Citizendia

Avichi Meiyappa Chettiar

Born June 28, 1907(1907-06-28)
Karaikudi, Madras Presidency, India
Died August 12, 1979 (aged 72)
Madras, India
Years active 1934-1973
Spouse(s) Rajeswari Meiyappan[1]

Avichi Meiyappa Chettiar (June 28, 1907 – August 12, 1979), also known as A. Events 1098 - Fighters of the First Crusade defeat Kerbogha of Mosul. Year 1907 ( MCMVII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Karaikudi is a city and a Municipality in Sivaganga District in the Indian state Madras Presidency, also known as Madras Province and known officially as Presidency of Fort St India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country Events 1099 - First Crusade: Battle of Ascalon - Crusaders under the command of Godfrey of Bouillon defeat Fatimid Year 1979 ( MCMLXXIX) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1979 Gregorian calendar) India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country Events 1098 - Fighters of the First Crusade defeat Kerbogha of Mosul. Year 1907 ( MCMVII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year Events 1099 - First Crusade: Battle of Ascalon - Crusaders under the command of Godfrey of Bouillon defeat Fatimid Year 1979 ( MCMLXXIX) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1979 Gregorian calendar) V. Meiyappan or AVM was an Indian film producer, director and philantropist who established the AVM Productions in Vadapalani, Chennai. India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country A film producer is a person who creates the conditions for making movies. A film director, or filmmaker, is a person who directs the making of a Film. Philanthropy is the act of donating money goods services time and/or effort to support a socially beneficial cause with a defined objective and with no financial or material AVM Productions' is the oldest and largest Film production studio in Kollywood, the Tamil language Film industry of India Vadapalani (வடபழநி in Tamil, meaning 'North Palani ' is one of the main hubs of Chennai. He is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Tamil cinema,[2] and one of three movie moguls of the South Indian film industry along with S. Tamil cinema or Kollywood ( Tamil: கோலிவுட் kōlivūṭ) is the English name of the popular Tamil Film Industry based in the S. Vasan and L. V. Prasad[3]. Akkineni Lakshmi Vara Prasada Rao ( 17 January, 1908 – 22 June, 1994) more popularly known as L His production company AVM Productions is the only production company in Kollywood (The Tamil film industry) to run successfully for five decades and three generations. AVM Productions' is the oldest and largest Film production studio in Kollywood, the Tamil language Film industry of India Tamil cinema or Kollywood ( Tamil: கோலிவுட் kōlivūṭ) is the English name of the popular Tamil Film Industry based in the

AVM was born in Karaikudi in a well-to-do Nagarathar family. WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Karaikudi is a city and a Municipality in Sivaganga District in the Indian state The Nagarathars (also known as Nagarattar) are a Chettiar community that originated in Kaveripoompattinam under the Chola kingdom of He moved to Chennai (then known as Madras) at an early age and established Saraswathi Stores which sold gramophone records. Subsequently, he entered the film industry and started directing his own films. After some initial setbacks, AVM delivered a string of hits in the early 1940s. Following the immense success of his 1947 film Nam Iruvar, AVM moved to film production and established AVM Productions in Chennai, first at Santhome and then at Kodambakkam. Nam Iruvar is a 1947 Tamil film directed and produced by A V Meiyappan. AVM Productions' is the oldest and largest Film production studio in Kollywood, the Tamil language Film industry of India Santhome is a locality in Chennai in India The word Santhome is derived from Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Kodambakkam ( Tamil:) is a locality in Chennai, India. Traditionally Kodambakkam has been synonymous with the Tamil film industry and is known for In 1951, AVM entered the Hindi film industry with the film Bahar starring Vyjayanthimala. Vyjayanthimala Bali ( வைஜெயந்திமாலா பாலி) was born on August 13 1936 in Chennai Tamil Nadu By the time he died in 1979, he had produced 167 films in all Indian languages.

Some of the greatest hits produced by AVM Productions are Vazhkai, Parasakthi, Hum Panchi Ek Dal Ke, Bhookailash, Kalathur Kannamma, Server Sundaram and Major Chandrakanth. Parasakthi was a 1952 Tamil film starring Sivaji Ganesan, Pandari Bai, S Kalathur Kannamma ( 1960) is a Tamil language movie directed by A Major Chandrakanth is a Telugu film NT Rama Rao acted in it It Is Produced By Mohan Babu Under His Sri Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures Banner AVM also directed a number of films in the 1930s and 1940s, the notable ones being Alli Arjuna, Bhookailash, Sabapathy, Sri Valli and Nam Iruvar. Alli Arjuna is 2001 released Tamil film directed by Saran. The film featured Manoj, Richa Pallod, Dhamu, Charlie, Karan Sabapathy was a Tamil language film directed and produced by A Nam Iruvar is a 1947 Tamil film directed and produced by A V Meiyappan.

