In a moving ceremony that brought together the titans of Tamil cinema and politics, our Superstar Rajinikanth attended the portrait unveiling of the legendary producer M. Saravanan of AVM Studios on January 4, 2026. The veteran producer, who was a pillar of the Indian film industry, passed away on December 4, 2025, at the age of 86. Held at the AV Meiyappan School in Virugambakkam, the event was more than just a formal function—it was a deep, emotional journey down memory lane for Thalaivar.

A Bond Beyond Cinema

While Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan were in attendance, all eyes were on Superstar Rajinikanth as he spoke about the man who played a pivotal role in his rise to superstardom. Addressing the gathering, a visibly emotional Thalaivar shared that he had worked on 11 films with AVM Saravanan. He reminisced about the 1980s landmark film Murattu Kaalai, which redefined his image, and the 2007 blockbuster Sivaji: The Boss.

"Saravanan sir was a true gentleman. Beyond cinema, he was very close to me personally. Time takes away the people we love and respect very quickly. Even if you have money, fame, and a big family, when people like him leave, you feel orphaned," said Superstar Rajinikanth.

The Advice Thalaivar Still Follows

In a revelation that touched every fan's heart, Thalaivar shared a piece of life advice given to him by Saravanan Sir after the massive success of Sivaji. As Superstar Rajinikanth grew older, Saravanan Sir advised him: "One should always remain busy. Try to do at least one film every year." To this day, our Superstar continues to honor that word, ensuring he stays active for the sake of his craft and his millions of fans.

When Thalaivar Paid His Last Respects

On the day of M. Saravanan’s passing (December 4, 2025), Superstar Rajinikanth was among the first to arrive at the producer's residence to pay his last respects. Deeply moved, Thalaivar spoke to the gathered media, describing Saravanan Sir as a man with a "heart as pure and white as the clothes he always wore."

Thalaivar recalled how Saravanan Sir stood by him like a rock during his most difficult times, stating, "He loved me a lot and was always a well-wisher. He stood by me when I faced challenges." He noted that the films he did under the AVM banner were massive hits, but emphasized that the true reason for their success was Saravanan Sir’s vision and unwavering faith in him. Even on social media, the news of the loss was met with a heavy heart, as Superstar Rajinikanth joined the entire film fraternity in mourning a man who was more than just a producer—he was a mentor and a father figure.