MUMBAI: 'Woo audiences with blockbusters'. Sony Entertainment Television continues on a strategy long championed by its chief executive Kunal Dasgupta with the acquisition of exclusive rights to two of 2003's biggest blockbuster movies Baghban and Koi Mil Gaya..

While SET India is still to make an announcement to this effect, Sony Entertainment Television's international feed has already declared it has won the broadcast rights for the two films.

SET Asia announced that besides the two blockbusters, it has also secured rights for a few other box office hits.

According to a company statement, the channel will also premier 2003 release Om. On the events front, SET Asia is showcasing Femina Miss India 2004 on 27 March (Saturday) at 9 pm and the SET Sports Personality of the Year Awards 2003 on Sunday 28 March at 10 pm.

SET Asia, UK and Europe, head Nilam Panchal has been quoted in the statement as saying, "This year we're bringing our viewers the biggest movie line up that will be second to none. Our Bollywood blockbusters will include premieres of Om, Baghban, Koi Mil Gaya and many more. With a fresh schedule from March onwards, Sony Entertainment Television Asia will be the only channel to watch whether you like movies, dramas or cricket."

Back home, meanwhile, both Baghban and Koi Mil Gaya , are pitted against each other at the Filmfare Awards, which airs live tonight on SET.

Baghban starring Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Salman Khan and Mahima Choudary, is a story about family man abandoned by his family after retirement. With its huge star cast, great music and a touching storyline this movie got rave reviews from around the world, says the release.

Koi Mil Gaya starring Hrithik Roshan and Preeti Zinta is a sci-fi film with the fine special effects. Directed by Rakesh Roshan, the movie starring Hrithik Roshan was recieved well by the masses and classes alike.

Sony has begun 2004 on a "blockbuster note" by announcing the acquisition of Salman Khan's surprise hit of 2003 Tere Naam.

With Koi Mil Gaya and Baghban also in the bag, Sony already has three of 2003's biggest blockbusters on its roster.

And the cost? An industry source that indiantelevision.com tapped for this information estimates that the three films collectively cost in the region of Rs 230 million (Koi Mil Gaya Rs 90 million, Baghban Rs 80 million and Tere Naam Rs 50-60 million).

Wonder if anyone would be willing to lay wagers against Dasgupta bagging the remaining two blockbusters of 2003 - Kal Ho Na Ho and Munnabhai MBBS? Unlikely.