Contents

Early life

Young Meiyappan along with his father Avichi Chettiar
Young Meiyappan along with his father Avichi Chettiar

AVM was born in Karaikudi on June 28, 1907[4] to father Avichi Chettiar and mother Lakshmi Achi. WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Karaikudi is a city and a Municipality in Sivaganga District in the Indian state Events 1098 - Fighters of the First Crusade defeat Kerbogha of Mosul. Year 1907 ( MCMVII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year Avichi Chettiar owned a department store called AV & Sons which sold gramophone records. [1] AVM was born in the aristocratic Nagarathar community whose members had gained a fine reputation in the mercantile and money-lending business in the later half of the 19th century and early years of the 20th century. The Nagarathars (also known as Nagarattar) are a Chettiar community that originated in Kaveripoompattinam under the Chola kingdom of [2] At an early age, AVM envisioned better prospects in the trade of manufacturing records than simply selling them. [4][5] Hence, he moved to Madras with his friends K. S. Narayana Iyengar and Subbaiah Chettiar and established a new firm called Saraswathi Stores on September 9, 1932. Events 1000 - Battle of Svolder, Viking Age. 1379 - Treaty of Neuberg, splitting the Austrian Year 1932 ( MCMXXXII) was a Leap year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar. [1] This new firm also manufactured gramophone records apart from selling them. [4][2] In this new venture, he got excellent support from the manager K. P. Varadachari and his lawyer friend Thoothukudi Govindachari Raghavachari. [2]Some of AVM's early productions comprised of dramas on mythological subjects like Ramayanam. The Rāmāyaṇa ( Devanāgarī: sa रामायण is an ancient Sanskrit epic attributed to the Hindu sage ( Maharishi) Valmiki [4]

Early film career

With the dawn of the talkies, AVM established the Saraswathi Sound Productions. A sound film is a motion picture with synchronized sound, or sound technologically coupled to image as opposed to a Silent film. [2] In 1935, AVM made his debut as a producer with the Tamil film Alli Arjuna which performed miserably at the box-office. His next venture Ratnavali was another failure. He then teamed up with Jayanthilal, a cinema house owner and promoted a new company, Pragati Pictures Ltd. [4][2]

In 1938, AVM bought the rights for the Tamil remake of a Marathi film on the boyhood of Lord Krishna. Marathi cinema (मराठी चित्रपट is one of the oldest in regional Indian films industry Krishna (कृष्ण in Devanagari kṛṣṇa in IAST, ˈkr̩ʂɳə in classical Sanskrit is a deity worshiped across many traditions of Hinduism [4] This film Nandakumar was an average grosser. AVM introduced a 14-year old boy, T. R. Mahalingam,[6][7] for the part of the young Lord Krishna. T R Mahalingam (born 1923 is a Kollywood actor singer and music composer of the 1940s and 1950s This young boy would later become an efficient singer turning in a number of melodious hits. Lalitha Venkataraman sang for the character Devaki making Nandakumar the first film to introduce the concept of playback singing in the Tamil film industry. A playback singer is a Singer whose singing is prerecorded for use in movies [4] Nandakumar was also one of the first Tamil movies to be shot on location as AVM leased the Club House off Mount Road in Chennai to shoot scenes without erecting sets. [2]

AVM started his own studios in 1940 and named it Pragathi Studios. Year 1940 ( MCMXL) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. [1]In the same year, AVM produced Bhoo Kailash which became one of the most popular film versions of the Ramayana. The Rāmāyaṇa ( Devanāgarī: sa रामायण is an ancient Sanskrit epic attributed to the Hindu sage ( Maharishi) Valmiki [4] The film was made in Telugu, its lead actors were from Kannada cinema and it was directed by Sundar Rao Nadkarni, a Mangalorean who had received his training in Bombay. The Cinema of Karnataka, sometimes colloquially referred to as Sandalwood encompasses movies made in the Indian state of Karnataka. Mangalore ( Kannada:, Mangalūru; Tulu: Kudla, ಕುಡ್ಲ Konkani: Kodial, ಕೊಡಿಯಾಲ್ [2] AVM's comedy flick Sabapathy(1941) starring T. R. Ramachandran, K. Sarangapani and Kali N. Ratnam was a runaway hit[2][7] as also Poli Panchali, another comedy. [4] Sabapathy eventually emerged as one of the greatest comedy films of the era. He followed this with another hit En Manaivi. [2]

In 1943, he produced the film Harischandra in Kannada based on the legend of a king who attempted to kill his own son to defend justice. Kannada (kn [[wiktಕನ್ನಡ ಕನ್ನಡ]] Kannaḍa) is one of the major Dravidian languages of India, spoken predominantly in the state [2] The next year, the film was dubbed into Tamil making it the first Indian film to be dubbed from one language to another. In filmmaking, dubbing or looping is the process of recording or replacing voices for a Motion picture. [7][1] During the making of Sri Valli in 1945,[4] he employed singer Periyanayaki to sing for actress Rukmini. This was AVM's second film to make use of playback. [2] Pragati technicians worked round the clock to synchronise voice and lip. Reels were shipped back and forth in cars and trains between Madras and Karaikkudi to ensure good quality. WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Karaikudi is a city and a Municipality in Sivaganga District in the Indian state [2]

