United News of Bangladesh

Producer Nikhil Dwivedi has come out in support of Ranveer Singh amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE)’s non-cooperation directive against the actor over his reported exit from Farhan Akhtar’s Don 3. Dwivedi raised concerns over how industry disputes are handled, stressing that while film associations play an important role in mediation, prolonged conflicts should ultimately be resolved through legal channels. He also questioned whether restricting an artist from working could amount to an “unfair trade practice.” Speaking to Entertainment Live, he said disputes in the film industry are not unusual given the large number of people involved in a production and highlighted the importance of contracts in managing such situations. Dwivedi added that associations should focus on reconciliation and act as mediators, but if no resolution is possible, they should step back and allow courts to decide the matter. He further argued that preventing someone from working could raise legal concerns, saying such restrictions may not be legally sustainable if they interfere with an individual’s right to earn a livelihood. His remarks come after FWICE announced a non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh, urging affiliated members not to work with him. FWICE advisor Ashoke Pandit said the body had tried to contact the actor multiple times without success. Ranveer Singh, however, responded through his spokesperson, expressing respect for the film industry and stating that professional matters should be handled with dignity and mutual respect. He later moved legal action against FWICE over the directive. The dispute has since escalated, with veteran producer TP Aggarwal also challenging FWICE’s move in the Bombay Civil Court. #From NDTV

Pop superstar Dua Lipa has married actor Callum Turner in a private ceremony in London. The couple, who have been together for more than two years, exchanged vows on Sunday at Old Marylebone Town Hall in a low-key event attended by close family members and friends. Photos from the ceremony showed Lipa wearing a white skirt suit, complemented by a wide-brimmed hat, matching gloves and high heels, while Turner wore a dark blue suit. A small group of guests celebrated the newlyweds by throwing confetti as they left the venue hand-in-hand. Lipa was also seen carrying a bouquet of pastel-coloured flowers. Lipa revealed her engagement to Turner last year in an interview with British Vogue, describing the prospect of building a life together as "a really special feeling." She also said Turner had designed her engagement ring with input from her sister and close friends. According to media reports, the couple plan to celebrate their marriage with a three-day event in Sicily later this month. Lipa, 30, is one of the world's most successful pop artists and headlined the Glastonbury Festival 2024 in 2024. Turner, 36, is best known for his roles in the Fantastic Beasts films and has been widely mentioned as a possible future actor to play the iconic character James Bond. Old Marylebone Town Hall has long been a popular venue for celebrity weddings. Among those who married there are Paul McCartney and Linda Eastman in 1969, while McCartney later married Nancy Shevell at the same venue in 2011. Other celebrities who have tied the knot there include Ringo Starr, Melanie Griffith, Antonio Banderas and Liam Gallagher. Source: BBC

Veteran film producer TP Aggarwal has moved a Mumbai civil court challenging a non-cooperation directive issued by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) against actor Ranveer Singh over his reported exit from Don 3. Aggarwal, a former president of the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA), filed a petition before the Bombay Civil Court in Dindoshi against both FWICE and IMPPA, arguing that no individual, organisation or trade body has the legal authority to impose a ban or direct members not to work with a person. The dispute arose after FWICE reportedly issued a non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh following complaints from Don 3 producers Excel Entertainment over alleged losses and scheduling disruptions linked to the actor’s withdrawal from the project. Speaking to Indian media, Aggarwal criticised FWICE’s action, saying it exceeded the federation’s jurisdiction. He referred to previous legal rulings and a Competition Commission of India (CCI) case, which, according to him, established that such directives are beyond the authority of industry bodies. Aggarwal said contractual disputes should be resolved through legal channels rather than trade associations. He added that producers facing such issues should first approach their respective industry associations, which can attempt mediation before the matter is taken to court. He also questioned IMPPA’s silence on the issue and said the association should have intervened. Although no longer serving as IMPPA president, Aggarwal said he decided to seek legal intervention in his capacity as a patron of both IMPPA and the Film Federation of India. The court is yet to hear the matter. Source: NDTV

