United News of Bangladesh

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

Popular young content creator Kaarina Kaisar was taken to Chennai by an air ambulance on Monday night for advanced treatment after being placed on life support due to serious liver complications. In a Facebook post on Tuesday afternoon, her father, former national footballer Kaisar Hamid, wrote: “Last night, my daughter Kaarina Kaisar was taken abroad by jet air ambulance for advanced treatment.” He said Kaarina was accompanied by her mother, Lopa Kaisar, while her two brothers, Mustafa S. Hamid and Sadat Hamid, travelled as liver donors. Kaisar Hamid requested everyone to pray for his daughter. Kaarina suffered liver failure on Friday (May 8) and was later placed on life support. Family sources said she had been unwell for several days. After being admitted to hospital, doctors reportedly found an infection and confirmed that she had contracted Hepatitis A.

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

Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt has arrived at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, turning heads with a sleek monochrome outfit. For her arrival, Bhatt opted for a tailored blazer featuring puffed shoulders and a cinched waist, paired with matching slim-fit trousers. She completed the look with accessories from Gucci. The actress, who made a notable debut at the festival in 2025, is expected to walk the red carpet again this year. She will also attend the opening ceremony on May 12 as India’s global ambassador for L'Oréal Paris. Bhatt was earlier seen departing from Mumbai in the early hours of Monday, heading to the French Riviera for the prestigious event. Source: NDTV

Actor Trisha Krishnan has expressed happiness over Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay taking oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, saying she is “very happy” and congratulating him on the milestone. Trisha was among the earliest guests to arrive at the swearing-in ceremony on Sunday, where Vijay officially assumed office as Chief Minister. Speaking briefly to media at the venue, she said, “Very happy, congratulations.” Riteish Deshmukh dismisses Rs 100 crore budget buzz around ‘Raja Shivaji’ Her presence at the event attracted significant attention, with videos and photographs of her arrival widely circulating on social media. She was seen wearing a seafoam-green saree, complemented by a neatly tied bun adorned with a white gajra. Vijay and Trisha are among the most popular on-screen pairs in Tamil cinema, having worked together in several hit films including Ghilli, Thirupaachi, Aathi, Kuruvi, and most recently Leo. In recent months, the two actors have also been the subject of frequent online speculation regarding their personal relationship. Despite ongoing rumours, neither Vijay nor Trisha has publicly addressed the claims. Their close friendship has long been discussed on social media, with some users suggesting a romantic link between them. The speculation resurfaced after details from Vijay’s divorce filings became public, with sections of social media again linking him with Trisha. Some political figures have also referred to the alleged relationship while criticising Vijay. 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

    Katy Perry is set to perform at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on June 12 ahead of the United States’ opening match of the FIFA World Cup, organizers announced Friday. The performance will be part of special pregame entertainment planned across the three host countries for the expanded 48-team tournament. The ceremony before the U.S. faces Paraguay will also feature performances by rappers Future and Rema, singers Lisa, Tyla, and Anitta, along with DJ Sanjoy. In Mexico, the opening match between Mexico and South Africa at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on June 11 will include performances by Tyla, Alejandro Fernández, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Belinda, J Balvin, and the bands Los Ángeles Azules and Maná. Canada’s first World Cup game against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto’s BMO Field will feature Canadian stars Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, William Prince, and Nora Fatehi, as well as Elyanna, Vegedream, and DJ Sanjoy. FIFA said all opening ceremonies are expected to begin 90 minutes before kickoff.    

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