United News of Bangladesh

Even before its release, Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film The Odyssey has become one of the most debated movies of 2026, drawing criticism over its casting choices, dialogue and interpretation of Homer's ancient Greek epic. The film, featuring Matt Damon, Zendaya, Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong'o and several other stars, is scheduled to hit cinemas on July 17. While many movie lovers are eagerly waiting for Nolan's latest project after the Oscar-winning Oppenheimer, the film has also sparked heated discussions online. Most of the controversy has focused on the cast. Some conservative critics questioned Nolan's decision to cast transgender actor Elliot Page and rapper Travis Scott in key roles. Others criticised the selection of Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o as Helen of Troy, arguing that Homer's original poem described the character as "white-armed." Right-wing commentator Matt Walsh claimed Nolan made the casting choice to avoid accusations of racism, although he provided no evidence for the claim. Tech billionaire Elon Musk also expressed support for the criticism on social media. In response, many users accused Walsh and Musk of promoting racial prejudice. Scholars, however, dismissed much of the debate. Professor Daniel Mendelsohn, whose English translation of The Odyssey was published last year, said the criticism was exaggerated because Helen plays only a small role in the story. He also suggested that Nyong'o's casting fits the poem's long-standing exploration of beauty, arguing that selecting a beautiful African actress continues an ancient discussion rather than contradicting it. Nyong'o herself brushed off the criticism, telling Elle magazine that The Odyssey is "a mythological story" and that the cast reflects today's global society. However, some critics raised a different concern, saying Hollywood once again overlooked Greek actors in a story deeply rooted in Greek culture. Greek-British journalist Chris Cotonou argued that if the film aims to represent the world, it should also include performers with direct cultural ties to the source material. The debate has not been limited to casting. After the first trailer was released, some viewers complained that Agamemnon's dark armour looked too similar to Batman's costume, while others argued that Odysseus' ship resembled a Viking vessel instead of one from ancient Greece. Experts say such criticism overlooks the nature of mythology. Professor Susan Deacy, author of The Greek Gods and Their Worlds, said Greek myths have always been reinterpreted by different generations, and each era creates its own version of Homer's stories. Another issue that drew attention was the film's dialogue. Many viewers were surprised to hear British actors, including Tom Holland, speaking with American accents and using modern expressions. Some social media users argued that contemporary speech weakened the historical atmosphere of the film. Deacy said such criticism is based more on cinematic tradition than historical accuracy. She noted that ancient Greeks did not speak either modern American English or formal British English. According to her, conversational language may actually be closer to the original spirit of Homer's oral storytelling than the formal style often used in historical films. Film experts believe the controversy reflects today's online culture, where major productions often become part of wider political and cultural debates. Author Tom Shone, who has written extensively about Nolan's work, said the director's films often allow audiences with different political views to interpret them in different ways. He added that some conservative viewers may feel disappointed because Nolan's latest film appears more progressive than they expected. Despite the criticism, many analysts believe the controversy may ultimately help the film by generating even greater public interest. With its large-scale production, famous cast and fresh interpretation of one of history's greatest literary works, The Odyssey is expected to remain one of the year's biggest cinematic events when it opens in US and UK theatres on July 17. With inputs from BBC.

Several well-known actors, including Adolescence star Christine Tremarco, Sex Education actor Asa Butterfield and Trainspotting star Jonny Lee Miller, have joined the cast of the upcoming BBC drama series Hamburg Days, which explores the early years of The Beatles. The six-part series will chronicle the legendary band's formative period in Germany, tracing their journey from a group of Liverpool teenagers to global music icons. Bafta-winning actress Tremarco, 49, has been cast as Mimi Smith, the aunt who raised John Lennon. Butterfield, 29, will portray Brian Epstein, the manager credited with helping shape The Beatles’ rise to international fame. Jonny Lee Miller, 53, is set to play Jim McCartney, the father of Sir Paul McCartney. Production on the series began in May in Germany and Liverpool. The drama focuses on the period between 1960 and 1962 when The Beatles played more than 250 shows in Hamburg, a crucial chapter in the band's development. Hamburg Days is inspired by the memoirs of Klaus Voormann, a young artist who befriended the group during their time in Hamburg. Voormann later designed the cover of The Beatles’ landmark 1966 album Revolver and collaborated with John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison on their solo projects. According to the producers, the series will depict the band's encounters with Voormann and photographer Astrid Kirchherr. At that time, the lineup included bassist Stuart Sutcliffe and drummer Pete Best, alongside Lennon, McCartney and Harrison. The series has been written by Jamie Carragher, one of the writers behind HBO's acclaimed drama Succession. Director Christian Schwochow, known for his work on The Crown, will serve as showrunner, while Bafta-winning composer David Holmes, who worked on Killing Eve and the Ocean’s film franchise, will oversee the music. The cast also includes Rhys Mannion as John Lennon, Ellis Murphy as Paul McCartney, Harvey Brett as George Harrison, Louis Landau as Stuart Sutcliffe and Patrick Gilmore as Pete Best. Luna Jordan will play Astrid Kirchherr, while Laura Tonke and Casper von Bülow will portray Nielsa Kirchherr and Klaus Voormann respectively. Widely regarded as the best-selling music act in history, The Beatles scored 18 UK number-one singles and 16 UK number-one albums during their career. The band is also the subject of four upcoming films directed by Sam Mendes. The movies are set to feature Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison. With inputs from BBC

