United News of Bangladesh

Netflix’s hit sci-fi series Stranger Things is heading toward its long-awaited finale, with fans preparing for the final episodes that promise to resolve major mysteries surrounding Hawkins and its residents. Season five opened with the town under siege, as dangerous creatures from the Upside Down spilled into the real world through massive rifts. Vecna remained a central threat, while the main characters were shown facing what appears to be their final battle. Netflix is releasing the remaining episodes in stages. Three episodes are set to stream on Boxing Day in the UK, while the feature-length final episode will be available on New Year’s Day. In the United States, the finale will stream on December 31, with special cinema screenings also planned in selected locations. The opening episodes revealed that Hawkins is under military quarantine and that Eleven, played by Millie Bobby Brown, is once again being hunted for her supernatural abilities. She and Jim Hopper were shown fighting dark forces inside a military base linked to the Upside Down, while a mysterious new scientist was introduced. One of the biggest revelations so far is that Will Byers has discovered he also has supernatural powers, deepening his long-suspected connection to Vecna. At the same time, unsettling scenes involving Max, Holly and a cave linked to Vecna’s past memories raised new questions that are yet to be answered. Music has again played a key role in resisting Vecna’s control, echoing earlier seasons where songs helped characters break free from his influence. Fans believe this theme could be central to how the people of Hawkins defend themselves in the finale. Executive producer Shawn Levy has said the final episode has been carefully crafted to meet fan expectations, stressing that the creators wanted to avoid the kind of divisive endings seen in some other major TV series. Despite the show’s huge global success, creators Matt and Ross Duffer have ruled out any sequel, saying the story of Eleven, her friends and the town of Hawkins will end with this season. As anticipation builds, fans worldwide are waiting to see whether Stranger Things can deliver a satisfying conclusion to one of Netflix’s most popular series.   With inputs from BBC

One of the world’s most beloved children’s characters, Winnie-the-Pooh, is marking 100 years since his first appearance, with celebrations planned in England’s Ashdown Forest, the real-life setting of the famous stories. Winnie-the-Pooh first appeared on December 24, 1925, in a short story titled The Wrong Sort of Bees, published in the London Evening News. The character was created by author A A Milne and inspired by the toy bear of his son, Christopher Robin. The gentle bear, along with characters such as Tigger and Piglet and the game of Pooh sticks, soon gained global popularity. The fictional “100 Aker Wood” was based on Ashdown Forest in East Sussex, where Milne owned a country home. Pooh’s enduring fame continues to bring major economic benefits to the area. Local authorities have allocated about £450,000 in public funds to support events and programmes marking the centenary. Milne published Winnie-the-Pooh as a book in 1926, followed by The House at Pooh Corner in 1928. Two poetry collections featuring the characters were also released. A key attraction in the forest is Pooh Sticks Bridge, where Milne and his son invented the game. The original bridge was replaced by a replica in the late 1990s for safety reasons. The original structure was later sold at auction in 2021. Winnie-the-Pooh’s global reach expanded further in 1961 when Disney acquired the rights to the stories, introducing the character to new generations worldwide. Pooh Corner, a gift shop and tea room near the bridge, has drawn visitors since 1978. Its owner said people travel from across the world to see the places linked to Pooh and share personal stories about why the character matters to them. Guided tours of Ashdown Forest have also grown in popularity, with organisers saying most visitors now come from outside the UK, especially North America. Planned centenary events include new installations at the forest’s visitor centre and the creation of walking trails designed to protect sensitive areas. Local organisers say the anniversary highlights how Winnie-the-Pooh helped make Ashdown Forest internationally known and continues to shape its cultural and economic life a century on.   With inputs from BBC

