entertainment
Harvey Weinstein found guilty of rape in Los Angeles trial
After a month-long trial and nine days of deliberations, Los Angeles jurors on Monday found Harvey Weinstein guilty of the rape and sexual assault of just one of the four accusers he was charged with abusing.
But the three guilty counts involving an Italian actor and model known at the trial as Jane Doe 1 still struck a major blow against the disgraced movie mogul, and provided another #MeToo moment of reckoning, five years after he became a magnet for the movement.
Weinstein, 70, who is two years into a 23-year sentence for a rape and sexual assault conviction in New York that is under appeal, could get up to 24 years in prison in California when he's sentenced.
He was found guilty of rape, forced oral copulation and another sexual misconduct count involving the woman who said he appeared uninvited at her hotel room door during a Los Angeles film festival in 2013.
“Harvey Weinstein forever destroyed a part of me that night in 2013 and I will never get that back. The criminal trial was brutal and Weinstein’s lawyers put me through hell on the witness stand, but I knew I had to see this through to the end, and I did,” the woman said in a statement after the verdict. "I hope Weinstein never sees the outside of a prison cell during his lifetime.”
Read more: Harvey Weinstein charged with 3 more rapes in California
Weinstein was acquitted of a sexual battery allegation made by a massage therapist who treated him at a hotel in 2010.
The jury was unable to reach a decision on counts involving two accusers, notably rape and sexual assault charges involving Jennifer Siebel Newsom, a documentary filmmaker and the wife of California Gov. Gavin Newsom. A mistrial was declared on those counts.
Weinstein looked down at the table and appeared to put his face in his hands when the initial guilty counts were read. He looked forward as the rest of the verdict was read.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys had no immediate comment on the verdict.
“Harvey Weinstein will never be able to rape another woman. He will spend the rest of his life behind bars where he belongs,” Siebel Newsom said in a statement. “Throughout the trial, Weinstein’s lawyers used sexism, misogyny, and bullying tactics to intimidate, demean, and ridicule us survivors. The trial was a stark reminder that we as a society have work to do.”
Siebel Newsom's intense and dramatic testimony, in which she described being raped by Weinstein in a hotel room in 2005, brought the trial its most dramatic moments. But only eight of the 12 jurors agreed to find Weinstein guilty of those counts.
Jurors were deadlocked 10-2 on a sexual battery count involving Lauren Young, the only accuser who testified at both Weinstein trials. She said she was a model aspiring to be an actor and screenwriter who was meeting with Weinstein about a script in 2013 when he trapped her in a hotel bathroom, groped her and masturbated in front of her.
Read more: Prosecutors say Harvey Weinstein deserves a harsh sentence
Lacking any forensic evidence or eyewitness accounts of years-old allegations, the case hinged heavily on the stories and credibility of the four women at the center of the charges.
The women’s stories echoed the allegations of dozens of others who have emerged since Weinstein became a #MeToo lightning rod starting with stories in the New York Times in 2017. A movie about that reporting, “She Said,” was released during the trial, and jurors were repeatedly warned not to see it.
It was the defense that made #MeToo an issue during the trial, however, emphasizing that none of the four women went to the authorities until after the movement made Weinstein a target.
Defense lawyers said two of the women — including the one he would be found guilty of raping — were entirely lying about their encounters with Weinstein. They said the other two had “100% consensual” sexual interactions that they later reframed.
Defense attorneys said during the trial that if Siebel Newsom hadn't reached her later prominence she would be "just another bimbo who slept with Harvey Weinstein to get ahead in Hollywood.”
“Regret is not the same thing as rape,” Weinstein attorney Alan Jackson said in his closing argument.
He urged jurors to look past the the women’s emotional testimony and focus on the factual evidence.
“‘Believe us because we’re mad, believe us because we cried,’” Jackson said jurors were being asked to do. “Well, fury does not make fact. And tears do not make truth.”
All the women involved in the charges went by Jane Doe in court. The Associated Press does not typically name people who say they have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly or agree to be named through their attorneys, as the women named here did.
