United News of Bangladesh

Rising actor Aneet Padda, who won hearts with her powerful performance in Mohit Suri’s latest film Saiyaara, has thanked fans for their overwhelming response and shared an emotional note reflecting on her journey. In an Instagram post on Thursday, Padda expressed gratitude for the love she has received since the film’s release, admitting that the outpouring of affection has left her both moved and a little anxious about what lies ahead. “The daze is wearing off and all I want to say is that I love you… I don't know what to do except give it back,” she wrote. “I’m scared of what’s next, scared I won’t be enough, but whatever I have… I’ll put it out there.” Ajay Devgn's Son of Sardaar 2 battles for screens amid Saiyaara and Mahavatar Narsimha box office surge The actor, who portrays Vaani Batra—a young aspiring writer diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s—also shared a series of previously unseen stills from the film, produced by Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani. Released on July 18, Saiyaara also stars Ahaan Panday and has been well received by critics and audiences alike. The film has grossed over Rs 306 crore in India and is set to complete three successful weeks at the box office on Friday. Director Mohit Suri, speaking about the casting process, revealed it took several months to find someone who could authentically play Vaani. “I needed someone who hadn’t altered themselves cosmetically… someone real,” said Suri. “Aneet had done some work before and was brilliant. She fit right in.” He added, “We often misjudge what small-town India is like—they’re more open than we think. Aneet had more to share with me than I had with her.” Padda’s portrayal of vulnerability and depth has earned her critical acclaim, establishing her as a promising new face in the industry.   Source: NDTV

Rumors are swirling that actors Dhanush and Mrunal Thakur might be dating, following a series of public appearances together. Speculation began when Dhanush attended Mrunal's birthday party on August 1. Prior to that, Dhanush traveled to Mumbai for a special screening of Son of Sardaar 2, which stars Mrunal Thakur and Ajay Devgn. The film premiered on the same day, and a video of Dhanush and Mrunal chatting at the event was shared on X (formerly Twitter). In the clip, the two appear to have a close and private conversation, sparking dating buzz online. The video was captioned, “Dhanush and Mrunal Thakur are dating?” Fans quickly weighed in with mixed reactions. One commented, “Unconfirmed, but there are some hints,” while another said, “I think they’re just friends.” Others expressed disbelief at the possibility of them being a couple. Back in July, Mrunal also joined a party hosted by Kanika Dhillon to celebrate Dhanush’s upcoming film, Tere Ishk Mein, which also stars Kriti Sanon and is directed by Aanand L. Rai. Kanika shared photos from the event on Instagram, including a smiling shot of Dhanush and Mrunal posing together. Her caption read, “Our hearts are full! Our OG Raanjhanaa in the house Dhanush – we love you! With friends old and new – big smiles, bigger hearts! Grateful for the memories.” So far, neither Dhanush nor Mrunal Thakur has addressed or confirmed the dating rumors. Dhanush was previously married to Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth, daughter of superstar Rajinikanth. The couple ended their 18-year marriage in 2022. They had first met during the release of Dhanush’s 2003 film Kadhal Kondaen. On the professional front, Tere Ishk Mein is slated to release on November 28, while Son of Sardaar 2, starring Mrunal and Ajay Devgn, hit theaters on August 1. Source: NDTV

Two of Dhaka’s oldest single-screen theatres — Geet and Sangeet — have once again shut down operations due to the ongoing crisis in the Bangladeshi film industry, marked by a lack of quality new releases and a sharp decline in audience turnout. Located on the Dholairpar-Jurain Road beside the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway, the twin cinemas had been screening Bangladeshi films on a regular basis. However, with little to attract moviegoers in recent months, the halls have gone dark for an indefinite period. The last film screened before the closure was 'Togor', starring Ador Azad and Puja Cherry, on Saturday. The hall authorities said that while the shutdown is indefinite, there remains a possibility of reopening during next year’s Eid season if the situation improves. This is not the first time the halls have faced such a fate. In December last year, Geet and Sangeet were also closed due to mounting business losses stemming from a shortage of quality local films and an overall downturn in the country’s cinema-going culture. The halls had reopened ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr in 2025 in hopes of a recovery, but the momentum proved short-lived. The closure of these historic cinema halls reflects a broader concern within the country's film exhibition sector, as single-screen theatres continue to struggle in the absence of compelling content and consistent audiences.

