United News of Bangladesh

Netflix has announced that its upcoming crime-comedy Maa Behen, starring Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri, will premiere on June 4. The release date was unveiled on Friday to mark Madhuri Dixit’s 59th birthday. The film also features Dharna Durgaa and Ravi Kishan in key roles, alongside Geetanjali Kulkarni, Arunoday Singh and Shardul Bhardwaj. At the centre of the story is Rekha, a mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when a dead body appears in her kitchen. She is forced to team up with her two daughters, Jaya and Sushma, to hide the secret while dealing with curious neighbours and a series of chaotic events. The film is produced by Abundantia Entertainment in association with Opening Image Films and directed by Suresh Triveni, known for acclaimed films such as Tumhari Sulu and Jalsa. Producer Vikram Malhotra, founder and CEO of Abundantia Entertainment, said the film combines humour and emotional depth. “Maa Behen is a bold and entertaining story, but at its core, it is about family, society and the difficult choices people make to survive in a judgmental world,” he said. Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Director of Original Films at Netflix India, described the film as a surprising comedy that begins with laughter and unfolds in unexpected ways. She said director Suresh Triveni has brought together Madhuri Dixit, Triptii Dimri, Dharna Durgaa and Ravi Kishan in roles unlike anything audiences have seen before.  #From NDTV

Malayalam actor Meera Vasudevan, now 44, says she regrets spending 17 years of her life in three failed marriages, which she believes limited her professional growth. Meera, who first gained attention in the 2003 Hindi film Rules: Pyaar Ka Superhit Formula opposite Milind Soman, later built a career in Malayalam cinema. Reflecting on her past, the Thanmathra actor said she had invested valuable time in relationships where she was not taken seriously. Certification of film ‘Contract Marriage’ suspended “I often tell my son that I wasted 17 years of my life on three marriages. I could have achieved much more by focusing on cinema, fitness or building a meaningful social circle,” she said in a conversation with Dhanya Varma. She added that she could have spent more time with her family instead of relationships lacking respect. Earlier, she told Movie World Media that she had accepted her mistakes and is now focused on her career and in a happy phase. Meera married Vishal Agarwal in 2005 (separated 2010), John Kokken in 2012 (separated 2016), and Vipin Puthiyankam in 2024 (ended 2025). With inputs from  NDTV

The certification of the Bengali film 'Contract Marriage' has been suspended over allegations of contractual breach and irregularities. Model and actress Zeba Jannat alleged that she was verbally contracted to act in a single play and had participated in shooting of a few scenes. She later found that posters of the film 'Contract Marriage', featuring her still images, were circulating on social media. The actress further alleged that footage shot for the play was later used in the film without her consent. Renowned celerity couple Omar Sani and Moushumi also criticised the producer and director over the film in various media and online platforms, leading to negative public reaction. In view of the allegations and related disputes, the Bangladesh Film Certification Board said in a press release on Wednesday that it suspended the certification of the film under Section 8 of the Bangladesh Film Certification Act, 2023. The order takes immediate effect, and the film cannot be screened in any cinema hall or other platform in Bangladesh until further notice.  

Vijay has granted special permission for 9 am screenings of the upcoming Tamil film Karuppu, extending support to the makers just two days after taking oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The action drama, directed by RJ Balaji, stars Suriya and Trisha Krishnan in the lead roles and is set for worldwide release on May 14. The filmmakers announced the decision on their official social media account on Tuesday evening and thanked Vijay for approving the special morning shows. “Special thanks to our honorable Chief Minister Thiru. Joseph Vijay for granting the special permission for the 9AM shows of Karuppu. FDFS begins at 9AM from May 14,” the post said. While early morning screenings are common in several Indian states, theatres in Tamil Nadu have largely avoided them in recent years due to law and order concerns linked to intense fan celebrations around major releases. Written and directed by RJ Balaji, Karuppu features an ensemble cast including Indrans, Natty, Swasika, Sshivada, Anagha Maya Ravi and Supreeth Reddy in key roles. Music for the film has been composed by Sai Abhyankkar. Vijay and Trisha are regarded as one of Tamil cinema’s most successful on-screen pairs. They have acted together in several popular films, including Ghilli, Thirupaachi, Aathi, Kuruvi and Leo. Vijay and Trisha have also frequently been the subject of online speculation about their personal relationship, especially after Trisha attended Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony as chief minister. Despite ongoing rumours, neither of them has publicly addressed the claims. Their close friendship has long been discussed on social media, with some users alleging a relationship between the two. More recently, after details from Vijay’s divorce filings became public, sections of social media again linked him with Trisha. Some political figures have also referred to the alleged relationship while criticising Vijay. #From NDTV