AVM Productions

Logo of AVM Productions in its early days
Logo of AVM Productions in its early days

On November 14, 1945, riding on the phenomenal success of his first few films, AVM established his new production company, AVM Productions at Santhome, Chennai. Events 1533 - Conquistadors from Spain under the leadership of Francisco Pizarro arrive in Cajamarca, Inca Year 1945 ( MCMXLV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar AVM Productions' is the oldest and largest Film production studio in Kollywood, the Tamil language Film industry of India Santhome is a locality in Chennai in India The word Santhome is derived from Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. [1] He wanted to start his studio in Kodambakkam but was unable to, due to the acute power shortage during the Second World War. Kodambakkam ( Tamil:) is a locality in Chennai, India. Traditionally Kodambakkam has been synonymous with the Tamil film industry and is known for World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including [1] Left with no other choice, AVM established his studio at his hometown of Karaikudi. AVM's first film under the banner of AVM Productions was Vedala Ulagam. [1]

In 1947, AVM produced the film Nam Iruvar based on Sahasranamam's play of the same name. Year 1947 ( MCMXLVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1947 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Nam Iruvar is a 1947 Tamil film directed and produced by A V Meiyappan. [4][8] Reflecting the intense patriotic fervour and hope which engulfed the newborn nation, the film released in January 1947 after six months of shooting and was "a thundering success". Events in January Holidays New Year's Day - January 1 Coptic Christmas - January 7 Year 1947 ( MCMXLVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1947 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. [9] The story begins with a Subramania Bharati anniversary and ends with Gandhi's 77th birthday celebrations. Subramania Bharati (சுப்ரமணிய பாரதி ( December 11, 1882 - September 11, 1921) was a Tamil poet from Tamil Nadu [4] The success of Naam Iruvar was followed by the success of Vedala Ulagam in 1948 and Vazhkai in 1949. [1] Vazhkai saw the introduction of Vyjayanthimala who would later emerge as one of the top film stars of India. Vyjayanthimala Bali ( வைஜெயந்திமாலா பாலி) was born on August 13 1936 in Chennai Tamil Nadu [10] The film ran for 25 weeks and was released as Jeevitham(1949) in Telugu[11] and Bahar in Hindi. With the success of Vazhkai, AVM Productions began to produce films in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali and even Sinhalese. Tamil cinema or Kollywood ( Tamil: கோலிவுட் kōlivūṭ) is the English name of the popular Tamil Film Industry based in the Telugu Cinema (Telugu తెలుగు సినీపరిశ్రమ refers to the cinema in Telugu language, sometimes referred as Tollywood, a The Cinema of Karnataka, sometimes colloquially referred to as Sandalwood encompasses movies made in the Indian state of Karnataka. The history of cinema in Bengal dates back to the 1890s when the first " Bioscopes quot were shown in theatres in Calcutta. Sri Lankan cinema in recent years has featured films that tackle gritty subjects including family relationships abortion and the years of conflict between the military and Tamil [1] Following India's independence, the power shortages had been met and AVM studios shifted to the sprawling location in Kodambakkam chosen by AVM, in the year 1948. [1]

The 1950s

The decade of 1950s was a honeymoon period for AVM Productions which turned out a series of hits. The early years were marked by AVM's attempts to conquer the Hindi film industry. Bollywood (बॉलीवूड بالی وڈ is the informal term popularly used for the Mumbai -based Hindi-language Film industry in India

In 1952, AVM's Tamil film Parasakthi released in theatres all over Madras and was an instant success. [8] With a powerful storyline and fiery dialogues by a future Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. Karunanidhi, the film preached social revolution and questioned the authority of Hindu temple priests. The complete list of Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu consists of the heads of government in the history of the state of Tamil Nadu in India since 1920 M Karunanidhi (முகருணாநிதி or Karunanidhi Muthuvel generally referred to as M Sivaji Ganesan, then a new-comer, was cast in the lead role. Sivaji Ganesan (born Viluppuram Chinnaiahpillai Ganesan, October 1, 1927 - July 21, 2001) was a legendary Indian [12] By the mid-1950s, he had emerged as one of the top-stars in Kollywood. Tamil cinema or Kollywood ( Tamil: கோலிவுட் kōlivūṭ) is the English name of the popular Tamil Film Industry based in the [12][13][14]

Sivaji also starred in AVM's next Tamil film Andha Naal (1954) directed by Sundaram Balachander. Sundaram Balachander ( 18 January 1927 – 15 April 1990) was a prominent Indian Veena player with a unique style remarkable as a classical [15] The film, the first film without any songs to be released in any Indian language,[16] was about a radio engineer who intrigues with the invading Japanese during the Second World War and is eventually killed by his wife. [17] The style of narration had been heavily borrowed from Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon. is a 1950 Japanese film directed by Akira Kurosawa, working in close collaboration with Cinematographer Kazuo Miyagawa.

