Sun TV launches comedy channel

Chennai, Sep 9 (UNI) The Sun TV network, as part of its expansion, has launched a new channel, exclusively for Tamil film comedy, and floated a new division for film production and distribution.

Even as it was locking horns with the DMK government over sharing of feed with the state owned Arasu Cable TV Corporation, the Network, owned by Maran brothers, launched the new channel, breaking the shackles.

The new channel, which could be accessed only through Sun DTH service, send the viewers rib tickling and telecasting hilarious scenes from Tamil cinema round the clock.

The network also forayed into film production. ''Sun Pictures'', a newly floated division, would be involved in production and distribution of Tamil cinemas. To begin with, it would distribute five Tamil films.

Sun TV Network Limited was already dominant in radio and print media along with the recently launched Direct-To- Home service, besides television.

Last year's fallout between the Maran brothers and the family of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had resulted in the latter starting their own television channel, ''Kalaignar TV.'' In a bid to counter Marans-owned MSO Sumangali Cable Vision, which enjoyed the monopoly in the state, Mr Karunanidhi's Madurai-based son M K Azhagiri had started Royal Cable Vision, even as the DMK governent launched the Arasu Cable Corporation.

UNI WS DS RL ND1812