Leaves and bodies fall in No Other Choice, a chilling and darkly comic satire from acclaimed South Korean director Park Chan-wook, who once again proves himself a master of elegant menace and moral provocation. The film opens with You Man-su (Lee Byung-hun), a seemingly content family man, welcoming autumn while grilling dinner for his wife, Miri (Son Ye-jin), and their two children. Living in a striking modern house surrounded by nature, Man-su confidently declares, “I’ve got it all.” Almost immediately, that illusion collapses. After 25 years at a paper mill, he is abruptly laid off, joining countless others discarded without ceremony. As financial pressure mounts, Man-su is forced to sell his beloved home, abandon his greenhouse and even cancel Netflix — small humiliations that signal deeper collapse. Rather than follow a conventional path of reinvention, the film takes a sharply sinister turn. Assessing the job market, Man-su concludes he ranks only fifth among potential candidates for similar positions. His solution: eliminate the competition. Based on Donald Westlake’s novel The Ax, previously adapted in 2005, No Other Choice feels tailor-made for Park, whose filmography includes Oldboy, The Handmaiden and Decision to Leave. Park transforms familiar material into a biting critique of capitalism, unemployment and modern desperation, crafting a thriller that is both absurdly funny and deeply unsettling. Nolan’s The Odyssey trailer unveils epic journey Lee Byung-hun delivers a standout performance, portraying Man-su as neither a natural killer nor a traditional villain, but a tragically misguided everyman. His descent into violence is framed with Park’s signature visual precision — reflections, trees and carefully composed frames heighten the satire and dread. Like Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite, the film skewers class anxiety, but Park’s vision is colder and more fatalistic. The final moments expand the story’s implications to automation, artificial intelligence and a future where loss is permanent. In No Other Choice, the leaves that fall do not return. A Neon release, No Other Choice is rated R for violence, language and some sexual content. In Korean with English subtitles. Running time: 139 minutes. ★★★★ out of four. Source: AP 

Universal Pictures has released the first trailer of The Odyssey, director Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic based on Homer’s classic poem, offering audiences an early look at a large-scale battle and survival saga. The film follows Greek hero Odysseus, played by Matt Damon, as he struggles to return home after the Trojan War. The trailer opens with the aftermath of the war and shows Odysseus leading his men away from Troy, hoping to reunite with their families. The preview highlights a long and dangerous journey across seas and unfamiliar lands. Odysseus is seen sailing through violent storms, crossing harsh terrain and surviving shipwrecks, with strong visuals focusing on endurance and survival. One sequence confirms that the fall of Troy is part of the opening chapters, showing Odysseus and his men inside the Trojan Horse. Another dark scene hints at mythical threats, suggesting encounters with monsters without revealing them fully. Family ties are also central to the story. Tom Holland appears as Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, while Anne Hathaway plays his wife, Penelope. Dialogue in the trailer is limited, with the story largely driven by visuals. The film features a large ensemble cast, including Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Charlize Theron, Robert Pattinson, Mia Goth, Benny Safdie, Jon Bernthal, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, Himesh Patel and Corey Hawkins. Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey is produced by Nolan and Emma Thomas and backed by Universal. The film was shot entirely using IMAX’s largest format and is scheduled for worldwide release on July 17, 2026.   With inputs from NDTV

Marvel Studios has confirmed the return of Chris Evans as Steve Rogers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the release of the first teaser for Avengers: Doomsday, ending days of speculation sparked by leaked footage. The teaser takes a reflective tone, showing Steve Rogers riding his motorcycle home as a soft piano version of the Avengers theme plays. Instead of action-heavy scenes, the preview focuses on memory and nostalgia, with Rogers seen unpacking his old Captain America suit, suggesting a past life he once left behind. One of the most notable moments in the teaser features Rogers holding a newborn baby, reinforcing the idea that he chose a different life after the events of Avengers: Endgame. The teaser ends with a clear confirmation of his return in Avengers: Doomsday. Steve Rogers was last seen stepping away from the role of Captain America after passing the shield to Sam Wilson and choosing to remain in the past with Peggy Carter. His reappearance signals a new chapter in the MCU, challenging the sense of finality surrounding his earlier departure. Marvel has indicated that Doctor Doom will be the main antagonist, with the storyline expected to span multiple timelines and universes. The film will also feature several familiar MCU characters, including Chris Hemsworth. Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for global release on December 18, 2026.   With inputs from NDTV