In 1953, AVM produced the Kannada film Jatakaphala which was dubbed into Jatakaphalam in Tamil and Telugu. [18][19] In 1958, AVM made Bhookailas in Telugu,[20] which triggered the "golden age of Telugu cinema". Bhookailas (1958 is a mythological Telugu film directed by K Shankar and written by Samudrala Raghavacharya. [20] It was subsequently remade as Bhakta Ravana in Tamil and Bhakti Mahima in Hindi. [21]

The 1960s

Poster of Telugu film Bhakta Prahlada(1967) produced by AVM
Poster of Telugu film Bhakta Prahlada(1967) produced by AVM


In 1961, AVM produced the Telugu film Papa Pariharam[22] which was a remake of the Tamil film Pavamanippu[23] which released in the same year. Year 1961 ( MCMLXI) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Both were directed by eminent director A. Bhimsingh and starred Shivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Savitri and Devika. A Bhimsingh was a legendary film maker producer editor and writer. Gemini Ganesan ( 17 November 1920 &ndash 22 March 2005) was an Indian actor Like most of AVM's early films, Pavamanippu too had a storyline based on the Second World War.

Kalathur Kannamma in 1960 saw the introduction of another star in Tamil cinema, the thespian Kamal Hassan[24][25] who played a unforgettable supporting role as a young orphan. Kalathur Kannamma ( 1960) is a Tamil language movie directed by A Year 1960 ( MCMLX) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Kamal Haasan (born November 7, 1954 in Paramakudi, India is an Indian Film actor and director, considered among He was barely six years old at the time[25].

His next Tamil venture Server Sundaram (1964) featuring Nagesh, who was a budding comedian then and debutant Major Sundarrajan was a roaring success. Nagesh (b Gunddu Rao on September 27, 1933) is a veteran Indian comedian actor in Kollywood. Server Sundaram was one of Nagesh's early hits which set the pace for an illustrious career. [26] It also launched Major Sundarrajan as a character actor in the Tamil film industry. [27] Sundarrajan's second hit, Major Chandrakanth where his famous portrayal of title role earned him the screen name "Major" Sundarrajan was also produced by AVM. [4]

Pavithra Prema, Penchina Prema, Naadi Aada Janme, Chitti Chellelu, Letha Manasulu and Mooga Nomu were some good Telugu films which were produced by AVM during the period. However, AVM's greatest success of the 1960s was Bhakta Prahalada which was produced in Telugu and subsequently dubbed into Tamil and Hindi. The 1960s decade refers to the years from the beginning of 1960 to the end of 1969 This article is about a 1967 Telugu movie See Bhakta Prahlada for disambiguation The film was based on the story of Narasimha avatar from Hindu mythology. Narasimha ( IAST Narasiṃha Sanskrit नरसिंह (other spellings are Narasingh, Narasinga) is an Avatara of Vishnu Avatar or Avatara (अवतार IAST Avatāra) is often inaccurately translated into English as incarnation Hindu mythology is the large body of Mythology related to Hinduism, notably as contained in Sanskrit literature, such as the Sanskrit epics and It was directed by Chitrapu Narayana Murthy and starred S. V. Ranga Rao as Hiranyakasyapu and Baby Rojaramani as Prahlada. Samarla Venkata Ranga Rao ( 3 July 1918 &ndash 18 July 1974) was a South Indian actor director and producer [28] Narayanmurthy had earlier directed a black-and-white version of Bhakta Prahlada in 1942 which had failed at the box-office. This article is about a 1942 telugu movie See Bhakta Prahlada for disambiguation Year 1942 ( MCMXLII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (the link will display the full 1942 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. [28] However, the colour version which was produced a quarter of a century later under the banner of AVM Productions was a resounding success. Of the 10 different filmized versions of the Prahlada story, the 1967 colour version remains the most famous and remembered. [28]

Another successful film by AVM in the 1960s was the 1966 film Anbe Vaa featuring the legendary M. G. Ramachandran, Saroja Devi and Nagesh[29]. Maruthur Gopala Ramachandran Menon ( Tamil: மருதூர் கோபால இராமச்சந்திரன் Malayalam:മരുതൂര് B Saroja Devi ( Kannada: ಬೀ ಸರೋಜಾ ದೇವಿ Tamil: பி Nagesh (b Gunddu Rao on September 27, 1933) is a veteran Indian comedian actor in Kollywood. The film was a major success and the song Rajavin Paarvai topped the charts for a long time. [29] In 1970, AVM produced Enga Mama featuring Sivaji Ganesan. '"Enga Mama was a Tamil remake of the Hindi film Brahmachari produced by G. P. Sippy and performed moderately at the box-office. Gopaldas Parmanand Sippy ( 14 September, 1914 &ndash 25 December, 2007) was a Bollywood Movie producer and director

Films in Hindi

Bahar(1951) was the first Hindi film produced by Avichi Meiyappa Chettiar
Bahar(1951) was the first Hindi film produced by Avichi Meiyappa Chettiar

From the initial phase of his career, AVM was associated with a number of producers and directors from North India. His 1938 film Nandakumar was the Tamil remake of a Marathi film. Year 1938 ( MCMXXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. His 1940 film Bhookailash was directed by Sundar Rao Nadkarni who had received his training in Bombay. Year 1940 ( MCMXL) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar of the Gregorian calendar.

