United News of Bangladesh

Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga has praised the Mahesh Babu-backed psychological drama Rao Bahadur, calling it a rare film that reminds audiences why they love cinema. After watching the film, the Animal director shared his appreciation on X, applauding its storytelling, performances and filmmaking. He urged movie lovers to give the film a chance. "Just watched Rao Bahadur. This is one of those rare, rich films that reminds you why we fell in love with cinema in the first place," Vanga wrote. "I have one request to every genuine film lover... give this film three hours of your life. It deserves your attention, your patience, and your applause," he added. Vanga also praised director Venkatesh Maha for bringing his vision to life despite budget limitations, saying it required courage and conviction. He described lead actor Satyadev's performance as "sensational" and commended the entire team for delivering "pure filmmaking" without relying on shortcuts. His praise comes shortly after actor Mahesh Babu also applauded the film following a special screening. Mahesh Babu described Rao Bahadur as a gripping and emotionally powerful film with unique storytelling. He praised director Venkatesh Maha for creating a compelling cinematic world and lauded Satyadev's performance in the lead role. He also appreciated Deepa Thomas, the supporting cast and the technical team, saying he was proud of everyone involved and encouraged audiences to watch the film in theatres. Rao Bahadur, which stars Satyadev in the title role, has been receiving positive feedback from both audiences and members of the film industry for its unconventional storytelling and strong technical quality. Mahesh Babu and his wife Namrata Shirodkar are presenting the film under their banner, GMB Entertainment. Written, directed and edited by Venkatesh Maha, the film also stars Deepa Thomas and Vikas Muppala. Set against the backdrop of a once-prominent aristocratic family, Rao Bahadur blends psychological drama, suspense, dark comedy and magical realism to tell its story. Source: NDTV

New Zealand actor Sam Neill, the acclaimed performer known for his roles in blockbuster films such as Jurassic Park and The Piano, has died at the age of 78, his family announced. Neill died on Monday in Sydney, according to a statement shared on his official social media accounts. The statement described his death as “sudden and unexpected” and said he was surrounded by family at the time of his passing. The family added that Neill had remained cancer-free when he died. No cause of death was disclosed. In 2023, Neill revealed that he had been diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. “Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life,” his family said. Neill became internationally recognised during the rise of Australian cinema in the late 1970s and built a career spanning independent films, Hollywood blockbusters and television dramas. He first gained global attention through films such as Gillian Armstrong’s 1979 drama My Brilliant Career and Phillip Noyce’s thriller Dead Calm, which also featured a young Nicole Kidman. His wide-ranging performances included roles opposite Helena Bonham Carter in Sweet Revenge, as Holly Hunter’s husband in The Piano, and as a troubled astronaut in the science-fiction horror film Event Horizon. He also portrayed Damien Thorn in Omen III: The Final Conflict and Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in the television series The Tudors. Neill twice worked alongside Meryl Streep in Plenty and A Cry in the Dark. He earned Emmy nominations for his performance in the 1998 miniseries Merlin and for narrating the 2017 documentary series Wild New Zealand. His most recognisable role came in Steven Spielberg’s 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park, where he played palaeontologist Dr Alan Grant. The film, featuring Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum and Richard Attenborough, became one of the biggest successes of his career. Neill reprised the role in Jurassic Park III in 2001 and returned for Jurassic World: Dominion in 2022. Born Nigel Neill in Northern Ireland in 1947, he moved with his family to New Zealand when he was seven. He later adopted the name Sam because, as he explained in interviews, there were too many people named Nigel at his school. Raised in Dunedin, Neill began his acting career in New Zealand and starred in Sleeping Dogs in 1977, the country's first feature film in more than a decade. His other notable film roles included a Soviet submarine officer in The Hunt for Red October and an investigator in John Carpenter’s In the Mouth of Madness. On television, he appeared as Chester Campbell in Peaky Blinders, played Thomas Jefferson in Sally Hemings: An American Tragedy, starred in Apple TV+’s Invasion, and appeared opposite Annette Bening in the 2024 series Apples Never Fall. In New Zealand, Neill was admired for his humble personality and reluctance to embrace celebrity status. He frequently shared pictures of his farm animals on social media, naming some after famous friends and colleagues, including a chicken named Laura Dern, a duck named Kylie Minogue and a cow named Helena Bonham Carter. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid tribute to Neill, calling him “one of the greats” and praising his role in bringing New Zealand stories to global audiences. Beyond acting, Neill was also a winemaker and produced pinot noir and riesling under his Two Paddocks label from his vineyard in Central Otago. His memoir, Did I Ever Tell You This?, was published in 2023. The same year, he received a knighthood for his outstanding contribution to film. Reflecting on his cancer diagnosis and treatment in a 2023 interview, Neill said the difficult period had deepened his appreciation for life and friendships. He is survived by his four children and eight grandchildren.  