Indian actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, along with Jaideep Ahlawat and Jim Sarbh, has joined the cast of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair’s upcoming film ‘Amri’, based on the life of celebrated artist Amrita Sher-Gil. Priyanka will also serve as an executive producer of the film. Mira Nair said Amrita Sher-Gil’s art has inspired her work for decades. “Every film I’ve made over the last several decades has been inspired by the art of Amrita Sher-Gil. She taught me how to see,” Nair said in a statement. The film stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Jaideep Ahlawat and Jim Sarbh, with Anjali Sivaraman playing the lead role of Amrita Sher-Gil. The cast also includes Emily Watson as Amrita’s mother Marie-Antoinette Gottesman, Jaideep Ahlawat as her father Umrao Singh Sher-Gil, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Madame Azurie. Inspired by the life and art of Amrita Sher-Gil, the film tells the story of one of India’s pioneering modern artists, whose bold and unconventional work transformed the country’s art scene. Set in Hungary, France and India in the early 20th century, ‘Amri’ follows Sher-Gil’s journey as an artist and a woman as she searched for her identity and developed a unique artistic style. Sher-Gil was the youngest student ever admitted to the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Her work focused on the lives of ordinary people in India, especially women, and challenged established artistic traditions. The film is currently in the final stages of production in India and Hungary. ‘Amri’ is directed by Mira Nair, who co-wrote the screenplay with Clara Royer. The film is produced by Samudrika Arora, Michael Nozik and Mira Nair, in association with Kiran Nadar Museum of Art and Miramax. Source: NDTV

Actor-director Riteish Deshmukh has dismissed speculation that his historical action drama Raja Shivaji was made on a massive budget of Rs 100 crore, saying that only the producers know the actual figures. The film, released in theatres on May 1, 2026, has been performing strongly in Marathi and maintaining steady interest in Hindi as well. However, reports circulating about its high production cost have sparked widespread discussion. Responding to the claims, Deshmukh told Hindustan Times that discussing budgets is unnecessary for filmmakers. “About the figures floating around about Raja Shivaji's budget, only the producers know the real budget. The last thing we need to do as filmmakers is to discuss the budget of a film because it doesn't affect anything,” he said. He further added, If someone asks me the budget, I ask them 'how much are you paying for a ticket to watch it?' They say 'Rs 100' or 'Rs 250-300'. I reply, that's the budget. One should stop talking about it. Let it be magical; you just go and experience the film.” Recalling his childhood experience of watching films like Sholay, Deshmukh said audiences never used to focus on budgets or box office collections. ’ I just wanted to have the big-screen entertainment,” he said. He also noted that constant discussion around actors’ fees and film budgets is a recent trend driven by the industry itself. Backed by Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company, Raja Shivaji features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Boman Irani, Amol Gupte and Genelia Deshmukh, with Salman Khan appearing in a cameo role. The film portrays the early life of Shivaji Bhosale and his rise against dominant powers to establish Hindavi Swarajya.   Source: NDTV

The Odyssey has released a new trailer, offering audiences the clearest look yet at filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s epic adaptation of the classic story by Homer. The latest trailer moves beyond the earlier teaser and gives a stronger sense of the story, focusing on Odysseus’ dangerous journey and the growing unrest in his kingdom of Ithaca. Matt Damon stars as Odysseus and is seen facing violent storms and deadly mythical creatures during his long journey home. One of the trailer’s major highlights is the first appearance of the giant Cyclops Polyphemus, shown holding one of Odysseus’ soldiers. Back in Ithaca, Anne Hathaway appears as Penelope, trying to protect the kingdom during her husband’s absence. Robert Pattinson plays Antinous, the main rival who leads a group seeking to take over the throne. The trailer also introduces several other key characters. Zendaya appears as the goddess Athena, who guides and protects Odysseus, while Charlize Theron plays the powerful sorceress Circe. Other cast members include Jon Bernthal as Menelaus and John Leguizamo as Eumaeus. The film also features Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong'o, Mia Goth and Benny Safdie. The trailer highlights Nolan’s signature large-scale filmmaking style. According to Deadline, the movie was shot entirely with IMAX 70mm cameras using more than two million feet of film. The background score is composed by Ludwig Göransson. Written by Nolan and produced with Emma Thomas under their Syncopy banner, the film will be distributed by Universal Pictures. The Odyssey is scheduled to hit theatres on July 17, 2026. Source NDTV

