MUMBAI: Chennai based Sun TV Networks has forayed into film production under the banner Sun Pictures.

According to the company, the foray into film production is a natural extension as it is already present across television and radio in the South.

Sun Pictures will produce films in the four southern languages of Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. The company has also signed contracts with leading actors, directors and music directors for its film slate.

Speaking to Businessofcinema.com Sun Network chairman and managing director Kalanithi Maran says, "The film division will be headed by Hansraj Saxena. We will soon be officially announcing our plans in the film production arena at a press conference."

Saxena has been with Sun TV Network as its chief operating officer. At the time of filing this story, Saxena was unavailable for comment.

Initially Sun Pictures will be distributing Tamil movies including the Jeeva starrer Thenavattu and Kadhalil Vizhunthen starring Nakul and Siva Manasula Sakthi.

Sun TV Network operates 20 channels in the Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam languages and is licensed to operate 44 radio stations across India. The company expects the film production venture to open up a new revenue stream for company in addition to increasing the size of its movie library.

Amongst the other corporates that are active in the film production front in the South are Pyramid Saimira Productions, Moser Baer Entertainment, Reliance BIG Pictures, UTV Motion Pictures, Zee Motion Pictures and Eros International’s Ayngaran International amongst others.