Entertainment
Beyoncé to remove offensive word from new song
Beyoncé is removing an offensive term for disabled people from a new song on her record “Renaissance,” just weeks after rapper Lizzo also changed lyrics to remove the same word.
“The word, not used intentionally in a harmful way, will be replaced,” a spokeswoman for Beyoncé wrote in a statement to The Associated Press on Monday.
The song “Heated,” which was co-written with Canadian rapper Drake among several others, uses the word “spaz,” which is considered a derogatory reference to the medical term spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy.
Read: Best South Indian Movies Releasing in August 2022
Lizzo also removed the word from one of her songs, “Grrrls,” in June after disability advocates complained about the lyrics. Lizzo said in a statement she never wanted to promote derogatory language.
Disability advocate Hannah Diviney, who pointed out Lizzo’s lyrics that lead to the change, wrote on Twitter that hearing the word again used by Beyoncé “felt like a slap in the face to me, the disabled community & the progress we tried to make with Lizzo.”
Best South Indian Movies Releasing in August 2022
South Indian movies continue to amaze its audiences. Even in the second half of 2022, there is no exception. On the contrary, the level of surprise is increasing. Renowned filmmakers along with popular actors from the Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Tamil film industries are going to present their best works in the coming month. This entertainment features a glimpse of the most hyped South Indian films set to release in August 2022.
Top 10 Upcoming South Indian Movies in August 2022
Bimbisara | Telugu Fantasy
Release Date: August 05, 2022
Mallidi Vasishta, the writer and director of the film, focuses here on the time travel context. King Bimbisara of the 5th century BC Magadha Empire travelled through time and landed in the modern world.
The movie is produced by Hari Krishna K under NTR (Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao) Arts. Nandamuri Kalyan Ram played the role of King Bimbisar. Besides, Catherine Tresa, Warina Hussain, and Samyukt Menon played other significant roles. MM Keeravani looked after the music composition of the film.
Read 'Operation Sundarban’ to hit the theatres on September 23
Sita Ramam | Telugu Romantic
Release Date: August 05, 2022
This extraordinary love story is written and directed by Hanu Raghavapudi. The story is basically set in the backdrop of 1960s Kashmir. An orphaned soldier sends a letter from his camp in Kashmir to the love of his life, Sita. The letter faces many obstacles on its way to the recipient.
The movie is produced by Baijayanti Movies and Swapna Cinema. The film marked the debut of actress Rashmika Mandanna in Telugu cinema. Dulquer Salmaan played the lead role with her in the film. Vishal Chandrasekhar worked here as the music director.
Parakkum Pappan | Malayalam Superhero
Release Date: August 06, 2022
Renowned music director Anirudh made his Malayalam debut with this film. It is also the directorial debut of Viyan Vishnu. The most exciting news is that popular actor Dileep will be seen in the role of the flying superhero in the movie.
Read Bangladeshi filmmakers receive grant from British Council for portraying climate change stories
The movie, produced by Carnival Motion Pictures and Graand Productions, will revolve around the excitement of the villagers surrounding a superhero. The story of this film is written by Rafi, a veteran filmmaker.
Cobra | Tamil Thriller
Release Date: August 11, 2022
The film, written and directed by R Ajay Gnanmuthu, revolves around a mathematical genius who uses his mathematical prowess to commit crimes under the guise of Cobra. SS Lalit Kumar has produced the movie under the banner of Seven Screen Studios. The music of the movie is composed by the famous music director AR Rahman.
The film stars Srinidhi Shetty in the title role. The movie also stars a huge ensemble of star performers in various roles. The movie marks the Tamil debut of Shetty, Khalid, Mathew, and Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan. Apart from this, Mia George, Padmapriya, Kaniha, Mohammad Ali Baig, Meernalini Ravi, KS Ravikumar, and Meenakshi are also in the cast.