Prime Video has announced that its upcoming courtroom thriller System will premiere globally on May 22. Directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, the film is produced by Pammi Baweja, Harman Baweja and Smitha Baliga under the banner of Baweja Studios. The Hindi-language Prime Original will stream exclusively on Prime Video in India and more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. The film centres on themes of power, privilege and justice, presenting a courtroom drama where truth and accountability take centre stage. Sonakshi Sinha plays Neha Rajvansh, a public prosecutor who teams up with courtroom stenographer Sarika Rawat, portrayed by Jyotika. Despite coming from very different backgrounds, the two women join hands to uncover hidden injustices while confronting influential opponents. The film also features Ashutosh Gowariker in a major role, alongside actors Preeti Agarwal, Adinath Kothare, Aashriya Mishra, Gaurav Pandey and Sayandeep Gupta. Speaking about the project, Nikhil Madhok said, "System is a powerful and thrilling drama that explores themes of ambition, justice and ethics. With Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari at the helm and backed by Baweja Studios, System will surprise you at each stage, making for compelling viewing. Led by power-packed performances by Sonakshi Sinha and Jyotika, we believe the film has the potential to resonate strongly with audiences across the world when it releases on Prime Video on 22 May." Producer Harman Baweja said, "System is a gripping legal drama that brings together two headstrong women from contrasting worlds, bound by their own ideas of justice. Brought to life through powerful performances by Sonakshi Sinha, Jyotika and Ashutosh Gowariker, the film reflects our shared vision of telling meaningful, cinematic stories. We are thrilled to collaborate with Prime Video and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari on this project, a collaboration that has enabled us to bring this narrative to life with scale and authenticity. We look forward to delivering this genre-bending story to audiences in India and beyond." The screenplay has been written by Harman Baweja, Arun Sukumar, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, Tasneem Lokhandwala and Akshat Ghildial. #By NDTV 

Actor Ranbir Kapoor showed his support for his mother Neetu Kapoor by attending the screening of her upcoming film Daadi Ki Shaadi, accompanied by his wife and actor Alia Bhatt. The screening turned into a star-studded gathering, with members of the Kapoor family and several well-known figures from the film industry coming together ahead of the film’s release. Riddhima Kapoor Sahni was also present alongside her family to support Neetu Kapoor, while Ranbir’s aunt Rima Jain attended the event as well. Veteran actor Rekha added to the evening’s charm with her presence. The film, featuring Neetu Kapoor and Kapil Sharma in lead roles, is produced by Rtake Studios, BeingU Studios and Shimla Talkies. It is written and directed by Ashish R Mohan. Daadi Ki Shaadi also includes performances by Sadia Khateeb and Riddhima Kapoor Sahni. According to the filmmakers, the movie highlights themes of family life, capturing its quirks, chaos, secrets and unconditional love. The film is set to hit cinemas on May 8, 2026.

If Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar succeeds in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, he could end a 49-year gap by becoming the first film star to serve as chief minister since M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) transformed the state’s political landscape in 1977. MGR’s sweeping victory that year marked the last time a cinema icon directly captured power in Tamil Nadu. He turned fan loyalty into a structured political force, embedded welfare politics into governance, and redefined the link between charisma and policy. While figures like Jayalalithaa rose to power later, her success came through consolidating MGR’s AIADMK rather than building an entirely new political platform. Early trends in the 2026 elections indicate that Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), founded just two years ago, is performing strongly, with projections placing it between 100 and 118 seats. Even at the lower end, this positions Vijay among the state’s top political power at the higher end, it brings him close to the 118 seats needed for a majority in the 234-member assembly. What makes Vijay’s rise notable is its speed and strategic planning. Unlike many actor-politician who maintained parallel careers in cinema, Vijay began laying the groundwork much earlier. His political journey can be traced back to 2009, when he reorganised his fan clubs into Vijay Makkal Iyakkam, initially focusing on welfare activities. Over time, this network expanded its grassroots presence through relief efforts, educational support and community engagement. In 2011, the organisation backed the AIADMK alliance, marking Vijay’s first direct involvement in electoral politics. In the years that followed, his public appearances increasingly addressed broader issues such as youth unemployment, corruption, exam stress and governance concerns, resonating especially with younger voters. The organisational strength of his network became evident during the 2021 local government elections, where candidates linked to Vijay’s movement secured a majority of the seats they contested. When Vijay formally launched TVK in February 2024, he made his intentions clear: the party would contest independently in 2026, avoid pre-election alliances, and position itself as an alternative to the long-standing DMK-AIADMK dominance. He reinforced this commitment by stepping away from films after a three-decade career spanning around 70 movies. Over the next two years, TVK evolved from a loosely organised welfare network into a structured political party with district and booth-level organisation. Its campaign focused on education, employment, anti-corruption and institutional accountability, while projecting Vijay as a responsive and accessible leader. The journey has not been without challenges. A deadly stampede at a TVK-linked event in Karur in 2025 tested Vijay’s leadership. His response—measured and corrective—offered an early glimpse into how he might handle political crises. Current projections suggest that even without a clear majority, a strong showing could place Vijay at the centre of government formation, either as chief minister or a key power broker. His refusal to form pre-poll alliances also means any post-election arrangement will be closely scrutinised. The emergence of TVK has already reshaped Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. Alongside the DMK-led alliance and a diminished but relevant AIADMK, the state is witnessing a credible three-way contest for the first time in decades. Smaller parties now have a potential third force to align with. Comparisons with MGR are inevitable, but the contexts differ. While MGR rode a wave of populism and political rupture, Vijay’s appeal is tied to generational concerns, dissatisfaction with governance, and the promise of cleaner politics. Whether he ultimately takes power or simply transforms the political dynamics, the 2026 election has already marked a turning point. Vijay may either become the first actor in nearly half a century to lead Tamil Nadu—or demonstrate that such a shift is now within reach. Source NDTV