In 1951, AVM made his entry into the Hindi film industry with Bahar. Year 1951 ( MCMLI) was a Common year starting on Monday. Events of 1951 January Starring Karan Dewan, Vyjayanthimala, Padmini, Pran, Om Prakash and Tabassum, it was a remake of the 1948 Tamil film Vazhkai. Year 1948 ( MCMXLVIII) was a Leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the 1948 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Apart from being AVM's first film in Hindi, it also marked the launch of Vyjayanthimala in the Hindi film industry. In 1954, he made Ladki, his second film in Hindi, with Vyjayanthimala again in the lead. Year 1954 ( MCMLIV) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1954 Gregorian calendar) Both these films were directed by M. V. Raman.

After enjoying moderate successes in his first two films in Hindi which went unnoticed, AVM ascended the heights of Bollywood with the third one Hum Panchi Ek Daal Ke(1955). Year 1955 ( MCMLV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1955 Gregorian calendar) It was a children's film based on the theme of national integration and won him the Prime Minister's gold medal. [1]

After the phenomenal success of Hum Panchi Ek Dal Ke, AVM produced some good films like Bhai Bhai(1956), which was popular for the song Mera Naam Abdul Rehman sung by Kishore Kumar[30] and Miss Mary(1957), the dubbed version of the Tamil film Missiamma. Year 1956 ( MCMLVI) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Kishore Kumar ( Hindi: किशोर कुमार ( August 4, 1929 &ndash October 13, 1987) was an Indian film [31] Bhabhi featured comedian Jagdeep as the hero. A comedian or comic is a person who seeks to entertain an audience primarily by making them laugh This was Jagdeep's first film in a romantic role. [32] Jagdeep also acted in other films produced by AVM as Hum Panchi Ek Dal Ke and Barkha. [32]

The Hindi films Miss Mary, Bhakti Mahima and Bhakt Prahlad were dubbed versions of AVM's Tamil or Telugu hits.

The 1961 film Chhaya won Nirupa Roy, the Filmfare Award for the Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Nirupa Roy was an actress in Hindi films known for portraying the role of the Indian mother Stereotype. [33] Other notable Hindi films made by AVM during the 1960s were Man Mauji, Main Chup Rahungi, Pooja Ke Phool and Mehrban.

AVM's last Hindi film was Jaise Ko Taisa directed by Krishnan-Panju in 1973.

Later Years and Death

With dawn of the 1970s, production had slowed down considerably. [4] This was due to the fact that AVM himself was ageing. Moreover, the AVM family chose to focus their attention upon social activities other than filming. AVM Productions produced not more than four films during the decade: Bomma Borusa,Dil Ka Raja,Akka Thamudu and Jaise Ko Taisa. Bomma Borusa made in Telugu by K. Balachander was an average grosser as was the Hindi film Dil Ka Raja which released in 1972. Akka Thamudu directed by the successful partnership of Krishnan-Panju was AVM's last film in Telugu. It was also AVM's only Telugu film featuring Jayalalithaa. Jayalalitha Jayaram ( Tamil: ஜெயலலிதா ஜெயராம்) or J In 1973, AVM produced his last film Jaise Ko Taisa starring Jitendra in the lead role.

AVM did not produce any more movies following Jaise Ko Taisa in 1973. He spent his time on social activities and the charitable instituitions he had built as well as looking after his massive business empire.

AVM passed away on August 12, 1979 at the age of 72. Events 1099 - First Crusade: Battle of Ascalon - Crusaders under the command of Godfrey of Bouillon defeat Fatimid Year 1979 ( MCMLXXIX) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1979 Gregorian calendar) In 1980, as per AVM's last wishes, AVM Studios commenced film production under Meiyappan's son M. Saravanan, after a seven-year long hiatus. M Saravanan is a Film producer in Kollywood.His production company is AVM Productions. [2][4]

Legacy

Commemorative stamp of A.V.Meiyappan released by the Indian Government on his centenary year
Commemorative stamp of A. V. Meiyappan released by the Indian Government on his centenary year