Read Marvel teases new Avengers movies, ‘Black Panther’ sequel
Michael | Tamil Action
Release Date: August 11, 2022
Versatile actor Sundeep Kishan is making his pan-India debut with this massive action movie directed by Ranjith Jayakodi. Michael is a joint production of Bharat Chowdhury and Puskur Ram Mohan Rao. The film will simultaneously release in Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam along with Tamil.
Renowned South Indian director Gautam Vasudev Menon will be seen playing the antagonist. Divyansha Kaushik is playing the female lead opposite Sudeep Kishan. Makkal Selvan Vijay Sethupathi, Varalakshmi Sarathkumar, and Varun Sandesh will be seen in other important roles in the film.
Gaalipata 2 | Kannada Romantic Comedy
Release Date: August 12, 2022
This is the fourth time that actor Ganesh and director Yograj Bhatt have worked together on a film. Written and directed by Bhatt, the film is a sequel to Galipata (2008). Like Galipata 2, it also features the same characters in two different timelines and two different locations. Three friends embark on a turbulent yet epic journey to find fulfilment in their love.
Read Bongo brings Bangla dubbed 'Beauty and the Beast'
Can love marriage happen without love?
There is a famous saying that Matches are made in Heaven. But what will happen if, between the couple, one strikes under a spell of romanticism where the other feels himself a victim of castaway? So why not enjoy the bittersweet scenario rather than drowning in loneliness and confusion? Arjun (Ashok Selvan), the story's protagonist, thought so. He is a confused carefree young man who has a close friendship with Anu (Ritika Singh) & Mani (Sha Ra). One Day in a friendly drinking session Anu out of the blue, asks for the hand of Arjun & that's the start of a rocky road of marriage.
At first, Arjun feels nothing wrong with being hitched to Anu. But then suddenly realize that he has no romantic feelings for Anu by heart. Now how will he resolve the tangled relationship? When Arjun struggled with Anu, his childhood crush Meera entered their life.
He knew what would come in his bittersweet life of loveless marriage! If you want to know what happened, How God came to rescue Arjun, or for Anu, you have to watch the movie of the week, "Oh My Kadavule," dubbed in Bangla 'Oh My God! “On Bongo, July 29, 2022. Famous director Ashwath Marimuthu directed the film, and the story was written by him too. Ashwath said, "Half of life's troubles start with getting married. And the other Half is trouble after marriage. So, this time, our story is about the dilemma of an unclued young man getting accidentally married and looking for a second chance to back out of the mistakes. And his urge for a second chance in life is responded to by God Himself (God's role played by Vijay Sethupati). What will happen next? Watch Bongo to enjoy the hilarious, fun-packed romantic comedy with a pinch of fantasy 'Oh My Kadavule aka Oh My God."
Read: Bongo brings Bangla dubbed 'Beauty and the Beast'
The film was first released on the Day of Valentine's on February 14, 2020. Korean Web Series "Operation Proposal Loosely Inspires this Movie."
The film was also selected for official screening at the International Indian Film Festival in Toronto, held in August 2020.
The film won South Indian International Movie Awards-SIIMA (Tamil) for Best Actor Critics (Ashok Selvan) in 2021. Also got five nominations for SIIMA Awards 2021: Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Film, Best Cinematographer, Best Actress in a Supporting Role & Best Music Director.
Bongo's Head of Licensing and Distribution, Karoline Hoeppner, said, "Bongo is pleased to publish South Indian romantic comedy with a fantastic vibe for our entertainment-seeking audience. We believe our audience will love it wholeheartedly. Now they can see numerous English & South blockbusters across genres of their choice. Bongo is thrilled to enrich its content library with more enjoyable international titles, and Bongo aims to cater to the most diverse content portfolio in the country. We cannot wait to release more global content in Bangla and see how our country's audience perceives the titles."