Among the most anticipated titles of the season, ‘Dhadak 2’ has finally landed in cinemas, stirring conversation across Bollywood circles. Released on August 1, 2025, this romantic thriller blends emotional intensity with suspense. With Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi at the forefront, expectations have soared. Let’s dive into the movie review, early earnings, and hints about its OTT release. Key Cast and Creative Team Behind the Screen Directed by Shazia Iqbal, who wrote it with Rahul Badwelkar, the film is brought to life by Cloud 9 Pictures, Dharma Productions, and Zee Studios. Siddhant Chaturvedi embodies Neelesh, and Triptii Dimri portrays Vidhi, the protagonists of the movie. Hesham Abdul Wahab, Rochak Kohli, Javed-Mohsin, Shreyas Puranik, and Tanishk Bagchi steer the music composition. Siddharth-Garima, Rashmi Virag, Ozil Dalal, and Gurpreet Saini crafted the lyrics. Read more: Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Season 2: Return of Star Plus's Popular Soap Opera Review of Dhadak 2 Movie A remake of the 2018 Tamil film ‘Pariyerum Perumal’, ‘Dhadak 2’ also stands as a spiritual sequel to the original ‘Dhadak’. What sets this instalment apart is how closely several moments align with the emotional weight of the characters. One moment that stands out is the ‘fake father’ setup. Originally portrayed with semi-comic flair in ‘Jawani Diwani’ (1972). Here it takes on a new tone, humorous, but with deeper emotional undercurrents. Equally notable is the portrayal of Neelesh’s father, portrayed by Vipin Sharma. A folk dancer in drag, his character quietly embraces social constraints while displaying unflinching pride in his art. There's a faint echo of a key figure from Karan Johar’s (one of this film’s producers) ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’. A particularly powerful scene features the principal pushing Neelesh toward agency, not surrender. In contrast, the graphic murder of a dog adds shock value, yet it transitions into a meaningful follow-up sequence that doesn't feel misplaced. Read more: New Korean Drama Lineup for August 2025 : 10 Binge-worthy Releases The character of the contract killer intrigues with his eerie commitment. Claiming he’s on a divine mission, not a crime spree, he stages deaths as accidents or suicides. Vidhi’s fierce response during the final standoff avoids melodrama and delivers impact. Other emotionally charged scenes, like her earlier eruption at home or the tense quiz with her sister’s would-be in-law, land with quiet strength. The dialogues stay sharp and sparse, powerfully avoiding moral lectures. In the lead cast, Siddhant Chaturvedi completely disappears into the role of Neelesh. His expressive eyes and grounded presence capture the inner fire of an underdog chasing justice for both himself and his community. Rather than drifting into campus politics, Neelesh clings to his dream of becoming a lawyer. Triptii Dimri is no mere glam presence here. As Vidhi, she brings both spark and depth, portraying a young woman suffocated by regressive norms with striking honesty. Read more: South Indian Movies Launching in August 2025: 12 Must-watch Films Hitting Screens Vipin Sharma delivers strongly as Neelesh’s father, especially in scenes of humiliation. Anubha Fatehpura and Harish Khanna offer quiet strength as the parents, while Saurabh Sachdeva adds menace as Shankar. Among the younger cast, Priyank Tiwari and Aditya Thakare shine with sincerity. But it’s Zakir Hussain as the principal who lingers, effortlessly balancing wit and weight in every scene. Shazia Iqbal proves herself a director of rare balance, merging emotion and entertainment without losing grip on either. ‘Dhadak 2’ feels more focused and evolved than its 2018 predecessor. Her command over tone, whether in moments of sorrow, wit, or conflict, marks her as a filmmaker with serious promise. The music does its part, though most tracks lack staying power. Still, ‘Bas Ek Dhadak’, ‘Preet Re’, and ‘Duniya Alag’ impress with their lyrical depth. The clever inclusion of the 1987 ‘Muqaddar Ka Faisla’ number and ‘Hum Jo Kaam Karte Hain’ adds seamless resonance to the narrative. Read more: August 2025 Bollywood Movies: Top 10 Must-watch Hindi Film Releases Box Office Earnings The movie opened to a modest start, earning Rs 2.48 crore on its first day across India. This, despite the pre-release buzz around its intense storyline and fresh lead pair. Much now depends on word-of-mouth. The next few days will reveal whether it gains momentum or stays steady. Dhadak 2 OTT Release After a 60-day theatrical run, the movie is slated for its digital debut in early October 2025. And, the streaming home will be none other than Netflix India. Endnote Dhadak 2, led by Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, delivers a romantic thriller with powerful performances. The film balances emotion, drama, and social commentary with finesse. Despite a slow start at the box office, it holds promise through word of mouth. Its digital release on Netflix India could provide a significant boost. Read more: Amazon Prime Originals Streaming Slate For August 2025: Exclusive Films and Series