Prosecutors called 40 other witnesses in an attempt to give context and corroboration to those stories. Four were other women who were not part of the charges but testified that Weinstein raped or sexually assaulted them. They were brought to the stand to establish a pattern of sexual predation.
Weinstein beat four other felony charges before the trial even ended when prosecutors said a woman he was charged with raping twice and sexually assaulting twice would not appear to testify. They declined to give a reason. Judge Lisa Lench dismissed those charges.
Weinstein’s latest conviction hands a victory to victims of sexual misconduct of famous men in the wake of some legal setbacks, including the dismissal of Bill Cosby’s conviction last year. The rape trial of “That ’70s Show” actor Danny Masterson, held simultaneously and just down the hall from Weinstein’s, ended in a mistrial. And actor Kevin Spacey was victorious at a sexual battery civil trial in New York last month.
Weinstein’s New York conviction survived an initial appeal, but the case is set to be heard by the state’s highest court next year. The California conviction, also likely to be appealed, means he will not walk free even if the East Coast conviction is thrown out.
Victory Day celebrated with enthralling cultural festivities in city
Several renowned cultural organisations hosted various events across the country to celebrate the 52nd Victory Day of Bangladesh with festivities.
Organisations and institutions, namely Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), Chhayanaut, Liberation War Museum (LWM), Sammilita Sangskritik Jote, Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigosthi and others hosted cultural shows and discussions at different venues on Friday and Saturday.
The festivities in the city began with a three-day ‘Bijoymela’ organised by Bangla Academy on December 15 at its Nazrul Mancha. State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid inaugurated the event, which was comprised of a seminar on December 15 at the Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharad Auditorium.
Bangla Academy staff alongside its Director General poet Nurul Huda placed floral wreaths at the National Martyrs Memorial on Victory Day, and the ‘Bijoymela’ was concluded on Saturday.
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) staff and artistes also placed floral wreaths at the National Martyrs’ Memorial and organised several cultural events throughout Friday. The cultural shows comprised patriotic songs, recitations, dance and a special performance segment with child artists at the Nandan Mancha on the BSA, featuring child artistes from Sporsho Braille, and a dance recital by differently abled children’s troupe Karishma Cultural Group.
Returning after two years since its maiden edition in 2015, cultural institution Chhayanaut organised a programme at the Dhaka University Central Playground featuring solo and group songs, recitations and dance recitals. The event was on a hiatus due to Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and Dhaka University Birth Centenary events in 2021.
Read more: Cultural orgs celebrate Victory Day amid festivities
Chhayanaut artistes performed eight group songs and two solo songs compiled with dance recitals, and recitations by Jayanto Chattopadhyay at the event. The festivity concluded at 4:31 pm with a group song performance along with the audience, marking the exact moment when the Pakistan Military surrendered to the allied forces of Bangladesh and India in 1971.
5 Best Movies of Hollywood Superstar Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt is one of the most heartthrob actors that the 21st-century movie generation thinks of when it comes to Hollywood. Starting his acting career in 1987, Brady Pitt has reached the pinnacle of success in the American entertainment industry. Besides the marvelous performance on the silver screen, the accomplished actor captivates the fans with his chiseled abs, handsome face, and attractive look. This brilliantly flexible performer has showcased his acting charisma in a variety of movies. But which are the best among his works? Let’s take a look at the 5 most popular movies of Brad Pitt.
Top 5 Movies of the Veteran Hollywood Star Brad Pitt
Moneyball (2011)
Sport Genre / IMDb: 7.6
Directed by Bennett Miller, this American sports movie is written by Aaron Sorkin and Steven Zaillian. They adapted the entire screenplay from a story by Stan Chervin. Chervin's story was originally based on Michael Lewis' 2003 nonfiction book "Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game." The story of the film revolves around the Oakland Athletics baseball team and their manager's efforts to build a successful baseball team.
Read More: 10 Netflix Shows to Watch during Christmas & New Year Holidays
Brad Pitt's performance here was more like a mild spice in the curry. His ability to portray a guardian character was unprecedently impressive. The strength to take on such a role can only come from direct real-life experience.