'Operation Sundarban’ to hit the theatres on September 23
Projecting the courageous and breathtaking role of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)'s historical operations to defeat the pirates of the Sundarbans, acclaimed director Dipankar Dipon directed 'Operation Sundarban' is set for release on September 23 this year.
The official trailer of the much-anticipated action thriller film, produced by RAB Welfare Cooperative Society Limited, was released at a gala event on Friday night at the Laboni Point in the Cox’s Bazar sea beach, where the makers announced the release date of the film.
The 2-minute and 40-second trailer of the film featured Dhallywood's celebrated superstar Riaz Ahmed, Siam Ahmed, Nusraat Faria, Ziaul Roshan, Shatabdi Wadud and others in the setting of the film at Sundarbans as the important characters, and the trailer is earning appraisal from audiences for showcasing the commendable narrative of the film’s remarkable plot, history and facts, alongside the breathtaking visuals.
Also read: Wind of 'Hawa' blows full
Inspector General of Bangladesh Police Benazir Ahmed attended the trailer launching event as the chief guest while RAB Director General Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun joined as the special guest, alongside director Dipon and other higher officials and the cast members of the film.
“Not only a wonderful documentation of history, but "Operation Sundarban" is the success story of solving a four hundred years old-problem. Without proper documentation, the glorious tale of our operation against the pirates in the Sundarbans would remain untold. From that perspective, we took the initiative, and Dipon made justice with proper research and development for this film," Benazir Ahmed said.
Regarding his long-anticipated film, Dipankar Dipon said, “Our film is depicting this amazing story with the involvement of our 1,300 cast and crew members, narrating the saga of the mission against the water pirates and the aftermath of their post-pirate life, as well as the livelihood of the natives living around Sundarban. Without the cordial cooperation of RAB members and other elite forces officials, alongside the people of Sundarbans - this film would not see the daylight."
Under the supervision of RAB, the shooting of the film has taken place in multiple remote areas in the Sundarbans.
Actor Siam Ahmed, alongside Ziaul Roshan, Riaz Ahmed and others have undergone special training sessions from RAB before the shooting in he Sundarbans and were seen taking part in various expeditions on water, land, and air in the trailer.
Also read: DB quizzes Hero Alom for controversial video content
'Operation Sundarban,' was initially scheduled to be released during Eid-ul-Adha in 2020, which got delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The film was then scheduled to be released on Eid-ul-Adha in 2021, however that date was also pushed back.
Alongside Riaz, Siam, Nusraat Faria and Roshan, the film also features Raisul Islam Asad, Shatabdi Wadud, Manoj Pramanik, Taskeen Rahman, Rawnak Hasan, Arman Parvez Murad and Indian-Bengali actress Darshana Banik in other important characters.
Will Smith posts an apology video for slapping Chris Rock
Will Smith has again apologized to Chris Rock for slapping him during the Oscar telecast in a new video, saying that his behavior was “unacceptable” and that he had reached out to the comedian to discuss the incident but was told Rock wasn’t ready.
“There is no part of me that thinks that was the right way to behave in that moment,” Smith said in the video posted online Friday. “I am deeply remorseful and I’m trying to be remorseful without being ashamed of myself.”
Smith, seated in a white polo shirt and white ball cap, spoke directly to a camera, answering pre-selected questions about his behavior at the March 27 Academy Awards, when he slapped presenter Rock after the comedian made a comment about the hairstyle of Jada Pinkett Smith, Smith’s wife.
Smith also apologized to Rock’s family and especially his mother, Rosalie, who was horrified to see her son hurt and told US Weekly that, “When he slapped Chris, he slapped all of us. He really slapped me.” Smith also apologized to Tony Rock, Chris’ younger brother.
“I didn’t realize how many people got hurt in that moment,” Smith said.
Smith also apologized to his family “for the heat that I brought on all of us” and his fellow Oscar nominees to have “stolen and tarnished your moment.” He said his wife did nothing to encourage his slap. “Jada had nothing to do with it,” he said. “I made a choice on my own.”