During a career spanning four decades, AVM had produced 167 movies in all Indian languages. [4][34] He also directed most of his early movies. He is credited with having introduced Kollywood's first playback singers, made India's first dubbed film and Kollywood's first film shot on location. Tamil cinema or Kollywood ( Tamil: கோலிவுட் kōlivūṭ) is the English name of the popular Tamil Film Industry based in the He has also had the distinction of having had five chief ministers work in his films - C. N. Annadurai wrote the script for AVM's Ore Iravu, M. Karunanidhi scripted the dialogues for Parasakthi, M. G. Ramachandran played the hero in Anbe Vaa, J. Jayalalithaa was the heroine in AVM's Major Chandrakanth and Akka Thamudu and N. T. Rama Rao starred in AVM's Jeevitham, Ramu and Bhookailash. C N Annadurai (அண்ணாதுரை (1909 to 1969 popularly called Anna (which means elder brother in Tamil language) was the first non Congress M Karunanidhi (முகருணாநிதி or Karunanidhi Muthuvel generally referred to as M Parasakthi was a 1952 Tamil film starring Sivaji Ganesan, Pandari Bai, S Maruthur Gopala Ramachandran Menon ( Tamil: மருதூர் கோபால இராமச்சந்திரன் Malayalam:മരുതൂര് Jayalalitha Jayaram ( Tamil: ஜெயலலிதா ஜெயராம்) or J Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao ( Telugu:నందమూరి తారక రామా రావు( 28 May 1923 – 18 January 1996 [1] During his four decades in the Indian film industry, he also introduced actors as T. R. Mahalingam, Vyjayanthimala, Sivaji Ganesan, Kamal Hassan and Major Sundarrajan who later became top stars in Kollywood. T R Mahalingam (born 1923 is a Kollywood actor singer and music composer of the 1940s and 1950s Vyjayanthimala Bali ( வைஜெயந்திமாலா பாலி) was born on August 13 1936 in Chennai Tamil Nadu Sivaji Ganesan (born Viluppuram Chinnaiahpillai Ganesan, October 1, 1927 - July 21, 2001) was a legendary Indian Kamal Haasan (born November 7, 1954 in Paramakudi, India is an Indian Film actor and director, considered among But his greatest achievement is undoubtedly his massive business empire which comprises a production company, a movie theatre, a movie studio and a string of educational instituitions and charities.

Six decades after Avichi Meiyappa Chettiar had founded his production house, AVM Productions continues to turn out hits as the 2007 Rajnikanth starrer Sivaji the Boss
Six decades after Avichi Meiyappa Chettiar had founded his production house, AVM Productions continues to turn out hits as the 2007 Rajnikanth starrer Sivaji the Boss

Of AVM's creations, AVM Productions is the most prominent. The production company is into its sixty second year with three generations of the AVM family into the film production business. After AVM's death, the company passed into the hands of his sons M. Balasubramanian and M. Saravanan. M Saravanan is a Film producer in Kollywood.His production company is AVM Productions. Under the able leadership of M. Saravanan, AVM Productions has continued producing hits as Murattu Kalai (which launched Rajnikanth into superstardom), Samsaram Adhu Minsaram (1989), Minsara Kanavu (1997), Gemini (2002), M. Kumaran son of Mahalakshmi (2004) and Perazhagan (2004). Rajinikanth (ರಜನೀಕಾಂತ್ रजनीकांत ரஜினிகாந்த் (born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad on December 12, 1950 Minsaara Kanavu ( 1997) is a Tamil Film musical directed by Rajiv Menon. Gemini is a Tamil language film which was released in 2002 It was directed by successful director Saran and it was produced by the AVM company headed M Kumaran son of Mahalakshmi ( 2004) is a Tamil Film directed by M In 2007 (which was also AVM's birth centenary year), AVM Productions released Sivaji the Boss starring Rajnikanth and Shreya. Sivaji (சிவாஜி is a 2007 Tamil film, which was directed by S Rajinikanth (ರಜನೀಕಾಂತ್ रजनीकांत ரஜினிகாந்த் (born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad on December 12, 1950 For the Indian film actress see Shriya Saran. Shreya is a contemporary Hindu Indian name which means 'Auspicious' or 'Lucky' in [35] Made at enormous cost of Rs. 60 to 96 crores (15 to 20 million dollars), it is the costliest Tamil film made to date and had earned a critical reception worldwide. [36] In recent times, AVM Productions has significant lessened film production making only one or two films a year. [31]. Instead, the production house is concentrating on making tele serials and documentaries[31] Currently, Saravanan's son M. S. Guhan and Balasubramanian's son, B. Documentary film is a broad category of visual expression that is based on the attempt in one fashion or another to " Document " reality M S Guhan is a famous Film producer in Kollywood. He has been involved in hits such as Sivaji The Boss, Thirupathi and Gurunath are also into show business forming the family's third generation in the business.

In 1955, AVM won the President's gold medal for the Hindi film Hum Panchi Ek Dal Ke. [1] In 2006, the Government of India issued a stamp commemorating the achievements of AVM. [37] On the 24th death anniversary of Avichi Meiyappa Chettiar, in 2003, AVM Productions released a VCD on the life of its founder. [5] Starting with his early childhood in Karaikudi, the 2-hour long documentary told the story of AVM's entry into the film industry and his rise to greatness.

