United News of Bangladesh

Deepika Padukone, who recently embraced motherhood, is reportedly facing professional turbulence. After being dropped from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit, new reports suggest the actress may also be replaced in Kalki 2, starring Prabhas. According to Bollywood.mobi, Deepika’s request for reduced working hours post-childbirth has led to tension on set, prompting the filmmakers to consider her removal from the project. However, neither Deepika nor the Kalki 2 team has issued an official statement. Earlier, Deepika’s alleged exit from Spirit was attributed to disputes over remuneration and contractual terms. A source told Bollywood Hungama that the actress, through her agency, had demanded additional compensation for filming beyond 100 days, insisting on changes to her contract. Moreover, she reportedly refused to work beyond six hours per day. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga later made cryptic remarks on X (formerly Twitter), seemingly addressing the fallout. Without naming Deepika directly, he criticized what he perceived as betrayal and questioned the actress’s integrity, saying, "You’ve 'DISCLOSED' the person that you are... Putting down a younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for?" He also commented on media speculation, saying, "Next time, tell the full story... because I really don't care. #dirtyPRgames." In the wake of Deepika’s reported exit from Spirit, actress Triptii Dimri—who previously collaborated with Vanga in Animal—has been announced as the new female lead. Dimri shared the film’s title poster across social media, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and writing, "Still sinking in... So grateful to be trusted with this journey." Source: NDTV

Chart-topper punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh continues to expand his cinematic journey. Known for his landmark appearance at Coachella, this globally recognised actor remains a defining figure in contemporary entertainment. He now returns with the next installment of his widely popular horror comedy franchise. Titled ‘Sardaarji 3,’ the upcoming film is slated for release on June 27, 2025. The recently revealed first look has already sparked comparisons to a well-known genre hit. Let’s break down the poster and its nationwide fans' reaction. ‘Sardaarji 3’ Poster Teases Vibes of ‘Stree’ Diljit Dosanjh took to Instagram to announce his next big-screen outing with a motion poster reveal. At the centre stands Diljit, wearing his signature grin, while a circle of veiled women surrounds him. Their faces hidden under traditional ghoonghats add an eerie stillness to the otherwise vibrant frame. The setup hints at an offbeat ride packed with energy, humour, and a fantastical edge. Viewers were quick to pick up on the familiarity. The imagery sparked instant comparisons with ‘Stree’ (2018), known for blending supernatural suspense with quirky charm. From the veiled female figures to the comedic undertone, the parallels felt unmistakable. Read more: Pakistani Drama Tere Bin Emerges as an All-Time Audience Favourite Diljit’s caption deepened that impression. He playfully hinted that ghosts might shiver and witches could demand kisses. He sums it all up with three simple cues: goosebumps, laughter, and love. His words suggest a chaotic mix of romance, comedy, and spooky fun, much like Stree’s winning formula. Audience Reaction The unveiled poster has stirred anticipation across social media. Its eerie composition hints at more than just light-hearted fun. Shadows, mystery, and hidden identities suggest a darker twist woven into the familiar comic framework. The poster marks a significant moment for the beloved Punjabi franchise’s third chapter. The announcement came with the promise of an upcoming teaser, further intensifying the buzz. Read more: Aditya Roy Kapur on reuniting with Anurag Basu for Metro In Dino: "Every Day Brings Something New" With visuals pointing to a ghostly edge, audiences are now awaiting what appears to be a bold return to the genre’s spooky roots. A Brief Journey to the Sardaarji franchise The franchise began its journey in 2015 with a mix of fantasy, horror, and comedy, an unusual blend for Punjabi cinema at the time. Directed by Rohit Jugraj, the first installment starred Dosanjh, Neeru Bajwa, and Mandy Takhar in key roles. Its imaginative storyline and genre-defying tone marked it as one of the pioneering fantasy ventures in the regional film industry. The second chapter arrived just a year later, in 2016. Though set in the same universe, it functioned as a standalone sequel. Dosanjh took on a triple role, showcasing his comic timing and screen presence with support from Monica Gill and Sonam Bajwa. Rohit Jugraj Chauhan returned to direct, continuing the blend of absurdity and thrill that defined the original. Read more: Maalik Teaser: Gangster Rajkummar Rao becomes "Hero" of his own tale The upcoming third part signals a new chapter with director Amar Hundal taking the reins. The cast expands to include familiar and fresh faces: Neeru, Manav Vij, Saleem Albela, Nasir Chinyoti, and Monica Sharma. Initial speculation surrounded the involvement of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. Dosanjh later addressed it quietly, indicating her absence from the project. Adding to the anticipation is the reunion of Dosanjh and Neeru, coming on the heels of their recent success ‘Jatt & Juliet 3’ (2024). Their dynamic has consistently drawn audiences, and their return promises yet another engaging on-screen pairing. Read more: Eid-ul-Azha 2025 Bengali TV Drama Preview: Top Upcoming Bangladeshi Natoks Set to Spark the Festival Wrap Up ‘Sardaarji 3’ first look vibing Stree's horror comedy sparked instant excitement. Audiences responded with enthusiasm as the poster teased suspense and humour. While Hania Aamir’s rumoured role was ruled out, Neeru Bajwa returns, reprising her part from the original film. With Diljit Dosanjh at the centre, the franchise gears up for another thrilling entry. The film series is poised to bear an influential imprint on the Punjabi film industry.

