Well-known producer and current owner of AVM Studios in Chennai, M Saravanan, also known as AVM Saravanan passed away. He breathed his last on Thursday due to age-related ailments. He was 86.

Born in 1939, Saravanan, along with his brother M Balasubramanian, assisted their father, the legendary AV Meiyappan, in managing the iconic AVM Productions and its famous studios. Saravanan was involved in filmmaking since the late 1950's, and took over the studios and production after his father's demise in 1979.

Considered to be a doyen of Tamil cinema, Saravanan was known for his kind but no-nonsense demeanour, and his sartorial choice of always wearing white. He was often seen in white shirts and white pants, and that look was an instant throwback to the times that were in Tamil cinema.

Saravanan backed notable projects through the 80s and 90s, including multiple National award-winning films. 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.

Interestingly, M Saravanan had also served as the Sheriff of Madras in 1986.

AVM group, which had been active in the filmmaking business for over five decades, significantly reduced its feature film output, with a final production in 2010. The studio continues to be active in the Over-The-Top (OTT) and advertising spaces.

M Saravanan is survived by his son MS Guhan, another producer. Guhan has twin daughters Aruna Guhan and Aparna Guhan. Aruna Guhan continues to share the legacy of AVM Productions through her social media handles, which receive a lot of love from cinema enthusiasts.

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.