Mohit Suri’s musical drama Saiyaara has seen a slight dip in collections during its second week, following a blockbuster debut. However, the film remains steady at the domestic box office, amassing a total of Rs 273.50 crore within just 13 days of release. Box Office PerformanceOn Wednesday alone, the film earned Rs 7 crore, bringing the total domestic collection to Rs 273.50 crore. Earlier in the week, it raked in Rs 9.25 crore on Monday and Rs 10 crore on Tuesday. In its first week, Saiyaara recorded an impressive Rs 172.75 crore, establishing itself as the second highest-grossing Hindi film of the year, following Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava. Globally, Ahaan Panday’s debut venture has surpassed the Rs 400 crore mark. This achievement puts it ahead of Shahid Kapoor’s Kabir Singh (Rs 379 crore) and Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par (Rs 264 crore) in worldwide earnings. The film has also set a historic benchmark by becoming the highest-grossing Hindi film led by two debutants. Additionally, Saiyaara enjoyed one of the biggest opening weekends of the year. Ajay Devgn's Son of Sardaar 2 battles for screens amid Saiyaara and Mahavatar Narsimha box office surge Upcoming CompetitionAfter enjoying an uninterrupted two-week theatrical run, Saiyaara will now face box office competition with the release of Dhadak 2, produced by Dharma Productions, and Ajay Devgn’s Son Of Sardaar 2, both slated to hit cinemas on August 1. These upcoming titles could challenge Saiyaara’s continuing success. About the FilmProduced by Yash Raj Films, Saiyaara explores themes of love, loss, and heartbreak through a poignant narrative. The film stars newcomer Ahaan Panday as Krish Kapoor, a struggling musician, and Aneet Padda as Vaani Batra, a young writer battling early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. SummaryDespite a slowdown in its second week, Saiyaara remains a box office juggernaut, maintaining a strong domestic performance with Rs 273.50 crore collected in 13 days. With global earnings surpassing Rs 400 crore, the film continues to make history in Indian cinema.   #Source: NDTV

Ajay Devgn’s comedy sequel Son of Sardaar 2, initially slated for release on July 25, 2025, has been pushed back to August 1 in hopes of securing more theatrical screens. However, the delay may not be enough to turn the tide. The unexpected breakout success of Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara—a romantic drama featuring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda—has disrupted the box office landscape. Since its release on July 18, the film has grossed an impressive ₹266 crore in just 12 days, becoming the highest-earning Hindi film led by debutants. This strong performance has forced other films, including Son of Sardaar 2, to recalibrate their release strategies. Despite the date shift, Devgn’s film is still struggling to secure enough shows, especially in single-screen cinemas and smaller multiplex chains. Distributor PVRINOX had aimed to claim 60% of total Indian screens for the film, but reports suggest it may only receive around 35%. According to Pinkvilla, PVRINOX is lobbying for at least four daily shows at single screens. But many theatres are choosing to stick with Saiyaara and another surprise hit—Mahavatar Narsimha, an animated mythological feature from Hombale Films, the studio behind KGF and Kantara. Mahavatar Narsimha has pulled in ₹29.26 crore within its first five days and continues to perform strongly. To complicate matters further, Shazia Iqbal’s Dhadak 2—a reimagining of the 2018 hit Dhadak starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri—is also scheduled to release on August 1. Dharma Productions is taking a modest approach by opening the film on just 1,000 screens, with the potential to expand if it receives positive word of mouth. Both Son of Sardaar 2 and Dhadak 2 are offering 50% ticket discounts through select promo codes to draw audiences, but with Saiyaara still dominating and Mahavatar Narsimha holding firm, the road ahead remains challenging for these new entrants. Source: NDTV