10 Netflix Shows to Watch during Christmas & New Year Holidays
As the Christmas and new year vacations are approaching, people are making plans to spend these days joyously. The silver screen mingled with the Christmas vibe always doubles this expectation. The web-series and movie lovers are looking for exciting shows to watch. Popular OTT platform Netflix has brought a bunch of new shows targeting these festivals. Let’s take a look at 10 Netflix movies and web series to watch on Christmas and New Year vacation times.
10 New Netflix Shows to Celebrate Christmas and New Year
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol
Release: November 18, 2022
The famous 1970 film Scrooge has been remade by director Stephen Donnelly. The screenplay for this 2022 version of A Christmas Carol was written by Donnelly and Leslie Bricks. Leslie has also written a new theme song for this fantasy musical film.
The computer-animated film features voiceovers by Luke Evans, Jessie Buckley, Olivia Colman, Jonathan Pryce, Trevor Dion Nicholas, Johnny Flynn, and James Cosmo.
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Guillermo Del Toro's Pinocchio
Release: November 24, 2022
Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro has adapted this time Carlo Collodi's famous 1883 Italian novel The Adventures of Pinocchio. Matthew Robbins and Del Toro himself jointly rewrote the 1930 story of the renowned character. Toro then turned their story into a screenplay, collaborating with Patrick McHale.
Mark Gustafson teamed up with del Toro to direct the film with stop-motion animation based on Grease Grimley's designs for the 2002 version of Pinocchio. The animated characters in the musical film are voiced by Ewan McGregor, Gregory Mann, David Bradley, Bern Gorman, John Turturro, Ron Perlman, Finn Wolfhard, Tim Blake Nelson, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, and Christoph Waltz.
Lady Chatterley's Lover
Release: November 25, 2022
Lady Chatterley's Lover is originally a 1928 novel by English author D. H. Lawrence, which was the last work of his life. Based on the novel, David Magee wrote the screenplay of this romantic film. Directed by Laure de Clermont-Toner, the movie stars Jack O'Connell and Emma Corinne.
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It is the story of a depressed aristocratic woman who develops an unorthodox relationship with the gamekeeper of her husband's estate. The solid performances of the actors and the freshness of the mature story have made it stand out.
The Noel Diary
Release: November 24, 2022
Noel's Diary is the story of a man who returns to his village home for Christmas and encounters a forgotten past. The main focus here is a diary where an important chapter of his life is carefully hidden, all of which is covered by a beautiful woman.
The screenplay of the Christmas-themed movie was done by a team of four writers- David Golden, Rebecca Connor, Richard Paul Evans, and Charles Shire. Directed by Charles Shire, the casting of the romantic comedy film includes Essence Atkins, Justin Hartley, James Reimer, Barrett Doss, and Bonnie Bedelia.
Read More: 5 Must-Watch Movies of Rajinikanth
The Swimmers
Release: November 11, 2022
This biographical film is set against the backdrop of war-torn Syria. Yushra and Sara, two sisters, embarked on a terrifying adventure with the dream of becoming a swimming champion. Sally El Hosseini did the screenplay as well as the direction for the drama movie.
In the screenplay, she was accompanied by Jack Thorne. In the role of Yushra and Sara, the film casts Nathalie Issa and Manal Issa, who are also sisters in real life. Moreover, the film stars Kinda Alosh, Ahmed Malek, Matthias Schweiger, James Krishna Floyd, Ali Suliman, and Elmi Rashid Elmi.
Entergalactic
Release: September 30, 2022
Entergalactic is a must-watch TV special for fans of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The animated film was created by Kid Cudi, who is a musician and actor at the same time. This movie has basically served as the visual representation of the album which was released prior to this film.
Read More: Jaya Ahsan’s Bollywood debut confirmed as photos emerge with Pankaj Tripathi, other co-actors
Fletcher Moles directed the musical film in which Cuddy himself lent his voice in the title role. Other voiceover artists include Jessica Williams, Timothée Chalamet, Laura Harrier, Jaden Smith, Ty Dolla Sign, Vanessa Hudgens, 070 Shake, Christopher Abbott, Teyana Taylor, Macaulay Culkin, Keith David, and Arturo Castro.