Saiyaara actress Aneet Padda sent warm birthday wishes to her co-star Ahaan Panday, calling him “selfless,” as he celebrated his birthday on December 23. The actor, who made his film debut with Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara, received a heartfelt tribute from Aneet, who shared a collection of charming photos and videos along with an emotional message highlighting their close bond. Aneet Padda’s birthday message for Ahaan Panday Aneet opened her post with the line, “I’ve seen the future,” before going on to describe Ahaan’s personality and the impact he has on people around him. She spoke about how strangers smile at his laughter, how he finds beauty in everyday moments, and how his creative thoughts reflect a rare and imaginative mind. She also praised his kindness, noting how deeply her parents trust him and how warmly they speak of him during video calls. Aneet mentioned the pride and emotion Ahaan’s mother feels when seeing him, as well as how even brief conversations with him can brighten a stranger’s day. Sharing more personal moments, she recalled how a security guard looks forward to their daily chats and how people are drawn to Ahaan even before recognizing his stardom. She reflected on how he was always destined for success, long before audiences discovered him on the big screen. Concluding the post, Aneet expressed her pride in the person Ahaan has become and thanked him for being who he is, wishing him a happy birthday with heartfelt affection. Ahaan responded with a touching reply, appreciating the gesture. About Saiyaara Directed by Mohit Suri, Saiyaara marked Ahaan Panday’s first film, with Aneet Padda playing the female lead. The movie performed well at the box office, and both actors earned praise for their chemistry and performances. Source NDTV

Filming of Tom Holland starrer Spider-Man: Brand New Day has officially wrapped up, with the film set for a theatrical release on July 31, 2026. Director Destin Daniel Cretton shared the update on Instagram on Saturday, thanking the cast and crew and describing the project as one of the most rewarding experiences of his career. He praised the team’s dedication, creativity and hard work throughout production. Cretton also commended Tom Holland for his leadership, commitment and performances, both on and off screen, calling the completion of filming a significant milestone for the project. Alongside Holland, the film features Mark Ruffalo reprising his role as Bruce Banner, also known as the Hulk, Michael Mando returning as Scorpion, and Jon Bernthal joining the cast as the Punisher. Sadie Sink is also part of the ensemble in an undisclosed role, while Zendaya and Jacob Batalon return as MJ and Ned.   With inputs from NDTV

Radhika Apte, currently celebrating the success of her recently released OTT film Saali Mohabbat, recently shared a memorable encounter with Shah Rukh Khan. She recalled missing a call from the superstar, initially thinking it was a prank, before realizing it was genuine and returning the call. The actress revealed to Mashable India that Shah Rukh had called her to appreciate her performance in the 2018 film Andhadhun. “We were having a meal when I noticed a missed call. I thought, let’s check it. Then a message came from the same number: ‘Radhika, this is Shah Rukh Khan. Please call me back,’” she said. “Truly Honoured”: Janhvi Kapoor after winning Female Actor of the Year After confirming with her agent that the number was indeed SRK’s, she called him back. “He said, ‘I just wanted to tell you that I saw Andhadhun. I really loved your performance. I called only to say that,’” Radhika added. She also recalled meeting Shah Rukh at a party, describing the interaction as warm and genuine. “He came up to me because I usually don’t go and express, ‘I like you.’ He put his arm around me, and we talked for half an hour. He was so sweet—it was really lovely,” she said. About Saali MohabbatSaali Mohabbat is a drama-thriller set in a small-town backdrop, exploring how the life of a seemingly ordinary housewife turns chaotic as betrayal, secrets, and tension emerge following two unsettling deaths. The film features Radhika Apte alongside Sauraseni Maitra, Divyendu Sharma, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Anurag Kashyap, and is produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Dinesh Malhotra, Vipin Agnihotri, and Manish Malhotra. Source: NDTV