After a successful seven-week run in the country’s multiplexes since its Eid-ul-Azha release, Tanim Noor-directed film 'Utshob' and Raihan Rafi-directed, Shakib Khan starrer 'Taandob' are all set for its digital premiere on popular Bangladeshi OTT platform Chorki. The platform announced on its verified Facebook page that viewers from both home and abroad will be able to stream 'Utshob' and 'Taandob' starting at 12:01 am on August 7 (midnight, August 6).   Known for the bold tagline “Not to be watched without family,” 'Utshob' brought viewers of all ages to cinema halls. Now, director Tanim Noor hopes the digital release will bring that festive feeling into every household. Speaking about the film’s journey, Tanim Noor said, “In my childhood, watching TV dramas and films with family was a tradition. With Utshob, I wanted to bring families back to theatres. Whether I succeeded is up to the audience, but their reactions have been heartwarming and inspiring.” South Indian Movies Launching in August 2025: 12 Must-watch Films Hitting Screens On the film’s OTT release, he added, “OTT has emerged as a new distribution channel for films. Chorki is a trusted platform for Bangla-speaking audiences worldwide. With this release, those in remote areas without cinemas and international viewers can finally watch 'Utshob'; and I hope they enjoy it at home with their families, just like in the old days.” Presented by BRAC Bank and powered by Edison Real Estate, 'Utshob' features a star-studded cast including Zahid Hasan, Jaya Ahsan, Aupee Karim, Chanchal Chowdhury, Afsana Mimi, Tariq Anam Khan, Azad Abul Kalam, Intekhab Dinar, Sunerah Binte Kamal, Soumya Jyoti, and Sadia Ayman. The story was developed by Tanim Noor, Ayman Asib Shadhin, Susmoy Sarkar, and Samiul Bhuiyan, while the screenplay and dialogues were written by Shadhin and Bhuiyan. Rashed Zaman worked as the director of photography. Meanwhile, the much-anticipated Taandob' - directed by Raihan Rafi - is produced by SVF Alpha-i Entertainment Limited in collaboration with Chorki, with production support from Deepto TV. The film features an ensemble cast including Afzal Hossain, Tariq Anam Khan, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Salauddin Lavlu, Gazi Rakayet, Shahiduzzaman Selim, Ashok Bepari, Dr Ejajul Islam, Rosey Siddiqui, Suman Anwar, A K Azad Setu, FS Nayeem, and Shiba Shanu. With both 'Utshob' and 'Taandob' premiering simultaneously, August 7 promises to be a landmark date for Bangladeshi OTT cinema lovers, according to Chorki.