Read: Will Smith resigns from film academy over Chris Rock slap
Following the altercation, the motion picture academy banned Smith from attending the Oscars or any other academy event for 10 years. Smith apologized to Rock in a statement after the Oscars, saying he was “out of line and I was wrong.”
“I’m sorry really isn’t sufficient,” Smith said in the video.
Wind of 'Hawa' blows full
Moviegoers drifted with the wind of "Hawa" as Mejbaur Rahman Sumon's debut film, one of the most-anticipated Bangladeshi cinemas in recent times, hit theatres of the country Friday.
Despite not being released during any major festivity, the film garnered an overwhelming response from the audience before and after its release. On the first day of its screening, Hawa hit 23 theatres all over Bangladesh and had 66 houseful shows.
In Dhaka, Hawa is being showcased at nine theatres, including all branches of Star Cineplex – Bashundhara City in Panthapath, Shimanto Shambhar in Dhanmondi, Sony Square in Mirpur, SKS Tower, Mohakhali and Bangabandhu Military Museum in Bijoy Sarani – Shyamoli Cinema Hall, Modhumita, Blockbuster Cinemas, and Lion Cinemas.
Tickets were sold out in most of these theatres almost two-three days ago. Massive crowds, eager to set sail with Hawa, were seen in front of the ticket counters in almost every theatre.
There will be 23 showings of Hawa at Star Cineplex on its opening day. This is the first time that a movie will have this many showings upon its launch at the Cineplex, whose website was down due to the volume of people trying to buy tickets.
"After so many days, Bangla movie fans have been to the cinema in such big numbers," Star Cineplex Senior Manager (Media and Marketing) Mesbah Uddin Ahmed told UNB.
"Although there is a big audience for foreign films, Bangla films are now thriving as well and we feel really proud to see massive crowds of movie fans. I hope they will keep coming back to watch Bangla movies."
"Our film has had houseful shows across the country. I am overwhelmed. I have not seen this kind of hype around a movie in the last two decades," Chanchal Chowdhury, who portrays the role of Chan Majhi, the leader of a group of fishermen stuck on a fishing boat, told the media after the screening of Hawa at Star Cineplex.
"Only those who watch Hawa will realise what we had to go through to bring the movie to the theatre. It has never been easy."
"Now many people are coming to the movie theatres to watch the result of our hard work and determination. There cannot be a greater reward than this for us," Chanchal said.
Read: 10 Best Upcoming Bengali Movies in Eid-ul-Adha 2022
Outside Dhaka, Hawa is being showcased in Sena Auditorium in Savar, Cinescope in Narayanganj, Silver Screen, Sugondha, Cinema Palace in Chattogram, Shankha Cinema and Liberty Cineplex in Khulna, Rupkotha in Pabna, Roots Cineclub in Sirajganj, Shapla in Rangpur, Modhuban Cinema and Momo in Bogura, Chhayabani in Mymensingh, and Borsha Cinema in Gazipur, and Grand Sylhet Cineplex in Sylhet.
Hawa revolves around a water gipsy girl who appears unannounced on a fishing boat that has become trapped in the middle of the ocean while narrating a metaphysical story. The film features Chanchal, Nazifa Tushi, Sariful Islam Raaz, Sumon Anwar, Nasir Uddin Khan, and Sohel Mondal in the lead roles.
Sukarna Sahed Dhiman, Zahin Faruq Amin, and Sumon wrote the screenplay. Sumon wrote the story and dialogue.
Produced by Sun Music and Motion Pictures and distributed by Jazz Multimedia, Hawa's song "Shada Shada Kala Kala," written and tuned by Hashim Mahmud, and "E Hawa," Meghdol's tribute to the film, swayed the nation towards the movie.
23rd Young Artists’ Fine Arts Exhibition begins at BSA
The 23rd edition of the Young Artists’ Fine Arts Exhibition, one of the flagship art events of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), began on Wednesday at the National Art Gallery of BSA in the capital.