Five more films scheduled for release this Eid-ul-Azha have received clearance from the Bangladesh Film Certification Board on Wednesday, paving the way for their theatrical debut during the festive season. The films are 'Taandob', 'Insaaf', 'Togor', 'Utshob', and 'Esha Murder'. Earlier, 'NeelChokro' received its censor approval back in February. With this, all six films are now officially set for nationwide release during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, one of the peak seasons for the country’s film industry. According to sources at the Film Certification Board, all six films have been granted uncut approval with a 'U' certificate, making them suitable for viewers of all ages. In terms of runtime, 'Insaaf', directed by Sanjoy Somadder, is the longest among the Eid releases, with a duration of 2 hours 29 minutes and 26 seconds. Conversely, 'Utshob', directed by Tanim Noor, is the shortest at 1 hour 52 minutes and 39 seconds. The much-anticipated film 'Taandob', directed by Raihan Rafi and starring Shakib Khan, Sabila Nur, and Jaya Ahsan, runs for 2 hours 9 minutes and 52 seconds. 'NeelChokro', featuring Arifin Shuvoo and Mandira Chakraborty, has a runtime of 1 hour 53 minutes and 32 seconds. 'Togor', starring Ador Azad and Puja Cherry, is 2 hours 23 minutes and 46 seconds long. Meanwhile, 'Esha Murder', featuring Azmeri Badhon and Puja Cruz, runs for 2 hours 26 minutes and 25 seconds. Film enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting this diverse lineup, which is expected to draw large audiences to cinemas across the country during Eid.

Prabhas’ “The Raja Saab” has locked its theatrical release for December 5, with the teaser set to drop on June 16. According to Variety, this marks the Indian superstar’s first horror entertainer, signalling a departure from his usual action-packed roles. Directed by Maruthi, known for blending humour with genre elements, the film is a supernatural thriller produced by TG Vishwa Prasad under People Media Factory. Karthik Palani is the cinematographer and Thaman S is composing the music. 'Lilo & Stitch' passes 'Sinners' to become 2nd highest grossing film of 2025 The cast features Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Ridhi Kumar alongside Prabhas. “The Raja Saab” will release in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. December has become a competitive window for Indian cinema releases, with “The Raja Saab” aiming to capitalise on the year-end theatrical market. The horror-comedy hybrid represents Prabhas’ continued genre experimentation following his pan-Indian success with the “Baahubali” franchise and recent actioners.

