Updated On: 05 January, 2026 01:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Veteran producer AVM Saravanan passed away at 86. Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan paid emotional tributes, recalling his guidance and impact. AVM Studios played a crucial role in shaping both stars’ careers and lasting legacies

Rajinikanth and AVM Saravanan
A few days after turning 86, renowned Tamil producer Saravanan Surya Mani, better known as AVM Saravanan or just M Saravanan, passed away on December 4, 2025. On Sunday, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan were present during the installation of his portrait at Chennai`s AV Meiyappan Higher Secondary School. When discussing the veteran, Rajinikanth became emotional.
Rajinikanth broke down in tears as he talked about his lengthy history with Saravanan and AVM Studios at the Virugambakkam ceremony.“I have done 11 films with him. Saravanan was someone who delivered many successes while sitting right there in his office. Beyond cinema, he was very close to me personally,” he said.