Wednesday
Release: November 23, 2022
It is a standalone series based on the character Wednesday Addams from the popular TV series The Addams Family. Alfred Gough and Miles Miller created this comedy horror series. The title role is played by Jenna Ortega, who is seen trying to solve the mystery of her school's monster.
The coming-of-age series also stars Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzman, Christina Ricci, Isaac Ordonez, Riki Lindholm, Gwendoline Christie, Jamie McShane, and Fred Armisen. Acclaimed horror and thriller filmmaker Tim Burton directed four out of the eight episodes of the supernatural mystery show.
Read More: 10 Best South Indian Movies Releasing in December 2022
Enola Holmes 2
Release: October 27, 2022
Harry Bradbeer has already introduced the sister of Sherlock Holmes, the world-famous fictional character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The main story was taken from American author Nancy Springer's book The Enola Holmes Mysteries. By this time, this is the second feature-length screen appearance of Enola Holmes under the screenplay by Jack Thorne.
The popular drama series Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown played the title role. And Superman-fame Henry Cavill has played the role of Sherlock Holmes. The mystery movie also stars Louis Partridge, Helena Bonham Carter, Susie Okuma, and Adil Akhtar in other roles.
The Good Nurse
Release: September 11, 2022
Christy Wilson-Kearns Charles screenplays the drama film based on the story of Graeber's 2013 book The Good Nurse. Here, director Tobias Lindholm shows from a nurse’s point of view how a notorious caregiver becomes a serial killer in a hospital.
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The movie stars Oscar-winning actresses Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne in lead roles. Other performers include Kim Dickens, Nnamdi Asomugha, and Noah Emmerich. The film received the most views in Netflix history on October 27, 2022, the day after its release on Netflix.
Along for the Ride
Release: May 6, 2022
One summer before college, Auden met fellow insomniac, Eli. While the entire seaside town sleeps, they embark on a strange adventure to experience a free and independent life.
This is the story of Sarah Dessen's novel Along for the Ride. And Sofia Alvarez used this novel to come up with the screenplay for her own directed romantic-comedy film. She kept the title of the novel unchanged for the movie. The film stars Belmont Cameli, Emma Passaro, Kate Bosworth, Andy McDowell, Laura Kariuki, and Dermot Mulroney.
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Summing Up
These 10 new Netflix shows for Christmas and New Year can make the holiday season exhilarating for any cinephile. Not just a mere time pass, watching these movies and series with loved ones can be an everlasting memory. These shows can surely serve as great companions for introverts to laugh, cry, fear and wonder.
Rare images capturing a nation’s valour and its founding father’s charisma
On the eve of Bangladesh’s Victory Day, the exhibition titled ‘Witnessing History in the Making: Photographs by Anne de Henning’ was inaugurated at the Liberation War Museum in Dhaka.
The exhibition, curated by Ruxmini Reckvana Q Choudhury, showcases some rare and iconic photographs that celebrate Bangladesh’s indomitable courage during the 1971 Liberation War against Pakistani military and the man who led the nation during its most trying and finest hour, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
On Thursday, the exhibition was inaugurated with the presence of State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources and Trustee of Center for Research and Information (CRI) Nasrul Hamid, Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni, Director of Samdani Art Foundation Nadia Samdani, State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid, State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak and others.
Renowned French photographer Anne de Henning was supposed to attend the opening of the exhibit, however, she was unable to join due to a flight delay.
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said: "Henning was a fearless young woman. She traveled across Bangladesh to take photos; fear could not stand in her way."
"I told Henning that you only had your camera to accompany you. And then I asked if she was concerned about her safety," Nasrul said.
"She said she knew nothing called fear at that time and was full of courage, and the photos that she took are a testament to that. Only one name – 'Mujib' – inspired her in her journey. She came to Bangladesh again in 1972 to discover more about her source of inspiration."