“Lilo & Stich” and “Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning” dominated the box office charts again after fueling a record-breaking Memorial Day weekend. Theaters in the U.S. and Canada had several new films to offer this weekend as well, including Sony’s family friendly “Karate Kid: Legends” and the A24 horror movie “Bring Her Back. ” According to studio estimates Sunday, it added up to a robust $149 million post-holiday weekend that’s up over 120% from the same timeframe last year. Disney’s live-action hybrid “Lilo & Stitch” took first place again with $63 million from 4,410 locations in North America. It was enough to pass “Sinners” to become the second-highest grossing movie of the year with $280.1 million in domestic ticket sales. Globally, its running total is $610.8 million. “Sinners,” meanwhile, is still going strong in its seventh weekend with another $5.2 million, bumping it to $267.1 million domestically and $350.1 million globally. The eighth “Mission: Impossible” movie also repeated in second place, with $27.3 million from 3,861 locations. As with “Lilo & Stitch,” that's down 57% from its opening. With $122.6 million in domestic tickets sold, it’s performing in line with the two previous installments. But with a reported production budget of $400 million, profitability is a ways off. Internationally, it added $76.1 million (including $25.2 million from China where it just opened), bringing its global total to $353.8 million. “This is the year of longterm playability,” said Paul Dergarabedian, Comscore’s senior media analyst. “The currency of word of mouth and the strong hold is more important than opening weekend dollars.” Leading the newcomers was Sony’s “Karate Kid: Legends,” with an estimated $21 million from 3,809 locations. The movie brings Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio together to train a new kid, the kung fu prodigy Li Fong ( Ben Wang ). Chan starred in a 2010 reboot of the 1984 original, while Macchio has found a new generation of fans in the series “Cobra Kai,” which just concluded a six-season run. Reviews might have been mixed, but opening weekend audiences gave the PG-13 rated film a strong A- CinemaScore and 4.5 stars on PostTrak. It also only cost a reported $45 million to produce and has several weeks until a new family-friendly film arrives. “Karate Kid: Legends” opened earlier internationally and has a worldwide total of $47 million. Fourth place went “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” which earned $10.8 million in its third weekend. The movie is the highest-grossing in the franchise, not accounting for inflation, with $229.3 million globally. The weekend’s other big newcomer, “Bring Her Back” rounded out the top five with $7.1 million from 2,449 screens. Starring Sally Hawkins as a foster mother with some disturbing plans, the film is the sophomore feature of twin filmmakers Danny and Michael Philippou, who made the 2023 horror breakout “Talk to Me.” It earned a rare-for-horror B+ CinemaScore and is essentially the only new film in the genre until “28 Years Later” opens on June 20. A new Wes Anderson movie, “The Phoenician Scheme,” also debuted in New York and Los Angeles this weekend, where it made $270,000. It expands nationwide next weekend. The summer box office forecast remains promising, though there’s a long way to go to get to the $4 billion target (a pre-pandemic norm that only the “Barbenheimer” summer has surpassed). The month of May is expected to close out with $973 million – up 75% from May 2024, according to data from Comscore. Top 10 movies by domestic box office With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore: 1. “Lilo & Stitch,” $63 million. 2. “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” $27.3 million. 3. “Karate Kid: Legends,” 21 million. 4. “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” $10.8 million. 5. “Bring Her Back,” $7.1 million. 6. “Sinners,” $5.2 million. 7. “Thunderbolts,” $4.8 million. 8. “Friendship,” $2.6 million. 9. “The Last Rodeo,” $2.1 million. 10. “j-hope Tour ‘HOPE ON THE STAGE’ in JAPAN: LIVE VIEWING,” $939,173.