The world of Westeros is set to return as ‘House of the Dragon’ prepares for its third season, promising bigger battles, more dragons and deeper political drama, all without revealing any spoilers. Based on George R.R. Martin’s ‘Fire & Blood’, the series explores the rise and internal collapse of House Targaryen, set generations before the events of ‘Game of Thrones’ and Daenerys Targaryen’s claim to the Iron Throne. With rival factions already formed and tensions escalating, Season 3 is expected to push the story into a more intense and large-scale civil war across the realm. War enters a more intense phase The upcoming season is likely to move beyond early political manoeuvring as the conflict becomes more open and unavoidable. Alliances have already been made, and their consequences are now set to ripple across Westeros. Viewers can expect the story to fully shift into large-scale warfare, with growing consequences for all sides involved. More dragons take centre stage One of the biggest attractions of the series — dragons — is expected to feature more heavily than ever. Season 3 will likely introduce more dragon riders and larger aerial battles, with upgraded visual effects bringing the creatures to life in greater detail. New characters enter the conflict As the war expands, new characters are expected to emerge across Westeros, including nobles, soldiers and political players looking to gain power or survive the chaos. In the world of Westeros, even minor figures can quickly become central to the story. Political intrigue remains key Despite the focus on dragons and warfare, political strategy remains at the heart of the series. Secret alliances, shifting loyalties and tense negotiations are expected to continue shaping the story. The show is known for scenes where words can be as powerful as weapons. Moral lines remain blurred One of the franchise’s defining features is its refusal to present clear heroes or villains. Season 3 is expected to continue this trend, with characters making difficult choices that challenge viewers’ loyalties. Supporters of certain characters may find their opinions shifting as events unfold. Emotional consequences deepen Beyond the battles and politics, the series continues to focus on family conflict, grief and revenge within House Targaryen. The emotional cost of the war is expected to become more prominent, showing that the impact of conflict extends far beyond the battlefield. The world of Westeros expands Season 3 is also expected to explore more regions of Westeros, introducing new locations, houses and political dynamics that broaden the scope of the story. Story moves toward a turning point While the series is not yet nearing its end, Season 3 is expected to act as a major turning point, with decisions made by key characters shaping the direction of the larger conflict. Each choice is expected to carry heavier consequences as the story progresses. Why viewers should catch up For new audiences, *House of the Dragon* offers a more focused entry into the *Game of Thrones* universe, centred mainly on one royal family and its internal war. For returning fans, Season 3 promises the familiar mix of dragons, political tension, betrayals and unpredictable twists that define the franchise. One thing remains constant in Westeros — no character is ever truly safe. Source: NDTV

Director Imtiaz Ali's latest film Main Vaapas Aaunga continues to perform steadily at the box office, collecting Rs 14.60 crore in gross earnings across India during its first seven days in theatres. According to trade tracker Sacnilk, the film's India net collection reached Rs 12.25 crore by the end of its first week. On its seventh day, Thursday, the film earned Rs 2.20 crore from 2,138 shows nationwide, indicating stable audience interest. Internationally, the film added Rs 0.50 crore on Day 7, taking its overseas gross collection to Rs 7.25 crore. Its worldwide gross earnings now stand at Rs 21.85 crore. The film features an ensemble cast including Naseeruddin Shah, Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina and Sharvari. Several prominent filmmakers have praised the movie. Zoya Akhtar congratulated the cast and crew on social media, while Anurag Kashyap shared a brief message of appreciation for editor Aarti Bajaj. Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha also lauded the film, praising Ali's storytelling and the conviction reflected throughout the project. ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ marks the second collaboration between Ali and Dosanjh following their 2024 Netflix film Amar Singh Chamkila. The film also reunites Ali with renowned composer A. R. Rahman and lyricist Irshad Kamil, who previously worked together on acclaimed films such as Rockstar, Tamasha, Highway and ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’. The film explores themes of Partition and love, weaving together emotional stories that reflect the pain, conflict and human experiences carried across generations. Source: NDTV