"As Henning came here, she found Sheikh Mujibur Rahman sitting on the stage. The colourful photos of that time can be seen at this exhibition," Nasrul said.
Cosmos Foundation showcases brilliant artworks of Alexandru Poteca and Maksuda Iqbal Nipa
In celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Romania and Bangladesh and the 104th Independence Day of Romania, Cosmos Foundation hosted an exclusive exhibition in the capital on Monday night.
The special exhibition was held at the Garden Gallery of the Baridhara residence of Enayetullah Khan, Honorary Consul of Romania in Bangladesh, Editor-in-Chief of UNB and Dhaka Courier, and Cosmos Foundation Chairman.
Hosted by Enayetullah Khan and Daniela Sezonov Tane, Romanian Ambassador to India, Nepal and Bangladesh, the exhibition showcased seven unique artworks by visiting Romanian artist-sculptor Alexandru Poteca and ten paintings of renowned Bangladeshi artist Maksuda Iqbal Nipa.
The event was joined by noted personalities and dignitaries including politicians, diplomats and business leaders.
Regarding the event, Enayetullah Khan said, "This is a very important event for us, as we are celebrating 50 years of our friendship, our partnership with Romania — a great nation of artists, a great nation of painters — and also it is our pleasure to celebrate the country’s 104th anniversary of independence."
Read more: 23rd Young Artists' Fine Arts Exhibition ends
"Also, this month is emotionally important for us, because this is the month we achieved victory after long sufferings and sacrifices of the millions; and Romania was one of the first few countries in the world to recognise Bangladesh as a sovereign and independent country," he added.
“Struggle”: Gallery Chitrak organises exclusive exhibition on Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin’s artworks
Showcasing 125 majestic artworks of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin, Gallery Chitrak organised an exclusive exhibition titled “Struggle” (Sangram) at Dhanmondi in the capital.
Curated by Sumon Wahed, Assistant Professor at the Dhaka University Department of Fine Art, the exhibition is displaying artworks from the personal collections of the Zainul family, with around 80 artworks being displayed for the first time.
The inaugural ceremony of the exhibition was held on Tuesday evening at Gallery Chitrak, which was inaugurated by eminent artist, art maestro and master painter Rafiqun Nabi.
Summit Group Chairman Muhammed Aziz Khan joined the inauguration ceremony as the special guest, and the ceremony was presided over by popular thespian, former Cultural Affairs Minister and Awami League lawmaker Asaduzzaman Noor.
Advisory committee members of the exhibition including Shilpacharya’s son Engineer Mainul Abedin, DU Faculty of Fine Art Dean Nisar Hossain and DU Department of Bangla Chairman Syed Azizul Huq joined the inauguration ceremony, alongside Gallery Chitrak Executive Director Md Muniruzzaman and other distinguished members from the country’s art sphere.
“Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin was not only an artist and art educator; he was an institution himself. For the first time, Shilpacharya’s 125 majestic artworks from the personal collection of the Abedin family are being exhibited in this exclusive exhibition, and this is a great opportunity for the art admirers to explore the historic and influential artworks of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin,” Rafiqun Nabi said at the event.
Read more: Bashir Ahmed Sujan's solo panoramic photography exhibition begins at AFD
Comedian and actor Adam Sandler to get 2023 Mark Twain Prize
Over the years, The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor has gone to such luminaries as Richard Pryor, Carl Reiner, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, George Carlin and Ellen DeGeneres. Next year, it's going to the guy who made us crack up as Happy Gilmour.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts said Tuesday that Adam Sandler would receive the prestigious award at a gala on March 19.
Read more: Julia Louis-Dreyfus gets a top award for comedy
“Adam Sandler has entertained audiences for over three decades with his films, music, and his tenure as a fan favorite cast member on ‘SNL,’” said Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter in a statement. “Adam has created characters that have made us laugh, cry, and cry from laughing."
The 56-year-old actor-comedian, who this year starred in the well-received Netflix basketball drama-comedy “Hustle,” has created a list of funny films, like “Happy Gilmore,” “Billy Madison,” “Grown Ups,” “Big Daddy,” “The Longest Yard” and “The Waterboy.”
