- By Khushi Surana
- Mon, 05 Jan 2026 01:05 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
South film industry’s two prominent actors, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, recently attended the unveiling ceremony of the late veteran film producer M Saravanan's portrait at the AV Meiyappan Higher Secondary School in Chennai. During the ceremony, the actors got emotional while talking about him and his long-running legacy. The Indian film producer M Saravanan passed away at the age of 85 on December 4, 2025. His death came as a huge loss for the industry and left a void in the industry and in the hearts of those who adored him.
Recently, at an event held in Virugambakkam, Rajinikanth opened up about his long-running relationship with Saravanan and AVM studios. He said, "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."
Sharing the advice that he received from the veteran producer, he added, "As my age increased after Sivaji, he told me that one should remain busy. He advised me to do at least one film every year. Even now, I follow that advice."
He further added, "Time tends to take away people we like, respect and love quickly. Even if you have a lot of money, a good family, name or fame, when such people leave, you feel orphaned. Saravanan sir was a great man, may his soul rest in peace."
Superstar #Rajinikanth's Latest Emotinal Speech..❣️🤝pic.twitter.com/TRUWUnly5k
— Laxmi Kanth (@iammoviebuff007) January 4, 2026
During the same event, Kamal Haasan also spoke fondly of AVM Saravanan. He said, "If I am called a Sakalakala Vallavan, then he too was a Sakalakala Vallavan. I feel great pride in being closely associated with the AVM family. I thank them for giving me that honour."
Kamal also opened up about his bond with him and stated, "This AVM Higher Secondary School wasn't built back then. If it had been, I would have studied here. When I made mistakes, he never shouted at me, but when I did something good, he lifted me up and celebrated me, that was AVM Saravanan."
Chennai | Attended the unveiling ceremony of a portrait of the late renowned film producer M. Saravanan at AV Meiyappan Higher Secondary School, Actor and Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan says, "When I first went there, I was just a child. I ate the mangoes that had fallen on that… pic.twitter.com/qLAII9pviU
— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2026
M. Saravanan’s Projects With Rajinikanth And Kamal Haasan
M. Saravanan and Rajinikanth had an extremely successful partnership which was loved and appreciated across the industry. The two collaborated on numerous hits under AVM Productions. Films like Murattu Kaalai, Mr. Bharath, Raja Chinna Roja and the blockbuster film that changed the course of Rajinikanth's career, Sivaji: The Boss.
Kamal Haasan and M. Saravanan's partnership goes way back in time. Kamal began his career as a child actor in the 1960 film Kalathur Kannamma, which was produced by AVM Productions. Movies like Per Sollum Pillai, Uyarndha Ullam and Sakalakala Vallavan helped Kamal solidify his mass appeal.