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali’s latest film Main Vaapas Aaunga recorded a strong jump in earnings on its first Sunday, taking its total domestic box-office collection to Rs 5.50 crore within three days of release. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the film collected Rs 2.50 crore on Sunday, showing significant growth compared to its opening-day earnings. The partition-era drama earned Rs 1.15 crore on Friday and Rs 1.85 crore on Saturday before witnessing a sharp rise in collections on Sunday. The film's overall theatre occupancy on Sunday stood at 29.65%, with afternoon shows attracting the highest audience turnout at 35.23%. Starring Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina and Sharvari, Main Vaapas Aaunga combines a timeless love story with the emotional trauma of displacement during the partition, exploring themes of loss, identity and belonging. The film has also received praise from several prominent filmmakers. Zoya Akhtar congratulated the cast and crew on social media, describing it as a “beautiful film.” Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap also praised the project and extended congratulations to editor Aarti Bajaj. Meanwhile, director Anubhav Sinha commended Ali’s storytelling, saying the film reflects a strong sense of conviction and artistic belief. The movie marks the second collaboration between Imtiaz Ali and Diljit Dosanjh following their 2024 Netflix film Amar Singh Chamkila. It also reunites Ali with acclaimed composer A. R. Rahman and lyricist Irshad Kamil, the creative team behind popular soundtracks from films such as Rockstar, Tamasha, Highway and Amar Singh Chamkila. Through its portrayal of partition and a deeply emotional love story, Main Vaapas Aaunga seeks to capture the pain, conflict and memories that have affected generations across the Indian subcontinent. With inputs from NDTV

Advance IMAX tickets for Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey have sold out rapidly in India, with premium seats priced as high as ₹3,300 already booked out nearly a month ahead of its global release. Tickets for the highly anticipated film went on sale just three days ago, opening around five weeks before its worldwide release on July 17. The early rollout of bookings has sparked strong interest among cinema fans, particularly in major Indian cities such as Mumbai and Delhi. The film, which has been shot entirely using IMAX cameras — a first in cinema history — has generated significant buzz globally, contributing to high demand for premium-format screenings. In Mumbai, the most expensive seats are priced at ₹3,300 at PVR Icon in Phoenix Palladium Mall, while recliner and premium seating options at IMAX Wadala and other large-format theatres have also seen rapid sell-outs for opening weekend shows. Reports indicate that sofa seats priced around ₹1,800 at select IMAX venues are already sold out for the opening weekend (July 17–19), with only limited availability left for the opening night. Similarly, several high-end screens in Delhi-NCR, including Select City Walk and Priya, are reporting strong advance sales in the ₹2,100–₹2,400 price range. Despite the premium pricing, many of the best seats have already been booked weeks in advance, with even front-row seats filling up quickly, suggesting strong opening demand for the film in India. Advance bookings for The Odyssey opened in India on June 8, making it one of the first global markets to begin ticket sales for the film. Warner Bros. Discovery India officials said the project marks a milestone in filmmaking, highlighting that Christopher Nolan has spent nearly two decades developing the idea of shooting a film entirely on IMAX cameras. Directed and written by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey is based on Homer’s epic poem and follows Odysseus, King of Ithaca, on his long and dangerous journey home after the Trojan War. The film features an ensemble cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron and Jon Bernthal. The Odyssey is set to release in cinemas worldwide on July 17. #From Hindustan Times