Filmmaker Md. Borhanul Ashekin (Borhan Khan) has been honoured with the prestigious Best Short Film Director award at the AJFB Star Awards 2025 for his socially conscious short film, Blind Road. The award was presented at a gala ceremony held recently at the BIAM Auditorium in the capital. Organised by the Artist and Journalist Foundation of Bangladesh (AJFB), the 19th edition of the awards celebrated outstanding achievements by established stars and emerging talents in the country's film and music industries. The evening featured vibrant cultural performances, adding to the grandeur of the ceremony and making it a memorable occasion for the attendees. Beyond his creative pursuits, Borhanul Ashekin is a successful textile entrepreneur with extensive experience in international garment exports. Despite his professional commitments in business, his passion for the arts has remained a driving force. His ability to balance entrepreneurial success with social responsibility has resonated well with audiences. As a social activist, he has frequently stepped forward to support the community; notably, he gained significant recognition and acclaim for his COVID-19 awareness campaign, ‘Pashe Achi’ (I Am By Your Side). In addition to filmmaking, Borhanul Ashekin is an accomplished author. He has published several literary works, with his poetry collection ‘Sobuj Prem’ (Green Love) receiving notable appreciation from readers at the 2019 Amar Ekushey Book Fair. Active in the media industry for years, Borhan Khan has demonstrated his expertise through television dramas, commercials, and documentaries. His commitment to socially conscious and life-oriented storytelling is evident in his work. Speaking about the recognition, Borhan Khan said, “Cinema is not merely a medium of entertainment; it is a powerful tool for social change. ‘Blind Road’ is a very special project for me, and this award represents the love and trust the audience has placed in my work.”    

The excitement surrounding Argentina's World Cup quarterfinal against Switzerland reached beyond the stadium on Saturday, as the stars of the hit Apple TV series Ted Lasso joined fans in Kansas City to celebrate the tournament. Actor Jason Sudeikis, who plays fictional AFC Richmond coach Ted Lasso, hosted a watch party at CPKC Stadium while Lionel Messi's Argentina played Switzerland at nearby Arrowhead Stadium for a place in the semifinals. Dustin Hoffman, Sachin Tendulkar among celebrities attending Wimbledon semifinals Sudeikis said his appreciation for football had grown since working on the show and noted that many scenes from the upcoming fourth season, which premieres on Aug. 5, were filmed around Kansas City, including CPKC Stadium, home of the National Women's Soccer League's Kansas City Current. Actress Juno Temple, who plays Keeley Jones, said she was excited that the new season would focus on AFC Richmond's newly formed women's team, adding that she hoped viewers would value its emphasis on women's football. Brendan Hunt, who portrays Coach Beard and also writes for the show, said Ted Lasso had helped introduce many viewers to football. Comparing the current World Cup with the 1994 tournament hosted by the United States, he said American fans were now far more engaged with the sport. Hunt jokingly described the timing of the show's return after the World Cup as more than just a coincidence.

Hollywood actor Dustin Hoffman and Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar were among the high-profile guests at Wimbledon on Friday as defending champion Jannik Sinner faced Novak Djokovic in the men's singles semifinal on Centre Court. Several well-known British actors, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Hugh Laurie and Damian Lewis, watched the match from the Royal Box. Fashion designer Tom Ford and Vogue editor Anna Wintour were also among the invited guests. Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of cricket's greatest players, retired in 2013 after playing his 200th Test match. Wimbledon described him as "cricket royalty." Former West Indies captain Brian Lara also attended the match from the Royal Box, which is reserved for special guests invited by the All England Club. Liverpool captain and Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk was another notable spectator. The Dutch team was eliminated in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup. Oscar-winning actor Dustin Hoffman, 88, attended the match but was not seated in the Royal Box. He had been a guest there during last year's tournament. Earlier on Centre Court, Germany's Alexander Zverev secured a place in Sunday's Wimbledon final after defeating British wild card Arthur Fery.  

