United News of Bangladesh

“Hamnet," Chloé Zhao’s drama about William Shakespeare's marriage and the death of their 11-year-old son, won the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday, putting it on an enviable track to Academy Awards contention. Winners of the top honor at TIFF have historically almost always gone on to land a best-picture Oscar nomination. That was the case every year since 2012, until the streak was likely snapped last year when “The Life of Chuck” won the award. Mike Flanagan’s Stephen King adaptation wasn't released until the following June, and isn't expected to figure into the Oscar race. “Hamnet,” starring Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare and Jessie Buckley as Agnes Shakespeare, has drawn an especially emotional reaction in its screenings at the Telluride Film Festival and at TIFF. The film, adapted from Maggie O'Farrell's 2020 novel, is about how grief, following the death of their son, Hamnet, may have inspired Shakespeare's greatest tragedy, “Hamlet.” The film, which Focus Features will release in theaters Nov. 27, is likely to return Zhao and her two stars to the Academy Awards. Zhao's 2020 drama “Nomadland” won best picture and best director for Zhao. It, too, won the People's Choice Award in Toronto. Festival attendees vote for People's Choice Award. The runners-up were a pair of Netflix releases: Guillermo del Toro's “Frankenstein" and Rian Johnson's ”Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery." The audience award for international film went to Park Chan-wook's “No Other Choice.” In the festival’s Midnight Madness section, the audience prize went to Matt Johnson “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie.” The prize in the documentary category was awarded to Barry Avrich's “The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue.”  

The Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), which represents about 160,000 entertainment and media professionals, has elected actor Sean Astin as its new president. Astin, known for his roles in The Lord of the Rings, Stranger Things, and Rudy, will succeed Fran Drescher, the union announced Friday. He is the son of the late Academy Award-winning actress Patty Duke and John Astin, star of the 1960s TV series The Addams Family. Astin won the election with 79% of the vote, defeating rival candidate Chuck Slavin, who secured 21%. Michelle Hurd was elected secretary-treasurer. Notably, Astin’s mother, Patty Duke, previously served as president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1985 to 1988. SAG-AFTRA, formed through the merger of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, represents actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, program hosts, recording artists, and others. During Drescher’s tenure, the union led two major strikes — one involving film and television actors and another concerning video game and interactive media performers.

Actor and casting director Abhishek Banerjee has reflected on past casting practices in Bollywood, noting how requesting sexual favours was once common but has significantly reduced following the #MeToo movement. Speaking to Mid-Day, Banerjee said his casting agency has always prioritised talent and maintained strict professional guidelines. “I had a very strict rule in my casting company that nobody could meet an actor outside the office for casting. Any violation would result in dismissal,” he stated. He recalled how, earlier, actors often doubted professional intentions. “I remember when I used to cast, it was difficult for people to accept that we were working purely professionally,” Banerjee said. He added that today, female colleagues are more aware and cautious, reflecting a positive shift in the industry’s approach.   Source: NDTV

Just days before their 29th wedding anniversary, singer Akon’s wife, Tomeka Thiam, has filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. According to court filings obtained by People, Thiam listed the couple’s date of separation as “to be determined.” The pair share a 17-year-old daughter, Journey. She has requested joint legal custody of Journey, while seeking primary physical custody for herself and visitation rights for Akon. Thiam has also asked for spousal support and urged the court not to grant any support to the 52-year-old singer. Akon, who made his Bollywood debut with songs like Chammak Challo and Criminal in Shah Rukh Khan’s 2011 sci-fi film Ra.One, has been vocal about his belief in polygamy. In a 2022 interview, he said he has nine children and described having multiple wives as “part of our culture.” “(Polygamy is) part of our culture. Absolutely,” Akon said at the time, adding, “For me, it looks normal, because it's culture for us. We didn't go outside of our African culture when we got to the Western world.” The “Smack That” hitmaker has said he remains actively involved in his children’s lives, stressing that his role is to ensure they grow up “responsible and understanding,” while providing for their mothers. “My job ain't to be doing all that extra stuff and these holidays and recitals. While I’m taking care of my responsibility to make sure the family has a roof over their head and food, if I have the time to do that and show love, yes, I will do that,” he said, noting that technology helps him stay connected. He has also said that both marriage and dating qualify as “real relationships.” Source: NDTV