Saiyaara wrapped up its first week with a staggering Rs 172.75 crore and continues its dream run into the second weekend. Directed by Mohit Suri, the film collected an impressive Rs 30 crore on its second Sunday, bringing its domestic total to Rs 247.25 crore. It has now become the second-highest-grossing film of the year, setting its sights on overtaking Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava. Performance Overview According to Sacnilk, Saiyaara earned Rs 30 crore on Day 10 and Rs 56.5 crore overall during its second weekend. Released on July 18, the film benefited from a clear run at the box office, with no major Hindi releases up until July 25. Since its premiere, the film has consistently delivered double-digit earnings. First-week earnings closed at an impressive Rs 172.75 crore. Sunday’s turnout reinforced the film’s unstoppable momentum: Afternoon shows recorded 56.38% occupancy Evening shows rose to 63.46% Night shows maintained a strong 42.99% attendance Industry Buzz Film trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared his thoughts on Saiyaara’s second Saturday: "SPLENDID SATURDAY – 'SAIYAARA' REMAINS A MAJOR FORCE... Now eyeing the ₹300 crore mark after crossing ₹200 crore on its second Saturday. What's extraordinary: its second Saturday outperformed its first Saturday [₹26.25 crore] – a rare accomplishment these days. This blockbuster shows no signs of stopping!" About the Film Produced by Yash Raj Films, Saiyaara explores themes of love, loss, and emotional turmoil. The story follows Krish Kapoor (played by newcomer Ahaan Panday), a struggling musician, and Vaani Batra (played by Aneet Padda), a young writer grappling with early-onset Alzheimer’s. In Summary Saiyaara, Mohit Suri’s musical drama, is proving to be a record-breaking success at the box office. With only Chhaava left to surpass, the film is on track to become the year’s biggest hit. Source NDTV  

With Saiyaara, starring Ahaan Panday (Ananya Panday’s cousin), making a strong impact in cinemas, romance lovers are in for a heartfelt ride. Directed by Mohit Suri — known for portraying heartbreak with depth — and co-starring Aneet Padda, the film explores themes of passionate love, loss, and emotional turmoil. Its soulful music and powerful performances have resonated deeply with audiences. If Saiyaara left you emotional and reflective, here’s a curated list of 10 other romantic dramas on OTT platforms you shouldn’t miss. Fair warning: keep some tissues handy. 1. Aashiqui 2 – Prime Video (2013)Directed by Mohit Suri, this tragic love story between Rahul (Aditya Roy Kapur) and Arohi (Shraddha Kapoor) is heartbreaking yet calming. Their struggle to stay in love amid chaos, accompanied by a stirring soundtrack, will move you. 2. Rockstar – Zee5 (2011)Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Jordan — a musician shaped by pain — and his stormy connection with Heer (Nargis Fakhri) reveals how love can liberate and destroy. 3. Raanjhanaa – Zee5 (2013)This film presents imperfect love through Kundan (Dhanush), who remains devoted to Zoya (Sonam Kapoor) even without reciprocation, eventually realizing love isn’t always about getting chosen. 4. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil – Prime Video (2016)Ranbir Kapoor’s Ayan and Anushka Sharma’s Alizeh navigate the ache of unreturned love. The film also celebrates deep friendship, echoing the belief that love and friendship are deeply entwined. Ahaan Panday's 'Saiyaara' emerges as ablockbuster, crosses Rs 150 crore mark 5. Laila Majnu – Netflix (2018)Qais (Avinash Tiwary) and Laila (Triptii Dimri) are trapped in a doomed love affair that explores longing, madness, and emotion. The soundtrack and performances are hauntingly beautiful. 6. Sadma – YouTube (1983)Starring Kamal Haasan and Sridevi, this unique tale shows Somu caring for Nehalata, who has mentally regressed. It’s a gentle, selfless romance with a final scene that’s unforgettable. 7. Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak – YouTube (1988)Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla play Raj and Rashmi, two lovers fighting societal barriers. This film offers intense emotions, memorable songs, and strong dialogues in a tragic love tale. 8. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – Netflix (2004)Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet shine in this poetic story about erasing painful memories of love, only to discover that emotional connection endures beyond memory. 9. Blue Valentine – Prime Video (2010)A raw and realistic depiction of love’s highs and lows, Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams play a couple who fall in love deeply but struggle to hold on as life takes its toll. 10. The Notebook – Google Play (2004)Adapted from Nicholas Sparks’ novel, this classic stars Ryan Gosling and Rachael McAdams as Noah and Allie, lovers who drift apart and reunite, with a powerful subplot on Alzheimer’s disease. So, which film will you dive into next? Source: NDTV