GECs
Sony bags rights to ‘Koi Mil Gaya’, ‘Baghban’
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.
GECs
Sony PAL to air Sankat Mochan Hanuman from May 4 at 9 PM
Mythological series brings Lord Hanuman’s tale of devotion and courage back to TV
MUMBAI: Sony PAL is set to bring back the timeless mythological series Sankat Mochan Hanuman, with its premiere scheduled for May 4 at 9 PM. The show revisits the legendary journey of Lord Hanuman, offering viewers a chance to reconnect with one of Indian mythology’s most revered figures.
Centred on themes of devotion, courage and righteousness, the series traces Hanuman’s unwavering loyalty to Lord Ram and his fearless stand against evil. With its mix of dramatic storytelling and visually rich sequences, the show aims to deliver both entertainment and spiritual resonance, appealing to audiences across age groups.
The narrative unfolds as a larger-than-life saga, positioning Hanuman as the ultimate protector and a symbol of strength and selfless service. His journey, rooted in faith and duty, continues to strike a chord with viewers, making the series as relevant today as ever.
The cast features Gagan Malik as Lord Ram, Debalina Chatterjee as Sita, Nirbhay Wadhwa in the titular role, and Saurav Gurjar as Raavan. Their performances bring depth and authenticity to characters deeply embedded in Indian cultural memory.
With its return to television, the show is positioned as more than just a rerun. It taps into a renewed appetite for mythological storytelling, blending nostalgia with timeless values.
As audiences increasingly seek content that resonates beyond entertainment, ‘Sankat Mochan Hanuman’ offers a familiar yet powerful narrative, reminding viewers that stories of faith and courage never really go out of style.