His role as Howard Ratner in “Uncut Gems” garnered Sandler several nominations and awards, including winning the National Board of Review and the Independent Spirit Award.
BTS member Jin begins military duty at frontline boot camp
Jin, the oldest member of K-pop supergroup BTS, began his 18 months of mandatory military service at a frontline South Korean boot camp Tuesday, as fans gathered near the base to say goodbye to their star.
Six other younger BTS members are to join the military in coming years one after another, meaning that the world's biggest boy band must take a hiatus, likely for a few years. Their enlistments have prompted a fierce domestic debate over whether it’s time to revise the country’s conscription system to expand exemptions to include prominent entertainers like BTS, or not to provide such benefits to anyone.
With lawmakers squabbling at Parliament and surveys showing sharply split public opinions over offering exemptions to BTS members, their management agency said in October that all BTS members would perform their compulsory military duties. Big Hit Music said that both the company and the members of BTS “are looking forward to reconvening as a group again around 2025 following their service commitment.”
Read more: BTS' Jin makes guest appearance at Coldplay concert in Argentina
Jin, who turned 30 earlier this month, entered the boot camp at Yeoncheon, a town near the tense border with North Korea, for five weeks of basic military training together with other new conscript soldiers, the Defense Ministry said. After the training involving rifle-shooting, grenade-throwing and marching practices, he and other conscripts would be assigned to army units across the country.
About 20-30 fans — some holding Jin’s photos — and dozens of journalists gathered near the camp. But Jin didn't meet them as a vehicle carrying him moved into the boot camp without getting him out.
“I want to wait (for) Jin and see him go into the military and wish him all the best,” Mandy Lee from Hong Kong said before Jin’s entrance to the camp.
“Actually it’s complicated. I wanna be sad. I wanna be happy for him,” said Angelina from Indonesia. "Mixed feelings. He has to serve (for) his country.” Angelina, like many Indonesians, uses only one name.
Read more: South Korean army appears to want to conscript BTS members
A couple dozen fans could be seen as a small turnout given Jin's huge popularity. But Jin and his management agency had earlier asked fans not to visit the site and notified them there wouldn’t be any special event involving the singer, in order to prevent any issue caused by crowding.
Authorities still mobilized 300 police officers, soldiers, emergency workers and others to maintain order and guard against any accidents, according to the army. Strict safety steps were expected as South Korea is still reeling from the devastating Halloween crush in October in Seoul that killed 158 people.
Hours before entering the camp, Jin — whose real name is Kim Seok-jin — wrote on the on the online fan platform Weverse that “It’s time for a curtain call.” He posted a photo of himself Sunday with a military buzzcut and a message saying, “Ha ha ha. It’s cuter than I had expected.”
By law, all able-bodied South Korean men must serve in the military for 18-21 months under a conscription system established to deal with threats from North Korea. But the law gives special exemptions to athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and ballet and other dancers if they have won top prizes in certain competitions and enhance national prestige. K-pop stars and other entertainers aren’t given such benefits even if they gain worldwide fame and win big international awards.
“Though BTS members have opted to go to the military, there are still some sort of regrets,” said Jung Duk-hyun, a pop culture commentator. “Those in the pop culture sector experience little bit of disadvantages and unfairness, compared with those in the pure art sector or athletes. This will likely continue to be an issue of controversy so I wonder if it must be discussed continuously.”
Exemptions or dodging of duties are a highly sensitive issue in South Korea, where the draft forces young men to suspend their studies or professional careers. Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup and Lee Ki Sik, head of South Korea’s enlistment office, previously said it would be “desirable” for BTS members to fulfill their military duties to ensure fairness in the country’s military service.
Chun In-bum, a retired lieutenant general who commanded South Korea’s special forces, said the government must move to repeal any exemptions as the military’s shrinking recruitment pool is “a very serious” problem amid the country’s declining fertility rate. He called a debate over BTS’s military service “unnecessary” as it wasn’t raised by BTS members, who have shown willingness in carrying out their duties.