Bollywood power couple Ajay Devgn and Kajol have lent their voices in support of eight-hour work shifts for new mothers in the film industry. The actors addressed the growing demand for shorter working hours during the trailer launch of their upcoming film Maa, set to release on June 27. Speaking at the event, Kajol responded positively when asked whether it is fair for new mothers to request shorter shifts on set. “I love the fact that we could work less,” she said with a smile, subtly highlighting the importance of work-life balance, particularly for women navigating both motherhood and professional commitments. Weekend Binge: From Hera Pheri To Welcome - 70 Shades Of Paresh Rawal Ajay Devgn, standing beside her, firmly backed the idea. “It’s not that it’s not going well with people. People understand,” he said. “Most of the honest filmmakers, I would say, will not have a problem with this. Apart from that, being a mother and working for eight hours — usually people have started working eight to nine hours in a shift. So I think it’s person to person, but most of the industry does understand.” Their comments come amid a broader conversation within the Indian film fraternity about creating more inclusive and accommodating working conditions for women, particularly new mothers returning to work. Devgn and Kajol’s film, Maa, explores themes of motherhood and resilience — making the timing of their remarks especially significant. Source: With inputs from India Today    

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal turns 70 today, and while his recent fallout with Akshay Kumar over Hera Pheri 3 sparked headlines — including a ₹25 crore lawsuit filed by Kumar — let’s take a break from the drama and focus on Rawal’s remarkable cinematic journey. A master of comedy, drama, and everything in between, Rawal has gifted Bollywood some unforgettable characters over the decades. Here’s a specially curated binge-worthy list to honour his legacy: 1. OMG: Oh My God! – JioCinema/Disney+ HotstarAs the atheist Kanji Lalji Mehta, Rawal delivers a standout performance in this satirical drama that questions blind faith. Akshay Kumar joins him in this thoughtful hit. 2. Hera Pheri Series – Prime VideoRawal’s portrayal of Babu Bhaiya is legendary. His impeccable timing and hilarious one-liners make him the standout star of this cult comedy series. 3. Table No. 21 – Zee5In this psychological thriller, Rawal plays a mysterious game master. The film tackles the issue of college ragging with a chilling twist. 4. Andaz Apna Apna – Prime VideoA comedy classic where Rawal shines in a dual role — Teja and Ram Gopal Bajaj. His scenes are pure comedic brilliance. 5. Chachi 420 – YouTubeIn this Kamal Haasan-starrer, Rawal is the quirky landlord who adds his own flair to the mix of comedy and drama. Tusshar Kapoor says father Jeetendra has retired from acting: "He's moved on" 6. Chup Chup Ke – Prime VideoStarring as the lovable fisherman Gundya, Rawal's comic partnership with Rajpal Yadav is one of the film's biggest highlights. 7. Golmaal: Fun Unlimited – Prime VideoAs the blind yet sharp-witted Somnath Bhardwaj, he adds chaos and comedy to this ensemble laugh riot. 8. URI: The Surgical Strike – Zee5Rawal plays a character inspired by NSA Ajit Doval in this military drama. His performance is intense and memorable. 9. Nayak: The Real Hero – Prime VideoAs a corrupt politician, Rawal delivers one of his most quotable lines: “Apun ka ek hi funda hai — public ko thenga dikhana!” 10. Welcome – Prime VideoAs Dr. Ghunghroo, trying to manage a gangster family, Rawal had audiences roaring with laughter. “Control Uday, control!” still rings in our ears. Happy 70th, Paresh Rawal — your characters are etched in Bollywood history! Source: With input from NDTV

Fast-growing entertainment company Mugafi has joined the upcoming Indian film “Kubera” as its global presenting partner, marking a significant move for the story development-driven firm as it expands globally. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sekhar Kammula, “Kubera” features a star-studded cast including Dhanush, Rashmika Mandanna, Akkineni Nagarjuna, and Jim Sarbh. According to Variety, the high-concept drama follows an unsuspecting drifter who becomes entangled in a high-stakes conspiracy, triggering a tense chase where survival demands confronting powerful, unseen forces. Mugafi will lead the international rollout of “Kubera”, strengthening its global footprint and focus on championing emerging content. Ayushmann Khurrana’s horror-comedy ‘Thama’ set for Oct 20 release “This is a strategic move that aligns perfectly with our mission to champion compelling narratives and strengthen the creative foundation of film projects,” said Vipul Agrawal, founder of Mugafi. “Working with Sekhar Kammula and such a talented cast is an honour. At Mugafi, we believe in the power of storytelling that transcends boundaries, and ‘Kubera’ is a project that embodies this vision.” The film is produced by Suniel Narang and Puskur Rammohan Rao under the Sree Venkateswara Cinemas banner. “Partnering with Mugafi and Vipul brings a fresh energy and creative synergy to ‘Kubera’,” said Rao. “Their commitment to nurturing bold, meaningful narratives aligns perfectly with our vision for this film.” Manish Vasisht, strategic adviser to the association, added, “Mugafi’s global outreach for exploitation of ancillary rights backed by Sree Venkateswara Cinema’s vision of moviemaking will benefit ‘Kubera’ globally.” “Kubera” is set for a global theatrical release on June 20 in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam.

Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana is set to make his debut in the coveted Diwali holiday release slot with his upcoming horror-comedy “Thama”, marking a major milestone in his decade-long career. The film, produced by Maddock Films and directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, will hit theatres during the Diwali this year, with the release date confirmed as October 20, according to Variety. “This is the biggest release of my career and I’m really eager to spread joy, happiness and laughter with the entire country with ‘Thama,’” Khurrana said. “The fact that my film could be one of the reasons for people to have a great festive period feels really surreal.” Known for his offbeat and socially conscious roles, Khurrana has steadily climbed the ladder to become one of Hindi cinema’s most dependable leading men. His entry into the Diwali slot — traditionally dominated by big-ticket entertainers starring A-list actors — is being seen as a sign of his rising commercial stature. Upcoming OTT and Theatrical Releases: A week packed with drama, action and emotion “For me, Diwali is about togetherness, it is about family and it is about having the best community experience by spending time with your friends,” the Vicky Donor actor said. “I’m a big movie buff and every year, I have a ritual to go to the theatres with my family and watch a film on Diwali. We have so much fun together and it makes me so happy to see scores of people thronging to the theatres to watch these big releases.” “Thama” also features a strong ensemble cast, including Rashmika Mandanna, Paresh Rawal, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The screenplay is written by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, and Arun Fulara. Producers Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik are backing the film under the Maddock Films banner. The film also marks the launch of Maddock’s ambitious horror-comedy cinematic universe, a genre the studio popularized with the 2018 hit “Stree”. In 2024, Maddock continued its genre dominance with “Stree 2”, “Munjya”, and “Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya”, and earlier this year, it unveiled an eight-film interconnected slate to release over the next four years.

The trailer for Housefull 5 dropped on Tuesday, teasing a wild comedy filled with chaos, confusion, and classic slapstick. Akshay Kumar returns to the franchise he’s been part of since the beginning. This latest installment features one of the most star-studded casts in recent memory and sticks to the series' signature blend of outrageous humor and quirky one-liners. Narrated by Nana Patekar, the trailer opens with a lavish 100th birthday celebration for a billionaire (played by Ranjeet) aboard a luxury yacht, where he plans to reveal his will. Enter three men—Jalabuddin (Riteish Deshmukh), Jalbhushan (Abhishek Bachchan), and Julius (Akshay Kumar)—all claiming to be the rightful heir. But things take a sharp turn when the billionaire suddenly dies, and the trio becomes the main suspects in a murder investigation. The twist? None of them remembers what happened because their drinks were spiked. The chaos escalates with Akshay Kumar being smacked around by monkeys, Jackie Shroff spoofing his son Tiger Shroff's viral line, and a nonstop series of absurd events. Upcoming OTT and Theatrical Releases: A week packed with drama, action and emotion Packed with over-the-top comedy, cheeky dialogues, and a flashy visual style, the trailer promises another madcap adventure. Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, Housefull 5 features a sprawling ensemble cast, including Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Nargis Fakhri, Fardeen Khan, Shreyas Talpade, Chitrangda Singh, Dino Morea, Chunky Panday, Johnny Lever, Nana Patekar, Jackie Shroff, Nikitin Dheer, Soundarya Sharma, Ranjeet, and Sanjay Dutt. The earlier four parts were helmed by Sajid Khan and Farhad Samji. Housefull 5 hits theatres on June 6. Source: NDTV