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

Veteran Bollywood actress Meenakshi Seshadri has expressed her desire to return to acting after spending nearly three decades away from the film industry. In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, the actress said she has moved back to Mumbai from the United States and is now looking for meaningful acting opportunities in films and OTT platforms. Meenakshi said she spent the last 30 years in the US focusing on her family life but has now returned to what she called her “karmabhoomi” or workplace, Mumbai, with renewed hope and passion for acting. Addressing her followers, she thanked fans for their continued love and support and said she is open to strong and impactful roles, whether as a lead actor, supporting character or even in short-format projects. “I’m looking forward to meaningful opportunities. It could be films or OTT shows. The role does not matter as long as it is impactful,” she said. The actress also clarified that she is not trying to prove anything through her comeback. “I’m not here to prove any point. I’m simply doing what truly makes me happy,” she added. Meenakshi revealed that she had received several offers over the years, but some projects were not exciting enough while others did not materialise. She also said she is currently managing her comeback journey on her own without any agency support. In the caption of her post, Meenakshi mentioned that she is currently in Boston, USA, celebrating her son’s graduation from Harvard University. She requested fans to continue supporting her and wished that someone’s blessings might help her find the right opportunity in the entertainment industry. Meenakshi Seshadri was one of Bollywood’s top actresses during the 1980s and 1990s. She made her debut in the film ‘Painter Babu’ and later starred in several hit movies including ‘Hero’, ‘Meri Jung’, ‘Shahenshah’ and ‘Ghayal’. Her performance in the film ‘Damini’ is still widely regarded as one of the most powerful female roles in Hindi cinema. Apart from acting, Meenakshi is also a trained Bharatanatyam dancer. She moved to the United States after marriage at the peak of her career to focus on family life. Source: NDTV

After a celebrated journey across major international film festivals and receiving widespread critical acclaim worldwide, the award-winning Bangladeshi feature film No Ground Beneath the Feet (Payer Tolay Mati Nai) is set for its global OTT premiere on iScreen on May 30. Directed by Mohammad Rabby Mridha, the film first gained international attention following its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival, one of Asia’s most prestigious film festivals, held from October 6–15, 2021. The film later had its Indian premiere in the International Competition section of the FIAPF-accredited International Film Festival of India in Goa, held from 20–30 November 2021. Continuing its remarkable festival run, the film was selected in the Asian Competition section of the Bengaluru International Film Festival and screened in the Global Cinema section of the Pune International Film Festival in March 2022. The film also competed in the Debut Filmmakers Competition section at the Jaffna International Cinema Festival, where it had its Sri Lankan premiere, and was showcased in the Spotlight section of the Osaka Asian Film Festival during its Japan premiere. It further screened at the Critics Week section of the International Film Festival Thrissur and competed in the International Competition section of the Nepal International Film Festival, where it had its Nepal premiere.

Cannes Film Festival is becoming a major forum for debate over artificial intelligence, with filmmakers and industry leaders divided over whether the technology will help cinema evolve or threaten creative jobs. At this year’s festival, AI has emerged as one of the most discussed topics, reflecting growing concern over how the technology could reshape the global film industry. Scott Mann, co-chief executive of AI company Flawless, said the industry appears to be reaching a turning point. “It feels like a major shift,” he said, adding that AI could provide the technological boost the film business needs. AI is more visible than ever at Cannes this year. Meta has signed a multiyear partnership with the festival and set up a presence at the Majestic Hotel. Meta’s AI tools were also used in Steven Soderbergh’s documentary John Lennon: The Last Interview. The film explores a detailed interview that John Lennon and Yoko Ono gave on the day Lennon was killed in 1980. Soderbergh used AI to create surreal visuals to accompany the conversation. While some critics objected to the use of AI, Soderbergh said experimentation is necessary to understand the limits of the technology. Views at Cannes vary widely. Actor Demi Moore, a member of the festival jury, said resisting AI is likely to be futile. Filmmaker Peter Jackson compared AI to any other special effect, while director James Gray said AI may be useful but cannot replicate the depth of human emotion and creativity. Gray urged young people to study literature and the humanities to better understand human nature. The debate comes as Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently introduced new rules stating that only performances actually given by human actors, with their consent, will be eligible for acting awards. At the same time, the Academy said the use of AI tools will neither help nor hurt a film’s Oscar chances. SAG-AFTRA has also reached a tentative agreement with studios to establish safeguards for the use of digital replicas and synthetic performers. Some developments have alarmed Hollywood, including the unveiling of Tilly Norwood, a fully AI-generated virtual actress, and a planned AI recreation of late actor Val Kilmer for a new film approved by his family. Kent Sanderson, CEO of Bleecker Street, said AI is likely to reduce production costs and make filmmaking more accessible. Cannes artistic director Thierry Frémaux said the festival supports artists and workers whose jobs could be affected by AI. He stressed the need for clear laws and regulations to ensure the technology is used responsibly. Mann agreed that unlicensed generative AI poses risks, but said the technology should not be viewed as a single, all-encompassing threat. He said AI, if used carefully and ethically, could help revitalize the film industry rather than replace the people who power it.