At a time when everyone was with the opinion that the 'good time' for Sun Pictures is over, post the release of its chief operating officer Hansraj Saxena over charges of financial irregularities, the film production and distribution arm of Sun TV Network bounced back with ‘Mankatha’.

According to sources, the main reason behind the re-entry of Sun Pictures in Kollywood is its new chief executive officer Sembian Sivakumar. One of the 'chief commanders' of Kalanithi Maran, Sembian earlier headed Surya TV, Suriyan FM and Dinakaran.

Son of veteran producer Kovai Chezhian, Sembian was with Sun Group for a longtime now. “He was initially into film production. This has helped him to take over the mantle of Sun Pictures,” sources say.

In an interview to a business daily, Sembian Sivakumar said: “We are back in business. Things are looking great for Sun Pictures. Ajith’s ‘Mankatha’ is a good start for us. We have also purchased the satellite rights of Suriya’s forthcoming ‘7aam Arivu’ and a few other films.'