On July 30, 2006, in commemoration of AVM's centenary year, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. Karunanidhi unveiled a statue of A. Events 1419 - First Defenestration of Prague. 1502 - Christopher Columbus lands at Guanaja in the Bay Islands off Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. M Karunanidhi (முகருணாநிதி or Karunanidhi Muthuvel generally referred to as M V. Meiyappan at the campus of the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce. [38]

Philantropy

Apart from his contributions to the growth of motion picture industry in Tamil Nadu, AVM has also donated extensively for charitable causes. The charitable activities of the AVM group were channeled through an organization called AVM Charities established at Mylapore in Chennai. Mylapore ( Tamil:மயிலாப்பூர் is the cultural hub, and a bustling neighborhood just south of Chennai (formerly Madras [39] This trust has been managed by the descendants of AVM since his death in 1979. The AVM Charities had provided land for old age homes[40] and organizing social events. The AVM family also owns a marriage hall, AVM Rajeswari Kalyana Mandapam which is generally rented for Hindu marriages. [41] This marriage hall is controlled by the AVM family through AVM Charities. [42] Following the astounding success of the 2007 Tamil film Sivaji, AVM Productions declared publicly that it would offer 25% of the revenues from the film as charity. [36]

The AVM Group owns a string of educational institutions all over Chennai. On June 10, 1963, AVM inaugurated Avichi School in Virugambakkam in memory of his father Avichi Chettiar. Events 1190 - Third Crusade: Frederick I Barbarossa drowns in the Sally River while leading an army to Jerusalem Year 1963 ( MCMLXIII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Virugambakkam is in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It's famous for Tamil filmaking and Teleserial artists The motive behind the founding was to provide good quality education to the poorer sections of society. A number of schools have been established since the creation of Avichi School. In 1994, AVM's son Kumaran established the Avichi High School for girls. This was followed by the establishment of AVM Rajeswari Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Virugambakkam in 1995. These schools which are run by the AVM Group as a part of AVM Charities are regarded as some of the best in Chennai.

