 Sarathkumar's first 2003 release was "Arasu", directed by Suresh, and the film was successful at the box office.However, his second film "Paarai", a remake of the Malayalam film "Mahayanam", directed by K. S. Ravikumar was an average grosser.His third film was "Diwan", directed by Suryaprakash, who previously directed the successful "Maayi".