Christopher Nolan's upcoming film The Odyssey brings Homer's ancient Greek epic to the big screen with a star-studded cast, aiming to make the classic story easy for modern audiences to enjoy. Nolan said viewers do not need to be familiar with the original poem to follow the film. "It's something that we all know a little bit about, some of us know a lot about it, some of us know nothing about it," Nolan told The Associated Press. "We're making the film for that whole range of people's relationship with this foundational text." The film will be released in theatres on July 17. Here is a look at the main characters and the actors portraying them: ·         Matt Damon plays Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, whose long and dangerous journey home after the Trojan War forms the heart of the story. Damon described Odysseus as a deeply human character who struggles with the consequences of his own decisions. ·         Anne Hathaway portrays Penelope, Odysseus's loyal wife, who waits 20 years for his return while resisting more than 100 men seeking to marry her and claim the throne of Ithaca. ·         Tom Holland stars as Telemachus, the son of Odysseus and Penelope. Having grown up without knowing his father, he sets out to learn what happened to him. Nolan said the film is both a homecoming story and a coming-of-age adventure. ·         Robert Pattinson plays Antinous, the leading suitor trying to marry Penelope. Nolan said Pattinson gives the character a memorable mix of menace and dark humour. ·         Zendaya appears as Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, who guides Odysseus throughout his journey. Zendaya said she wanted to present the goddess with both strength and humanity. ·         Lupita Nyong'o takes on two roles — Helen of Sparta, whose abduction sparked the Trojan War, and her sister Clytemnestra. She said the film explores the lasting emotional cost of war rather than simply retelling familiar myths. ·         Charlize Theron plays Calypso, the nymph who keeps Odysseus on her island during his long voyage home. ·         John Leguizamo portrays Eumaeus, the faithful swineherd who remains loyal to Odysseus despite his long absence. In the film, the character is nearly blind as a tribute to Homer, who some historians believe was blind. ·         Jon Bernthal appears as Menelaus, the King of Sparta and husband of Helen, who shares memories of Odysseus with Telemachus. ·         Benny Safdie plays Agamemnon, commander of the Greek forces during the Trojan War. ·         Samantha Morton portrays Circe, the powerful sorceress who crosses paths with Odysseus and his crew. ·         Himesh Patel plays Eurylochus, Odysseus's trusted second-in-command who accompanies him through many of the epic's greatest challenges. ·         Elliot Page appears as Sinon, a veteran of the Trojan War drawn from Greek mythology. ·         Bill Irwin portrays the Cyclops, the one-eyed giant and son of Poseidon. Nolan said the production combined puppetry, animatronics and computer-generated effects to bring the character to life while giving him emotional depth rather than presenting him as simply a monster. ·         Mia Goth plays Melantho, one of Penelope's servants. ·         Corey Hawkins portrays Polybus, one of Penelope's suitors. ·         Travis Scott appears as a bard in the royal court of Ithaca. With its mix of myth, adventure and an all-star cast, Nolan's adaptation aims to introduce one of literature's greatest stories to a new generation of moviegoers.  