Two low-budget horror films created by young YouTubers dominated the North American box office this weekend, drawing large numbers of Gen Z viewers to theaters and outperforming major Hollywood releases. Leading the pack was Backrooms, a horror movie directed and co-written by 20-year-old YouTube creator Kane Parsons. The film earned an impressive $81.5 million from 3,442 theaters across the United States and Canada during its opening weekend. The success is particularly remarkable because the movie was made on a budget of just $10 million. Its opening weekend revenue nearly matched that of The Mandalorian and Grogu, which had debuted at the top of the box office the previous week. Another YouTuber-directed horror film, Obsession, also continued its strong run. Directed by 26-year-old YouTube creator Curry Barker, the film earned $26.4 million in its third weekend, a 10% increase from the previous week. It secured second place at the box office, ahead of the latest Star Wars installment, which earned $25 million and dropped sharply from its debut. Industry observers say the success of these films suggests YouTube creators may be helping bring younger audiences back to movie theaters rather than drawing them away. The weekend also saw the release of family comedy The Breadwinner, starring comedian Nate Bargatze, and World War II drama Pressure featuring Oscar-winning actor Brendan Fraser. However, it was the YouTuber-led horror films that attracted the biggest crowds. Both "Backrooms" and "Obsession" were produced by Blumhouse Productions and Atomic Monster. Abhijay Prakash, president of Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, described the weekend as a major milestone for the company, which has long focused on original horror films aimed at younger audiences. He said the studio has actively searched YouTube for emerging talent and believes the latest success could encourage more filmmakers from digital platforms to enter Hollywood. "Backrooms" began as an internet horror phenomenon before Parsons transformed it into a popular web series using open-source animation software. The concept eventually attracted major producers and was adapted into a feature film starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve. The film has also performed strongly overseas, earning $118 million globally so far. Distributor A24 said Parsons has become the youngest director ever to have the world's top-grossing film. The movie also delivered the biggest opening weekend in the studio's history, surpassing Civil War. Audience surveys showed that younger moviegoers drove the film's success. About 86% of viewers were under 35 years old, while more than half were under 25. Many attended in groups, resulting in sold-out screenings and repeat visits. The popularity of both R-rated horror films has become so intense that some theaters have reportedly stationed employees outside screening rooms to ensure younger viewers are accompanied by adults where required. Meanwhile, "Obsession" has now earned $104.7 million in North America, becoming the highest-grossing domestic release ever for Focus Features. Cinema operators said the strong turnout demonstrates that audiences are still eager to visit theaters when compelling content is available. "The Mandalorian and Grogu" fell nearly 69% from its opening weekend but has still earned $246.6 million globally. The musical biopic Michael finished fourth with $11.7 million, bringing its domestic total to $339.9 million. Sony's "The Breadwinner" rounded out the top five with $7.5 million, while "Pressure" debuted in seventh place with $5.8 million. Box office analysts said Hollywood has been searching for new ways to attract audiences back to theaters, and the strong performance of films created by internet personalities could point to a promising new trend for the industry.

Marcia Lucas, the Oscar-winning editor of the original 1977 ‘Star Wars’ film and a key creative force behind some of Hollywood’s most influential movies of the New Hollywood era, has died at the age of 80. A lawyer for her family said Lucas died on Wednesday from metastatic cancer in Rancho Mirage, California, surrounded by loved ones. She was once married to filmmaker George Lucas, the creator of the ‘Star Wars’ franchise, from 1969 to 1983. Marcia Lucas won an Academy Award for editing the original Star Wars film, later retitled Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. She also worked as editor on Return of the Jedi and earlier George Lucas-directed films THX 1138 and American Graffiti. She contributed to several major films of the 1970s, including Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore and New York, New York, helping shape the work of some of the era’s most important directors. During a period when few women held senior creative roles in Hollywood, Marcia Lucas became one of the most influential film editors of her time, alongside figures such as Thelma Schoonmaker and Verna Fields. She is often credited as an unsung but vital contributor to the success of *Star Wars*, helping shape the final structure and emotional flow of the film. She reportedly influenced key creative decisions, including the death of Obi-Wan Kenobi, played by Alec Guinness, which became one of the film’s most memorable turning points. Her editing work was especially critical in handling complex sequences such as the climactic space battle against the Death Star, which required assembling large amounts of footage into a coherent and fast-paced narrative. In a past interview, George Lucas praised her ability to shape the film’s structure, saying the editing process involved weaving together dialogue, action and multiple storylines into a seamless narrative. Born Marcia Griffin in Modesto, California after World War II, she later moved to Los Angeles with her mother following her parents’ separation. She began her career working as a film librarian before moving into editing roles for commercials and promotional films. She later worked as an assistant editor on a documentary where she met George Lucas, then a film student at the University of Southern California. The couple later married but eventually separated, finalizing their divorce after the release of Return of the Jedi. She later married Tom Rodrigues, a production manager, and remained with him until 1993. Lucas is survived by her two daughters, grandchildren and extended family. In a statement, her family said her work left a lasting impact on cinema. “Her influence on film is indelible,” the statement said. “Her editing was known for emotional intelligence, rhythm and humanity, bringing truth, clarity and heart to every scene.”

