AVM Heritage Centre Launch

 

For over 77 years, AVM Studios has been synonymous with setting benchmarks in the film industry by producing over 178 movies. As the oldest active film studio in India, the AVM family has kept up with that legacy, building and adapting it to changing times.

Inspired by our founder Sri AV. Meiyappan’s footsteps of being innovative and creative, AVM Studios is proud to launch our ‘AVM Heritage Museum’. A celebration of legacy, cinema, history and our carefully preserved archives and equipments, the museum will give visitors the chance to immerse themselves into the rich history of AVM and an impressive collection of rare automobiles.

AVM has the credit of introducing many innovations into the Indian film arena. The first Indian film to introduce dubbing (Harish Chandra in 1944), the first film to introduce playback singing (Nandakumar in 1938), the first film to introduce playback with post lip synchronisation (Sri Valli in 1945), the first Tamil film without any songs (Andha Naal in 1954), the first Indian film to combine real actors with animation (Raja Chinna Roja in 1989), the first film to win the Jawaharlal Nehru Gold Medal for the Best Children’s Film (Hum Panchhi Ek Daal Ke in 1957), the first Indian film to use Dolby Atmos Technology (Sivaji 3D, 2012) are some classic examples of our commitment for innovation & evolution.

AVM has had the privilege of associating with five Chief Ministers (Thiru. C.N. Annadurai, Dr. Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi, Dr. M.G. Ramachandran, Thiru. N.T. Rama Rao and Dr. J. Jayalalitha) in our films. AVM’s ‘Parasakthi” which came with a very powerful storyline and fiery dialogues written by the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Dr. Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi changed the character of Tamil Cinema. The film preached social revolution and introduced the policies of social justice in the films. ‘’Success!’’ ‘’Success!!’’ ‘’Success!!!’’ – the veteran actor Sivaji Ganesan delivered these words as his first ever dialogue when he debut in this revolutionary movie. The famous monument that commemorates the actor’s first ever shot in the movie is exhibited at the AVM Heritage Museum.

AVM Heritage Museum is an opportunity for the public to relish key milestones that have transformed Indian Cinema. The visitors can sneak peek into an assortment of audio and video equipment, including the cameras used for shooting magnum opus movies like ‘Muruttu Kaalai’, ‘Sakala Kala Vallavan’, ‘Mundhanai Mudichu’, ‘Samsaram Athu Minsaram’ and ‘Yejaman’. The palanquins used in the song ‘Vaaji Vaaji’’ in the movie ‘Sivaji – The Boss’ and in the song ‘Aalappol Velapol’ in the movie ‘Yajamaan’ and the 1939 model MG TB car used in the ‘Athiradee’ song in the movie Sivaji – The Boss will undoubtedly fascinate Super Star Rajinikanth’s fans! The statue of the Super Star that ‘Mottai Boss’ garlands in the movie ‘Sivaji – The Boss’ will surely enchant the movie buffs!

With over 45 vintage & classic cars and 20 bikes spanning from 1910s to the 2000s, this fleet of machines will transport the visitors back in time to experience the golden era of automobiles. You can witness the  elegant curves and luxurious details of cars  used  by  icons like Dr. M.G. Ramachandran, Thiru. S.S Vasan (Founder, Gemini Studios) and Thiru. AV. Meiyappan.

 

A working replica of a 1886, Benz Patent Motorwagen, the first automobile of the world propelled by an internal combustion engine and a Ford Quadricycle which was Henry Ford’s first experimental automobile which he built in 1896 will be the biggest attractions for auto enthusiasts.

The museum will be open to public from Wednesday to Monday from 10.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m. and will be closed on Tuesdays & National Holidays. An entry fee of ₹200 per adult and ₹150 per child shall be applicable.