Paris Haute Couture Week ended on Thursday after four days of dramatic fashion shows that highlighted three major themes — the human body, fantasy and technology — as designers unveiled creations blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. One of the week's biggest highlights was designer Pierpaolo Piccioli's first haute couture collection for Balenciaga, presented on Wednesday before celebrities including Demi Moore, Cynthia Erivo and Gigi Hadid. Piccioli's collection featured oversized gowns, hooded feather designs and a dramatic finale with Hadid wearing a creation covered in rooster feathers. He received a standing ovation after appearing on the runway with his entire atelier dressed in white coats. The show marked Balenciaga's biggest haute couture presentation since the fashion house revived its couture line in 2020. Around 30 fashion houses, including five making their couture debut, explored different ways of presenting the human form. Some designs revealed the body, while others hid or reshaped it with dramatic silhouettes and sculptural garments. At Armani Privé, designer Silvana Armani presented a collection titled "Boudoir" that focused on elegance rather than revealing clothing. The show featured embroidered garments, tailored jackets and subtle details that balanced modesty with style. Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett attended the show alongside Rosamund Pike and **Anna Wintour>. At Schiaparelli, designer Daniel Roseberry experimented with body-inspired creations, including sculpted corsets, silicone details and inflatable elements, giving the collection a futuristic appearance. Piccioli at Balenciaga and Dutch designer Iris van Herpen took a different approach by using oversized shapes and delicate handcrafted materials that almost completely concealed the human figure. Fantasy was another major theme throughout the week, with designers presenting collections inspired by fairy tales, classic Hollywood and nature against the backdrop of a summer heat wave and global uncertainty. Elie Saab showcased glamorous evening wear inspired by Truman Capote's famous 1966 Black and White Ball and old Hollywood stars such as Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Zuhair Murad presented richly decorated designs inspired by gardens, flowers and butterflies, while Stéphane Rolland paid tribute to late singer Dalida with an almost entirely white collection. At Chanel, new designer Matthieu Blazy transformed the Grand Palais into a fairy-tale setting with giant beanstalks, pea-pod-shaped heels and golden eggs. At Dior, Jonathan Anderson presented sculptural designs inspired by American artist Lynda Benglis. Technology also played a central role during the week as designers explored new materials while emphasising the value of hand craftsmanship. Schiaparelli used unusual handmade materials including baked fish scales, painted surfaces and hand-shaped silicone. Van Herpen experimented with science by exposing one dress to a particle accelerator before the show. The garment was intended to produce electrical effects on the runway, although the experiment affected the fabric before the presentation. Balenciaga also introduced garments made with laboratory-grown Amsilk silk, which the fashion house says is stronger than steel. Despite the growing use of technology, designers across Paris couture week stressed that traditional handcraft remains at the heart of haute couture, combining innovation with the artistry that defines the world's most exclusive fashion collections.  

Lebanese authorities on Wednesday released singer-turned-militant Fadel Shaker on bail after he spent several months in custody awaiting a retrial on charges including membership in an armed group and money laundering, judicial officials said. Shaker surrendered to Lebanon's military intelligence in October last year after spending 12 years in hiding in the Palestinian refugee camp of Ein el-Hilweh near the southern port city of Sidon. He had been convicted in absentia in 2020 and sentenced to 22 years in prison for supporting what authorities described as a terrorist group following deadly clashes between Sunni militants and the Lebanese army near Sidon in 2013. According to four judicial officials, Shaker paid bail of 500 million Lebanese pounds (about $5,500) before being released on Wednesday. Before his release, he was questioned over several allegations, including belonging to an armed group, financing militant groups, money laundering and his alleged involvement in the 2013 Sidon clashes. The officials said the investigation is still ongoing and none of the cases against him has been closed. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the case publicly. After leaving the military facility on the outskirts of Beirut where he had been detained, Shaker moved into a rented apartment, the officials said. Neither Shaker nor his lawyer responded to requests for comment. Under Lebanese law, Shaker's earlier conviction was cancelled after he surrendered, allowing him to face a new trial that began in January. During the court proceedings, Shaker said he had once been close to Sunni cleric Ahmed al-Assir but claimed he had later fallen out with him before the 2013 violence. He also testified that he had received threats from Hezbollah and supporters of former Syrian President Bashar Assad. Shaker repeatedly denied taking part in the fighting near Sidon. In 2017, al-Assir was convicted and sentenced to death for his role in the clashes, which killed 18 Lebanese soldiers after a two-year trial. He remains on death row. However, prosecutors have pointed to a video posted on YouTube during the 2013 fighting that appears to show a bearded Shaker insulting his opponents and mocking the Lebanese military while referring to the deaths of two pro-Hezbollah fighters. The clashes intensified sectarian tensions between Lebanon's Sunni and Shiite communities at a time when the civil war in neighbouring Syria was fuelling divisions. Hezbollah had backed Assad's government, while many Sunni militants supported rebel groups fighting to overthrow him. Before becoming involved in militant circles, Shaker was one of the Arab world's most popular singers, rising to fame with a hit song released in 2002. Many fans were surprised when he later appeared alongside al-Assir at public rallies and announced he was giving up music to focus on religion. Despite remaining a fugitive for years, Shaker continued releasing songs, including one with his son Mohammed last July that became widely popular across the Arab world.