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has strongly criticized the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) for issuing a non-cooperation directive against actor Ranveer Singh over his exit from Don 3. The controversy began after producer-director Farhan Akhtar reportedly complained that Ranveer's withdrawal from the project caused losses of around Rs 45 crore in pre-production costs. FWICE claimed it sent the actor three notices seeking his response but received none, prompting the directive. Reacting on social media, Varma described FWICE as a "kangaroo court" and argued that the body has no legal authority to adjudicate disputes. He called the move an outdated display of power and urged that FWICE, not Ranveer, should face criticism. Varma also defended the actor, saying stars like Ranveer drive the film industry by generating employment and attracting audiences. He suggested the dispute should be resolved directly between the concerned parties rather than through industry bodies. Writer Shobhaa De also questioned FWICE's role, arguing that the issue should have been settled through legal channels. She warned that the directive could negatively affect technicians and workers dependent on projects involving Ranveer Singh. FWICE later clarified that it had not imposed a ban on the actor but had only issued a temporary non-cooperation directive until the dispute is resolved. Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh's team said the actor has chosen to remain silent out of respect for the film fraternity and the Don franchise, maintaining that professional matters should be handled with dignity and mutual respect.   Source NDTV

CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss has replaced the executive producer of “60 Minutes,” saying the long-running program needs a new direction to move forward. Weiss appointed Nick Bilton, a technology journalist and documentary filmmaker, as the new head of the show. Tanya Simon, who had worked with the program for 30 years and became executive producer about a year ago, will be stepping down. The changes come after a period of instability for “60 Minutes,” the iconic news program that began in 1968 and is famous for its ticking stopwatch. In a memo to staff on Thursday, Weiss and CBS News President Tom Cibrowski said they aim to build a version of “60 Minutes” that can succeed in today’s media environment. They said this includes expanding the show beyond its traditional one-hour format, strengthening its role across CBS News, and maintaining the high standards of fairness, ambition and fearless reporting that made it successful. Bilton, a former New York Times technology columnist, was described as someone who brings fresh energy and vision. In his own message to staff, he called “60 Minutes” one of the most important journalism brands in television history, but stressed the need to adapt to changing audience habits. He said while the show’s legacy should be preserved, it must evolve as the way people consume news continues to change. The shake-up also reportedly includes the departure of correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, according to a person familiar with the matter. Weiss, founder of the Free Press website, has been a controversial figure since joining CBS News under new management in October. Her decisions have drawn attention, especially regarding editorial choices and coverage. Last year, the network settled a lawsuit filed by former U.S. President Donald Trump over an interview with Kamala Harris. In another incident, a report on deportees was delayed at the last minute, with some inside the network questioning whether the move was politically influenced. Critics have been watching closely to see if Weiss is steering CBS News in a direction more favorable to Trump. Since her arrival, officials from his administration have appeared more frequently on the network, sometimes in interviews she helped arrange. In February, Anderson Cooper also left the program, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family, although his departure raised questions about whether it was linked to the leadership changes. Cooper had contributed to “60 Minutes” while continuing his role as host of CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360,” which he has anchored since 2003.