Filmography

As producer

Year Film Language Cast Director
1935 Alli Arjuna Tamil

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n A.V. Meiyappa Chettiar Birth Centenary. AVM Productions' is the oldest and largest Film production studio in Kollywood, the Tamil language Film industry of India Retrieved on 2008-04-13. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1111 - Henry V is crowned Holy Roman Emperor. 1204 - The Fourth Crusade sacks Constantinople
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Guy, Randor. "AVM, the adventurer", The Hindu: Friday Review, July 28, 2006. Events 1540 - Thomas Cromwell is executed at the order of Henry VIII of England on charges of Treason. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved on 2008-04-13. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1111 - Henry V is crowned Holy Roman Emperor. 1204 - The Fourth Crusade sacks Constantinople  
  3. ^ "The Stamp of Honour", The Hindu: Friday Review, July 10, 2000. Events 48 BC - Battle of Dyrrhachium, Julius Caesar barely avoids a catastrophic defeat to Pompey in Macedonia. 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved on 2008-04-13. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1111 - Henry V is crowned Holy Roman Emperor. 1204 - The Fourth Crusade sacks Constantinople  
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Biography of AVM. Retrieved on 2008-04-13. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1111 - Henry V is crowned Holy Roman Emperor. 1204 - The Fourth Crusade sacks Constantinople
  5. ^ a b "Saga of a Legend", The Hindu, August 15, 2003. Events 778 - The Battle of Roncevaux Pass, at which Roland is killed Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved on 2008-04-13. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1111 - Henry V is crowned Holy Roman Emperor. 1204 - The Fourth Crusade sacks Constantinople  
  6. ^ Detailed biography of T.R.Mahalingam. Retrieved on 2008-04-14. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 43 BC - Battle of Forum Gallorum: Mark Antony, besieging Julius Caesar 's assassin Decimus Junius Brutus in
  7. ^ a b c Tamil Cinema History - The Early Days.Part II:1937-1944. Retrieved on 2008-04-16. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1178 BC - A Solar eclipse may have marked the return of Odysseus, legendary King of Ithaca, to his kingdom
  8. ^ a b Landmarks in Tamil cinema. Retrieved on 2008-04-16. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1178 BC - A Solar eclipse may have marked the return of Odysseus, legendary King of Ithaca, to his kingdom
  9. ^ "From Naam Iruvar to Sivaji", The Hindu:Business Line, August 15, 2007. Events 778 - The Battle of Roncevaux Pass, at which Roland is killed Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Retrieved on 2008-04-16. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1178 BC - A Solar eclipse may have marked the return of Odysseus, legendary King of Ithaca, to his kingdom  
  10. ^ Umashankar, Sudha. "Bali Uncensored", The Hindu, April 29, 2001. Events 1429 - Joan of Arc arrives to relieve the Siege of Orleans. Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved on 2008-04-14. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 43 BC - Battle of Forum Gallorum: Mark Antony, besieging Julius Caesar 's assassin Decimus Junius Brutus in  
  11. ^ Entry for Jeevitham in IMDB. IMDB. Retrieved on 2008-04-16. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1178 BC - A Solar eclipse may have marked the return of Odysseus, legendary King of Ithaca, to his kingdom
  12. ^ a b Guy, Randor. "Talent,charisma and much more", The Hindu, July 27, 2001. Events 1214 - Battle of Bouvines: In France, Philip II of France defeats John of England. Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved on 2008-04-16. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1178 BC - A Solar eclipse may have marked the return of Odysseus, legendary King of Ithaca, to his kingdom  
  13. ^ R. Rangaraj. The rise of a colossus. chennaionline. com. Retrieved on 2008-04-16. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1178 BC - A Solar eclipse may have marked the return of Odysseus, legendary King of Ithaca, to his kingdom
  14. ^ Personalities of Indian cinema -- Stars:Sivaji Ganesan
  15. ^ Entry for Andha Naal in IMDB. IMDB. Retrieved on 2008-04-16. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1178 BC - A Solar eclipse may have marked the return of Odysseus, legendary King of Ithaca, to his kingdom
  16. ^ History of Tamil cinema. culturopedia. com. Retrieved on 2008-04-16. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1178 BC - A Solar eclipse may have marked the return of Odysseus, legendary King of Ithaca, to his kingdom
  17. ^ Review of film Andha Naal
  18. ^ IMDB entry for Jatakaphalam
  19. ^ "Yesteryear actress Kamala Bai in coma", The Indian Express News Service, November 21, 1998. Events 164 BC - Judas Maccabaeus, son of Mattathias of the Hasmonean family restores the Temple in Jerusalem. Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar) Retrieved on 2008-04-16. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1178 BC - A Solar eclipse may have marked the return of Odysseus, legendary King of Ithaca, to his kingdom  
  20. ^ a b AVM's Bhookailas (1958) film review from cinegoer.com
  21. ^ IMDB entry for Bhookailash
  22. ^ IMDB entry for Papa Pariharam
  23. ^ Pavamanippu from the Complete Index to World Film datbase
  24. ^ Ashok Kumar, S. R. . "'AVM brings family entertainment'", The Hindu, May 11, 2004. Events 330 - Byzantium is renamed ''Nova Roma'' during a dedication ceremony but is more popularly referred to as Constantinople "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Retrieved on 2008-04-17. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 69 - After the First Battle of Bedriacum, Vitellius becomes Roman Emperor.  
  25. ^ a b Profile of Kamal Hassan from telugucinema.com
  26. ^ Landmarks in Tamil cinema, from chennaibest.com
  27. ^ Guy, Randor. "Dialogue delivery set him apart", The Hindu, March 7, 2003. Events 161 - Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius dies and is succeeded by co-Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved on 2008-04-19. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1012 - Martyrdom of Alphege in Greenwich London. 1529 - At the Second Diet of Speyer  
  28. ^ a b c Review of Bhakta Prahlada (1967) from cinegoer.com
  29. ^ a b Anbe Vaa - 1966. 123indiaonline. com. Retrieved on 2008-05-14. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1264 - Battle of Lewes: Henry III of England is captured in France making Simon de Montfort the
  30. ^ AVM. musicindiaonline. com. Retrieved on 2008-05-10. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1291 - Scottish Nobles recognize the authority of Edward I of England.
  31. ^ a b c "No more Tamil films, says AVM Studios", Deccan Herald. Retrieved on 2008-05-10. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1291 - Scottish Nobles recognize the authority of Edward I of England.  
  32. ^ a b Srinivasan, V. S. . "Meet Soorma Bhopali", rediff. com, July 14, 1998. Events 1223 - Louis VIII becomes King of France upon the death of his father Philip II of France. Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar) Retrieved on 2008-05-10. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1291 - Scottish Nobles recognize the authority of Edward I of England.  
  33. ^ Filmfare Award Best Supporting Actress - Complete Winners List. bollywoordsoundtracks. com. Retrieved on 2008-05-10. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1291 - Scottish Nobles recognize the authority of Edward I of England.
  34. ^ AVM Productions Began As Saraswati Sound Productions. cinegoer. com. Retrieved on 2008-05-11. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 330 - Byzantium is renamed ''Nova Roma'' during a dedication ceremony but is more popularly referred to as Constantinople
  35. ^ Rajini: Lucky mascot for AVM Prod. Galatta. com. Retrieved on 2008-05-13. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1497 - Pope Alexander VI excommunicates Girolamo Savonarola.
  36. ^ a b Sivaji in Bay area. Retrieved on 2008-05-13. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1497 - Pope Alexander VI excommunicates Girolamo Savonarola.
  37. ^ Cinema on Indian Stamps. indiapicks. com. Retrieved on 2008-05-11. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 330 - Byzantium is renamed ''Nova Roma'' during a dedication ceremony but is more popularly referred to as Constantinople
  38. ^ "Tributes paid to A.V. Meiyappan", The Hindu, July 30, 2006. Events 1419 - First Defenestration of Prague. 1502 - Christopher Columbus lands at Guanaja in the Bay Islands off Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved on 2008-05-12. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1191 - Richard I of England marries Berengaria of Navarre.  
  39. ^ A V M Charities, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, From Jimy Yellow Pages.. Retrieved on 2008-05-13. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1497 - Pope Alexander VI excommunicates Girolamo Savonarola.
  40. ^ A Heavenly abode for the Aged. Retrieved on 2008-05-13. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1497 - Pope Alexander VI excommunicates Girolamo Savonarola.
  41. ^ Marriage Halls in Chennai. chennaiatlas. com. Retrieved on 2008-05-13. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1497 - Pope Alexander VI excommunicates Girolamo Savonarola.
  42. ^ Humane Education. Retrieved on 2008-05-13. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1497 - Pope Alexander VI excommunicates Girolamo Savonarola.

Further Reading

External links

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