learning ground for me to be what I am today in the film industry."
He further added, "Every producer used to look up to you for your sincerity and your dedication. I always wanted you and your production house to continue making great films but today we have lost another great film personality in Indian film industry. Your memories will always linger in our minds and your films will always be a learning ground for aspiring filmmakers."
Parthiban said Saravanan is the embodiment of humility and discipline. "Even when he folds his hands, when we look at him, we become humble and fearful looking him. Until his name is here in the Earth, we won't lose the respect we have for him. That is also because of his father AV Meiyappan's legacy. He is considered as a God for artists like us. Saravanan is also like that for us. After Murattu Kaalai (1980) released, I wrote a letter to Saravanan stating that his father's soul will finally rest in peace. We can't fill in the void he has left. But I have now spoken to Saravanan's family members that they should once again start producing films," he said.
Saravanan was involved in filmmaking since the late 1950's, and took over the studios and production after his father's demise in 1979. Apart from Tamil, he also produced films in Telugu, and Hindi. Some of his landmark projects include Naanum Oru Penn (1963), Samsaram Adhu Minsaram (1986), Minsara Kanavu (1997), Sivaji: The Boss (2007), Vettaikaran (2009), and Ayan (2009). His work had influenced multiple generations of filmmakers and won him widespread respect throughout the film fraternity.
M Saravanan's mortal remains have been placed for public homage till 3:30 pm at AVM Studios, where friends, family, industry members, and well-wishers can pay their last respects.