Veteran actor Kanwaljit Singh has criticised the removal of Diljit Dosanjh's film Satluj from the streaming platform ZEE5, questioning the state of freedom of speech in India. The film, based on activist Jaswant Singh Khalra's efforts to expose alleged mass killings during Punjab's militancy era, was taken down from ZEE5 within 48 hours of its release. The move has drawn criticism from actors, directors and other members of the creative community. Kanwaljit, who portrayed a Punjab police director general (DGP) in the film, said he was surprised by the decision. "I spoke to Honey after the film was taken down, and he has said that they will be taking the matter to court. But what I don't understand is why they had to take it off? Even people who weren't going to see it will want to see it now. It has also been downloaded by so many people, so even though lots of people would be watching it, the producers will be losing out. But I want to ask, what is this freedom of speech? Tell me, I really want to know. That right is being strangled," Kanwaljit told The Free Press Journal. Responding to speculation that his character was based on former Punjab Director General of Police KPS Gill, Kanwaljit said the role was not modelled on any one individual. "People are assuming that I'm playing Gill. However, the brief I followed was to study clippings of different DGPs and police chiefs, and I also have a friend who is a retired DGP with whom I discussed how the character should be," he said. Originally titled Panjab 95, Satluj was submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022 but has yet to receive a clearance certificate. The filmmakers had earlier alleged that the CBFC sought 127 cuts before certification. The film was also scheduled to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023, but the screening was reportedly cancelled following objections from Indian authorities. Despite the certification issues, Satluj was quietly released on ZEE5 on July 3 without any promotional campaign. However, after the film began receiving positive reviews, it was removed from the platform. In a statement, ZEE5 said it continues to support the film but, without specifying the reason for its removal, stated that "in light of current developments" the film is currently unavailable for streaming. #From NDTV

British pop star Harry Styles has earned a Guinness World Record after completing 12 consecutive sold-out concerts at Wembley Stadium, setting a new mark for the longest concert residency by a musician at the iconic venue. The 32-year-old singer surpassed the previous record of 10 Wembley shows, set by Coldplay in 2025. Guinness World Records adjudicator Will Munford praised the achievement, saying Styles' 12-show run highlighted the scale, ambition and cultural impact of his live performances, as well as his strong connection with fans. Styles began the London leg of his Together, Together tour on June 12, with the final performance held on Saturday before an audience of about 80,000. During the closing concert, Styles reflected on his journey with former boy band One Direction and thanked his bandmates for their role in his career. "I wouldn't be on this stage if it wasn't for four friends of mine that were a massive part of this journey," he told the crowd. He thanked Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Liam Payne, saying their friendship and shared experiences made his success possible. One Direction was formed in 2010 on the television talent show The X Factor and went on an indefinite break in 2016. Former band member Liam Payne died in 2024 at the age of 31. Styles also looked back on his early career, noting that it had been 16 years since he first appeared on The X Factor, which was filmed next to Wembley Stadium. He said returning to Wembley always brought back memories and thanked fans for their continued support. After launching his solo career in 2017, Styles has won six Brit Awards, three Grammy Awards and two Ivor Novello Awards. His fourth studio album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally, was released in January. Before Saturday's concert, Wembley Stadium unveiled a commemorative banner recognizing the record. In a post on X, the stadium wrote: "12 shows. One record. A place in Wembley history." The Wembley residency was initially planned for six concerts but was expanded to 12 because of overwhelming demand. London was the only UK stop on Styles' current tour. Other artists to stage extended runs at Wembley include Taylor Swift, who performed eight concerts at the stadium in 2024. Following the record-breaking achievement, Styles' mother, Anne Twist, shared childhood photos of the singer alongside his sister Gemma, as well as pictures from Saturday's concert. In a social media post, she said she had believed since 1996 that her son would one day perform on stage, though she never imagined he would go on to break records and become the kind of person "the world needs right now." Source: BBC