The month-long biennale exhibition, organised by BSA’s fine arts department, is showcasing 422 artworks by 356 artists this year.
This year’s edition received a total of 2,034 artworks under 11 categories - paintings, sculptures, print and video illustrations, craft-works, pottery crafts, architectural and oriental arts, performance art, photography and new media arts, from a total of 1,019 artists between the age of 21 and 35.
Planning Minister MA Mannan inaugurated the exhibition on Wednesday while State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid, art critic Professor Nazrul Islam and art maestro Dr Farida Zaman joined as special guests and handed over the best artists’ awards to the recipients.
BSA's Director General Liaquat Ali Lucky presided over the ceremony, while BSA Director of Fine Arts Syeda Mahbuba Karim and BSA Secretary Md Asaduzzaman also spoke at the event.
The participating artists who were nominated as winners of 12 awards in 11 categories and one overall grand award winner in the exhibition, received their respective awards, certificates and prize money cheques at the ceremony.
Read: Curtain rises on Shilpo Bangla Art Exhibition
Artists Sajia Rahman Sondha received the title award as the best artist of all mediums in the exhibition, while artists Sujon Mahabub (performance art), Samia Ahmed (installation art), Halima Akter (ceramic), Md Fayez Alam Hasan (painting), Sushmita Mukherjee Misty (sculpture), Rumana Rahman (printmaking), Showrab Gosh (oriental art), Mahatab Rashid (graphics design), Rajan Nandi (crafts), Jewel Chakma (new media art), and Shahedul Islam Sadik (photography) won awards in respective categories.
A unique and specially curated subject-based art installation is being displayed at the 3rd gallery of the National Art Gallery by 10 educational institutions of the country including Dhaka University, Chittagong University, Rajshahi University, Khulna University, National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam University and more, which is planned and researched by BSA Director General Lucky.
The primary selection committee comprised Professor Pranab Mitra Chowdhury, artist Kamal Pasha Chowdhury, Professor Dr Nihar Ronjon Singha, artist Shayla Sharmin, photographer Ashfaque Ahmed and artist Zihan Karim.
The jury board for selecting the best artworks featured Professor Abul Barq Alvi, Dr Farida Zaman, artist Siddhartha Talukder, artist Lala Rukh Selim, artist Ziaul Karim and eminent photographer Nasir Ali Mamun.
Since 1975, the biennale exhibition has earned recognition from art-lovers around the whole nation as a festivity and celebration of modern artworks and crafts by artists from all over the country.
The exhibition will continue till August 25, every day from 11 pm to 8 pm and 3 pm on 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 number galleries and the sculpture arena at the National Art Gallery.
Emirates’ in-flight prog to feature ‘Krishoker Eid Ananda’
Popular TV reality game show ‘Krishoker Eid Ananda,’ directed and hosted by the renowned media personality Shykh Seraj will be available on Emirates in-flight programme ice (information, communication, entertainment) starting from August 1, 2022.
Passengers traveling on any Emirates flight operated across the globe can enjoy this celebrated program with English subtitles on their respective in-built seat’s TV screens.
Mohamed Alhammadi, Emirates Area Manager in Bangladesh made the announcement during a press interaction held at Channel i studio in the city on Thursday.
Shykh Seraj and Kazi Wahidul Alam, PR Consultant for Emirates in Bangladesh also spoke on the occasion among others.
“As the very first int’l airline, Emirates started screening Bangladeshi movies on its flights from December 2007. Since then, we have screened almost 150 movies, most of which were produced by Impress Telefilm,” said Mohamed Alhammadi.
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“This time Emirates has taken the initiative to include a very unique and popular program in its ice list. I believe, not only Bangladeshis but also the people from other nationalities will enjoy this program.”