A court in Austria is set to deliver its verdict on Thursday in the trial of a man who admitted planning an attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna nearly two years ago. Although the plot was stopped in time, authorities had canceled Swift’s three scheduled shows in August 2024 as a safety measure. The accused, a 21-year-old Austrian identified as Beran A. under local privacy laws, is facing charges including terrorism and involvement in a terrorist group. His lawyer said he admitted in court last month to charges linked to the concert attack. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. Prosecutors say he planned to target crowds outside the Ernst Happel Stadium using knives or homemade explosives. Thousands of fans had traveled to Vienna for the shows, part of the singer’s highly popular Eras Tour. Following the cancellations, many fans gathered in the city centre to support each other. Beran A. is being tried alongside another suspect, Arda K., while a third man linked to the case is being held in Saudi Arabia. Investigators say the group had also planned coordinated attacks in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates during Ramadan 2024, allegedly in the name of the Islamic State group. However, only Beran A. has been charged in connection with the Vienna concert plot. He has denied involvement in the wider plan for simultaneous attacks. The court is expected to hear final arguments and expert opinions before announcing the verdict, though it is not yet clear how long the process will take.

Acclaimed Bengali filmmaker Anik Dutta died on Wednesday afternoon at a private hospital in South Kolkata after suffering critical injuries in a fall from the terrace of his wife’s residence near Gariahat, family members confirmed. He was 66. Dutta was taken to a nearby hospital in a critical condition following the incident but later succumbed to multiple injuries. The filmmaker, grandson of Narendra Chandra Dutta, made his directorial debut with the acclaimed political satire Bhooter Bhabishyat in 2012. The film earned widespread praise for its unique blend of humour, political commentary and social satire, establishing him as a prominent filmmaker in the Bengali film industry. Over the years, Dutta directed several notable films, including Aschorjo Prodip, Borunbabur Bondhu and Aparajito. Released on the 101st birth anniversary of legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, Aparajito paid tribute to Ray’s life and cinematic legacy. A devoted admirer of Ray, Dutta often reflected the celebrated filmmaker’s influence in his own storytelling and cinematic style. Known for his Left-leaning political views, Dutta was also an outspoken critic of the government led by Mamata Banerjee. His differences with the West Bengal government intensified in 2019 following the release controversy surrounding Bhobishyoter Bhoot, regarded as a spiritual successor to his debut film. The movie was allegedly prevented from screening in theatres, prompting protests and legal action. Later, India’s Supreme Court directed the West Bengal government to pay Rs 20 lakh in compensation to the film’s producer, Kalyanmoy Billy Chatterjee, and imposed an additional fine of Rs 1 lakh on the state. In its observation, the court said, “Free speech cannot be gagged for fear of the mob.” Dutta’s final directorial work was Joto Kando Kolkatatei, featuring actors Abir Chatterjee, Quazi Nawshaba Ahmed and Dulal Lahiri in key roles. Source: NDTV

Oreo has partnered with global K-pop sensation BTS to launch a special edition cookie inspired by Korean flavours and designed to appeal to fans around the world. The limited-edition BTS Oreos will go on sale online from June 1 and in stores from June 8, according to parent company Mondelez. The cookies will be available in more than 80 markets, making it the brand’s largest global collaboration so far. The special Oreos feature purple-coloured wafers, inspired by BTS’s signature colour, along with 13 unique designs stamped on the biscuits. These include the names of the seven band members and an outline of the group’s concert light stick. The cream filling is designed to taste like “hotteok,” a popular Korean street food pancake filled with brown sugar. BTS said in a statement that the collaboration is meaningful to them as Oreo is one of the first global snack brands they have worked with. The group added that the flavour reflects a taste of home they are now sharing with fans worldwide. Mondelez said the cookies are being released for a limited time, though the company did not disclose production numbers. Company officials said the goal was to balance authentic Korean flavours with Oreo’s global appeal. They added that the development process took around two years, with several flavour options considered before choosing hotteok. Experts say the launch comes at a time when consumers are increasingly interested in international foods, driven by social media trends and easier access to global ingredients. Popular platforms like TikTok have helped boost interest in dishes such as hotteok, while international grocery chains and food delivery services have made global cuisine more accessible. Oreo has previously collaborated with brands and celebrities including Coca-Cola, Selena Gomez, and K-pop group Blackpink, as well as launching region-specific flavours in different countries. BTS also has a strong history of food-related partnerships, including a global meal collaboration with McDonald’s in 2021 and other Korean food product launches. Mondelez said such collaborations help the brand stay relevant among younger consumers while expanding its global reach. The company added that it continues to explore new partnerships that connect with local cultures while appealing to a worldwide audience.