Before there was a studio, there was a man with a vision. AV.Meiyappan began his cinematic journey – experimenting, innovating, and setting new benchmarks for storytelling. In the mid1930s, he established his first studio, Pragathi Studios, at Admiralty House in Raja Annamalaipuram Chennai. It was a partnership venture; however, due to differences among the partners, they eventually decided to part ways, selling the studios. However since he had made nearly 500 times profit from it he didn’t want to step back and in 1945, Shri AV. Meiyappan founded AVM Studios and AVM Productions at Devakottai Rasta, on the outskirts of Karaikudi. There, he produced his first film, Naam Iruvar (1947), which became a major success. After producing two films in Karaikudi, he decided to relocate operations to Chennai to build a larger and more modern facility. 

He acquired 10 acres of land in Chennai, where AVM Studios and AVM Productions
established their permanent home in Vadapalani, Madras. 

In the 1950s and 1960s, his productions expanded under banners like Murugan Brothers, Uma Productions, Balasubramanian & Co., Veerappan & Co., among others, each firm adding a new chapter to his artistic evolution. 

This pioneering spirit culminated in the formation of AVM Studios Private Limited, which transformed into AVM Productions Private Limited in 1969. What began as one man’s dream became India’s most trusted name in film and television production – a legacy that continues to shape stories, nurture talent, and define the rhythm of Indian entertainment.