Shykh Seraj said it is a big achievement for Impress Telefilm. “Through this program we will be able to promote our rural culture and tradition among the people across the world. I hope Emirates will continue their support in promoting Bangladeshi people and culture in the years to come.”
Kazi Wahidul Alam said they always enjoy the support from Emirates in presenting the bright image of Bangladesh worldwide.
“I hope other airlines operating to Bangladesh will follow Emirates and include Bangladeshi movies and other content in their in-flight program,” he said.
Emirates’ ice is the most international award winner in the in-flight entertainment category. The popular program of Emirates boasts of more than 5,000 channels and nearly 1,500 of those are dedicated to movies from different countries and cultures.
The content list is updated every month and new movies are included on a regular basis. From August 1, 2022 Emirates’ ice will provide six dedicated channels for Bangladeshi movies and other programs.
Emirates now operates 21 weekly flights to Dhaka and via Dubai offers convenient connections to nearly 130 destinations across six continents.
DB quizzes Hero Alom for controversial video content
The Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Wednesday quizzed Ashraful Hossen Alom, best known as Hero Alom, about his controversial video content shared on social media.
He was asked questions at the DB office in the capital's Minto Road in the morning as there were many "cyber allegations" against him, DMP Media and Public Relations wing Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Faruque Hossain said.
Recently, Hero Alom shared "offensive, defamatory, illegal videos" and other content on his official Facebook and YouTube channels. He also appeared in police uniform in videos without permission. These created a cascade of negative reactions from commoners, Faruque said.
Alom told the detectives that he creates and shares viral content on the internet, mainly to earn money. More views and revenue matter most to him.
Read: Accept Hero Alam’s nomination, HC orders EC
Asked about the obscene songs he created about several political leaders and models such as Palalo Palalo Murad Hasan, Rater Rani Piyasa, Mou and Pori Moni, Alom could not give a "proper answer."
Detectives let him go after he admitted his mistakes and assured DB that he will not repeat such activities, Faruque said.
Bollywood: Katrina Kaif & Vicky Kaushal get death threats
Bollywood's highest-paid actress Katrina Kaif and her actor-husband Vicky Kaushal have received death threats on Instagram, prompting the celebrity couple to seek police protection.
"Based on a complaint from the two actors, an FIR has been registered at Santacruz police station in the western Indian city of Mumbai. We have also initiated a probe," a police officer told the local media.
Katrina and Vicky Kaushal tied the knot in December last year. And Katrina had shared the first pictures of her and Vicky as newlyweds on Instagram only.
"Only love and gratitude in our hearts for everything that brought us to this moment. Seeking all your love and blessings as we begin this new journey together,” Katrina wrote, sharing the photos.
Read:It's official. Katrina Kaif & Vicky Kaushal are now husband and wife
Basically a model, the Hong Kong-born actress began her Bollywood career with 'Boom', an action film, in 2003 that flopped. Two years later, she earned commercial success -- thanks to the romantic comedy 'Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya'.
What followed was a series of hits -- 'Namastey London' in 2007, 'New York' in 2009, 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani' in 2009, 'Raajneeti' in 2010, 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' in 2011, 'Ek Tha Tiger' in 2012, 'Dhoom 3' in 2013 and 'Bang Bang!' in 2014.
Katrina's other highest-grossing Bollywood films are 'Tiger Zinda Hai' in 2017 and 'Bharat' in 2019, co-starring Salman Khan. Her last action flick was 'Sooryavanshi', co-starring Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgan.
Born to action director Sham Kaushal and his wife Veena, Vicky ventured into Bollywood as an assistant to filmmaker Anurag Kashyap in the crime drama 'Gangs of Wasseypur' in 2012.
His first leading role was in the independent drama 'Masaan' in 2015, but Vicky shot to limelight in 2018 with supporting roles in 'Raazi' and 'Sanju', two hits.
A year later, his lead role as a military officer in critically acclaimed action film 'Uri: The Surgical Strike', got him the National Film Award for Best Actor.