Like every month, in October 2025, Amazon Prime unveils a lineup spanning crime, thriller, horror, fantasy, and action genres. The slate brings together exclusive films alongside fresh premieres and anticipated returning series, signalling both range and intent. Let’s take a look at the 10 must-watch Prime Originals set to release in October 2025. Top 10 Most-hyped Amazon Prime Originals To Stream This October . Play Dirty / Crime Drama / October 1, 2025 Adapted from Donald E. Westlake’s ‘Parker’ novels, written under the alias Richard Stark, ‘Play Dirty’ bears the directorial mark of Shane Black. He shares writing duties with Charles Mondry and Anthony Bagarozzi, while Team Downey steers the production. Mark Wahlberg takes on the role of Parker, a thief with a code and a knack for survival. LaKeith Stanfield appears as Grofield, another recurring character from Stark’s pages. The ensemble is rounded out by Rosa Salazar, Chukwudi Iwuji, Keegan-Michael Key, Nat Wolff, Tony Shalhoub, and Thomas Jane. Read more: Netflix Originals Coming in October 2025: Top 10 Binge-worthy Releases The crime drama story centres on a high-stakes heist that pits Parker against unlikely rivals. He must outmanoeuvre a South American dictator, the New York mob, and one of the wealthiest men alive. House of David (Season 2) / Religious Drama / October 5, 2025 Jon Erwin revisits the story of David with the second chapter of House of David. The series once again blends biblical drama with political intrigue, following the life of David. This instalment traces David’s ascent toward kingship after his victory over Goliath and his fraught relationship with Saul. Michael Iskander reprises his role as David, the protagonist. Ali Suliman embodies Saul with gravity, Ayelet Zurer portrays Queen Ahinoam, Stephen Lang steps in as Samuel, and Ethan Kai as Jonathan. The production brings together The WONDER Project, Nomadic Pictures, Argonauts, Kingdom Story Company, Amazon MGM Studios, and Lionsgate Television. Read more: Top 10 Korean Dramas Releasing in September 2025 Playdate / Action Comedy / October 16, 2025 Backed by WideAwake Pictures, Nickel City Pictures, and A Higher Standard, ‘Playdate’ boasts Luke Greenfield as its director and Neil Goldman as its writer. Main cast members are Kevin James, Alan Ritchson, Stephen Root, Isla Fisher, Sarah Chalke, and Alan Tudyk. Brian, a man recently out of work, finds himself at home, uncertain of his next step. What begins as reluctant domesticity takes a turn when he accepts an invitation to a simple playdate. Culpa Nuestra (Our Fault) / Romance / October 16, 2025 Domingo Gonzalez directs ‘Our Fault’, the closing chapter of Mercedes Ron’s Culpables trilogy. The script, co-written with Sofia Cuenca, follows My Fault (2023) and Your Fault (2024). The Spanish drama is produced by Alex de la Iglesia and Carolina Bang. Read more: September 2025 South Indian Movies: 12 Biggest Releases Gabriel Guevara and Nicole Wallace return as Nick and Noah, reprising a turbulent romance that has carried through the series. The story picks up four years after the pair’s separation. Their reunion at Lion and Jenna’s wedding revives unresolved questions, pushing them to confront whether old affection can survive lingering resentment. Lazarus / Psychological Thriller / October 22, 2025 Created and co-executive produced by Harlan Coben and Danny Brocklehurst, ‘Lazarus’ features Bill Nighy, Sam Claflin, Alexandra Roach, and Roisin Gallagher in key roles. At its centre is a forensic psychologist who returns home after his father’s death. His homecoming is quickly unsettled as he begins investigating cold case murders. Amazon MGM Studios, Final Twist Productions, and Quay Street Productions back the project. Read more: Top 10 Netflix Originals Premiering in September 2025

Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) inaugurated the solo art exhibition 'Harmony' by artist Rubaiya Saom Dina at its Galerie Zoom on Friday evening. The opening ceremony was held at 6 pm, drawing art enthusiasts and cultural figures to witness Dina’s unique interpretation of riverine life in Bangladesh. The exhibition reflects rivers as an inseparable part of nature, culture, and human existence. Through her works, Dina reimagines the flow of rivers, the lives of people along their banks, and their struggles, joys, and hopes. At times portraying rivers as a source of life and at times as a symbol of death, the artist brings forth this duality with her lines and colors. Born in Faridpur on the banks of the Padma, Dina has drawn inspiration from the rhythm of rivers since childhood. Naturally, rivers and riverine life have become recurring themes in her artistic journey. Harmony features a wide range of works across mediums, including performance art, video art, oil and acrylic paintings, watercolors, ink, and line drawings. Each piece reflects the intimate connection between rivers and people, as well as the continuous dialogue of life in motion. Alongside her creative practice, Rubaiya Saom Dina is also an educator, teaching at Nalonda High School (Chhayanaut), Bangladesh Shishu Academy, and Shilparannya. The exhibition will remain open to all until September 23, from 3 pm to 9 pm, Monday to Saturday, with Sundays closed.  

