Veteran film producer AVM Saravanan — the firm behind the legendary AVM Productions and AVM Studios — passed away early on Thursday aged 86 due to a variety of health issues related to age.

Born in 1939 Saravanan was the son of founder AV Meiyappan. He took over the leadership of the family-owned banner in the latter half of the 1950s with his brother. Under his leadership, AVM produced a string of well-known films throughout the years including classics such as Naanum Oru Penn (1963) and Samsaram Adhu Minsaram (1986) to the more recent popular films such as Minsara Kanavu (1997), Sivaji: The Boss (2007), Vettaikaran (2009) and Ayan (2009).

The death of his father triggered a flood of sorrow from the Tamil film community, from actors and technicians to political leaders. Many who came to AVM Studios in order to show respects well-known actors such as Rajinikanth, Sivakumar and Suriya along with directors and producers. The Chief Minister of the state M. K. Stalin has also expressed condolences and called Saravanan “one of the oldest prominent figures in Tamil film.”

Saravanan’s remains will be laid to rest in a public tribute in the AVM Studios through 3:30 pm Thursday. This will give fans family, friends, and colleagues the chance to pay respect.

The family is rounded out by daughter M. S. Guhan — who is also a film producer and two granddaughters, Aruna Guhan, and Aparna Guhan who work to preserve the cinematic legacy of the family.