BTS was created in 2013 and has a legion of global supporters who call themselves the “Army.” Its other members are RM, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook, who is the youngest at 25. The group expanded its popularity in the West with its 2020 megahit “Dynamite,” the band’s first all-English song that made BTS the first K-pop act to top Billboard’s Hot 100. The band has performed in sold-out arenas around the world and was even invited to speak at United Nations meetings.
Hybe Corp., the parent company of Big Hit, said in October that each member of the band for the time being would focus on individual activities scheduled around their military service plans. In October, Jin released “The Astronaut,” a single co-written by Coldplay.
Jung, the commentator, said sold projects could give BTS members much-needed time to develop themselves after working together as a group for many years. But Cha Woo-jin, a K-pop commentator, said it’s unclear if BTS would enjoy the same popularity as a group when they get together again after finishing their military duties in a few years.
In August, Lee, the defense minister, said BTS members who are serving would likely be allowed to continue practicing and to join other non-serving BTS members in overseas group tours.
Cha said K-pop’s global influence wouldn’t be hurt much because of BTS members’ enlistments as they “appear to represent K-pop but aren’t everything of K-pop.” Chung agreed, saying that other K-pop groups like BLACKPINK, Stray Kids and aespa could rise further.
5 Must-Watch Movies of Rajinikanth
Dadasaheb Phalke and Padma Bhushan-awarded South Indian Star Rajinikanth is the most successful actor in the Indian film industry. The original name of this man from Karnataka was Shivaji Rao Gaekwad who got his acting chops through Kannada mythological plays. And it was the time when he caught the attention of Tamil film director K Balachander.
Then with the 1975 Tamil film Apoorva Ragangal directed by Balachander, Rajinikanth's film career began. And it was this Balachander who gave Rajinikanth his stage name ‘Rajinikanth’. Almost all of Rajinikanth's films have an impeccable style of punchlines.
Let's check out the most popular movies of this veteran actor on his 72nd birthday.
Top 5 Most Memorable Films of South Indian Star Rajinikanth
Billa (1980)
This R Krishnamurthy-directed action-thriller is a remake of the 1978 Hindi film Don starring Amitabh Bachchan. After this movie, Rajinikanth became the Tamil version of Bachchan in the Kollywood industry. He manages to master Bachchan's angry young man style quite well. However, Rajinikanth himself took Bachchan as his inspiration. Rajinikanth started acting in dual roles for the first time through this cinema.
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This blockbuster movie was a major turning point in his acting career. Since the release of the film, a new Rajinikanth has emerged in the eyes of critics. Billa’s highest-grossing figure in 1980 established Rajinikanth as the top star of southern cinema.
This movie started the gangster hero trend in Tamil cinema. In old movies, the audience was usually shown the hero's backstory where the hero was a victim of social problems and committed crimes. Billa, on the contrary, is a complete exception to that, where the hero enjoys committing crimes. And Rajinikanth played the character flawlessly.
Chandramukhi (2005)
This commercially successful horror comedy film was written and directed by P Vasu.
The 1993 Malayalam movie Manchitrathajhu was remade by Vasu himself in Kannada in 2004 as Aptamitra. And this Chandramukhi is the Tamil version of that Aptamitra. Rajinikanth's co-artists here were Jyothika and Nayanthara.
Read More: Jaya Ahsan’s Bollywood debut confirmed as photos emerge with Pankaj Tripathi, other co-actors
Over 25 Toyota Qualis and 30 stunt artists were used in Rajinikanth's fight sequences in the film. It ran in theaters for 890 consecutive days, making the movie the longest-running South Indian film. The film was released in several languages, including German and Turkish. However, the entire credit behind this was due to Rajinikanth's stardom.
Rajinikanth won a Tamil Nadu State Film Award for his portrayal of Vettaiyan Raja. The film won four more awards at the Tamil Nadu State Film Festival. The movie also showcased two Filmfare Awards and four Film Fans Association Awards. The film is one of the limited numbers of South Indian films to have grossed over Rs 100 crore at the worldwide box office.