Hollywood actor and former professional wrestler Dwayne Johnson has dedicated his latest film, The Smashing Machine, to the memory of 15 friends he lost to addiction and suicide over the past two decades. In an interview with Variety, the 53-year-old actor said the biopic, which portrays the life of legendary UFC fighter Mark Kerr, reflects not only Kerr’s journey but also the struggles of countless people battling mental health issues. “In a way, The Smashing Machine is a love letter to the men and women who struggle, who have made it on the other side, and who didn’t,” Johnson said. Johnson, who has been open about his own battles with depression, revealed that losing friends over the years deeply influenced the project. “Over the past two decades, I lost exactly 15 friends to addiction and suicide, who just couldn’t handle the pressure,” he added. The actor also recalled his personal experiences with mental health challenges, including suffering from depression at the age of 23 after failing to qualify for professional football, and witnessing his mother attempt suicide when he was 15. He stressed the importance of support, encouraging people to talk openly about their struggles and reminding them that they are not alone. Johnson has previously spoken about helping those facing depression. In 2018, he advised on social media to support loved ones by listening and guiding them through difficult times. “Everybody is fighting demons, and a lot of people keep it in. A lot of people don’t talk about it,” he said, reflecting on lessons learned over the years. The Smashing Machine is set to reach audiences worldwide while Johnson continues to work on upcoming projects, including the live-action Moana, an untitled Jumanji sequel, and Fast X: Part 2.   With inputs from NDTV

Janhvi Kapoor won the Female Actor of the Year award at the NDTV Indian of the Year ceremony held in New Delhi on Friday. Accepting the honour, Janhvi delivered an emotional and thoughtful speech, reflecting on her career journey, the influence of her film Homebound, and the growing sense of responsibility that comes with recognition and success. While acknowledging the film’s measurable achievements—such as awards, global attention and international exposure—Janhvi said its deeper impact on her personal and artistic growth mattered most to her. “There are visible milestones like awards, recognition and the incredible journey the film has taken,” she said. “But more importantly, it has helped me understand the kind of person and artist I want to be, and made me more aware of the fractures within our society.” “Extremely grateful,” says Janhvi She explained that working on the film sharpened her sensitivity to human emotions and contrasts. “It opened my eyes to the hope, goodness, beauty, fear, division and also the unity that exists in the world. For all these reasons, I feel deeply grateful to be part of this journey. I’m truly honoured,” she added. Praise for director Neeraj Ghaywan Janhvi expressed heartfelt appreciation for filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, thanking him for believing in her abilities. “I’m incredibly thankful to Neeraj sir for seeing potential in me that I often struggle to see in myself,” she said. According to her, the heart of the film lies in empathy and acknowledgment. “The film is about truly seeing people and feeling seen. That’s what we hope audiences take away from it—and that’s what it gave me as well,” she shared. On success and responsibility Speaking about the pressure that comes with being named Indian of the Year, Janhvi admitted that nervousness never really fades. “My hand is shaking while holding this mic because I’m surrounded by such inspiring people. The pressure never really goes away,” she said honestly. However, she noted that success has reshaped that pressure. “It’s turned into a sense of responsibility, and I’m much more aware of it now.” Lessons from her parents Janhvi also spoke about how her parents’ relationship influenced her values, emphasising respect, trust and personal freedom. “More than anything, it’s about respecting each other’s opinions, space and individuality—allowing people around you to grow without restricting them,” she said. She added that compassion plays a key role in personal growth. “When you’re surrounded by people who genuinely love and support you, you’re free to become your best self instead of being defined by others’ perceptions.” A lighter moment Bringing humour into the conversation, Janhvi joked about her lack of singing talent. “I was told everyone here has been singing—but that’s one thing I absolutely shouldn’t do. If I start singing, the hall will empty in seconds,” she quipped, drawing laughter. Reflecting on her childhood in a film family, she shared that performing came naturally to her. “I was very enterprising—I’d direct, act and organise little shows. People even had to pay to watch me perform,” she said with a grin, adding that they jokingly had to “pay to leave” as well. NDTV launched the Indian of the Year awards in 2003 to honour individuals who represent India’s progress and spirit. Through a rigorous selection process, the platform recognises excellence across 14 categories, including business, innovation, philanthropy, governance, sports, entertainment, culture and science.