If The Conjuring: The Last Rites left you trembling, why not dive into more horror this weekend? Streaming platforms are filled with spine-tingling classics and recent fright films to keep you up all night. Get ready for a terrifying movie marathon with these top horror picks: The Conjuring Series – Netflix, Prime VideoFollow paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren as they tackle real-life cases of demonic forces. From helping a haunted family in The Conjuring (2013) to confronting the demon nun Valak in The Conjuring 2 (2016) and investigating a murder linked to demonic possession in The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021), these films are a must-watch for horror fans. Annabelle Trilogy – Prime VideoThis spin-off from The Conjuring series tracks the journey of a cursed doll. In Annabelle: Creation (2017), a grieving dollmaker unknowingly invites a demon into his creation, while Annabelle (2014) follows a couple haunted by the doll. Annabelle Comes Home (2019) sees the doll terrorizing the Warrens' family. Tumbbad – Prime VideoA gripping tale of greed and curses, this film spans three generations of a family in the haunted village of Tumbbad, Maharashtra. The haunting pursuit of hidden treasure makes for a unique and chilling horror experience. The Monkey – Prime VideoWhen twin brothers find their father's eerie wind-up monkey toy, it triggers a series of mysterious deaths. A horror-filled reunion 25 years later escalates the terror as the toy resumes its killing spree. Stree & Stree 2 – Prime VideoIn Stree (2018), a village is terrorized by a vengeful female spirit. The sequel, Stree 2 (2024), brings in a new headless male spirit, and the village must fight once more to protect its women. Bhool Bhulaiyaa Trilogy – NetflixA series about the ghost of Manjulika and the eerie mysteries surrounding her haunting. The 2007 film delves into a psychiatric disorder rather than a ghost story, while the sequels add more supernatural twists to the legend. Oddity – Prime VideoFollow a blind medium and a curio shop owner as they use psychic powers and haunted objects to uncover the truth behind a brutal murder. I Saw the TV Glow – NetflixA psychological horror exploring the supernatural effects of a mysterious TV show on two high school students. It raises questions about identity and reality, blurring the lines between fiction and the supernatural. 1920 Series – Prime Video, JioHotstarThis Indian horror series follows a supernatural battle with demonic forces. The original 1920 (2008) centers on a newlywed couple dealing with possession, while the sequels dive into different haunted locations with a dark past. Bhoot – Prime VideoSet in a modern Mumbai high-rise, this Ram Gopal Varma-directed horror follows a married couple who encounter strange paranormal events in an apartment where the previous occupant committed suicide. These films are perfect for a weekend binge filled with terror, mystery, and supernatural chills!   Source: NDTV

Jenny Han's The Summer I Turned Pretty has become a hit with Indian audiences, thanks to its engaging plot, strong performances, and compelling writing. Recently, Karan Johar humorously compared the show to his film Student of the Year, recalling the rivalry between Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra after the film’s release. He shared a playful post on Instagram, writing, “Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah? It’s Team Rohan or Team Abhimanyu! #WeWereHereFirst #SummerShanayaTurnedPretty." While The Summer I Turned Pretty centers on two brothers competing for the same girl, Student of the Year also explores a love triangle between friends. The latest episode of The Summer I Turned Pretty (Season 3, Episode 10) was released this Wednesday, continuing the year-long journey of healing and longing. It shows Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah navigating their lives after a year, with Belly in Paris, Jeremiah rebuilding, and Conrad trying to reconnect with his loved ones. With the finale set to air on September 17, fans are eagerly speculating whether Belly will choose Conrad, Jeremiah, or focus on herself.   Source: NDTV

Popular Bangladeshi actor Arifin Shuvoo is making his much-anticipated Bollywood debut in filmmaker Soumik Sen’s upcoming series ‘Jazz City’, putting an end to months of speculation. The buzz was confirmed after Indian OTT platform SonyLIV recently released the first glimpse of the series, where Shuvoo is seen sharing screen space with Bollywood stars Prabhu Deva and Raveena Tandon. The two-minute thirty-second video has already sparked excitement among fans. Set against the backdrop of the 1970s, the series presents Shuvoo in a variety of new looks – from a sleek grey slim-cut suit and a dazzling white ensemble for dance sequences, to a simple white panjabi, each appearance reflecting a fresh side of the Dhallywood actor. According to the production house, ‘Jazz City’ is rooted in the context of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. Shuvoo will be seen opposite Tollywood actress Sauraseni Mitra, with the entire series filmed on retro sets to recreate the era’s ambiance. This marks the first time Shuvoo has been cast in a Bollywood project, fulfilling the long-standing wish of his fans to see him perform on an international platform. The release of ‘Jazz City’ by SonyLIV’s teaser has already stirred excitement across social media, with admirers expressing their joy and pride. Shuvoo’s most recent release was the film 'Neelchakra'. He also has two upcoming films awaiting release – 'Noor' and 'Thikana Bangladesh'.

Actress Tamannaah Bhatia, promoting her new Amazon Prime Video show Do You Wanna Partner with co-star Diana Penty, opened up about her personal life and friendships. Tamannaah said she is currently focusing on becoming “a great life partner” and wants to be someone her future partner feels lucky to have. She added that despite trying, she could not convince her best friend Billy, a makeup artist, to go into business with her. The series follows two best friends starting a business together and navigating its ups and downs. Diana Penty said the show changed her view on working with friends, calling it “fun” since partners don’t need to explain everything to each other. Both actors highlighted the importance of friendships. Tamannaah shared how friends Pragya and Billy make time for her despite her busy schedule, while Diana described her ideal friendships as “low maintenance, chill, and non-dramatic.”   Source: NDTV