United News of Bangladesh

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.

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