OTT platform Chorki has announced the release of ‘Myself Allen Swapan 2’ on Friday, the second season of its hit web series, scheduled to premiere during Eid-ul-Fitr. The first season of ‘Myself Allen Swapan’ ended with the enigmatic line: “Myself Shamsur Rahman Swapan, aka Allen Swapan,” leaving viewers with numerous questions. The final scene showed Swapan conversing with a mysterious masked individual, sparking curiosity about their identity and motives; and the upcoming season promises to unravel these mysteries. On Friday, March 14, Chorki confirmed the new season’s release through its verified Facebook page. The announcement video features Allen Swapan standing amidst a pile of scattered cash, dressed in his signature safari suit, flashing his familiar smirk. A voice speaking in the Chattogram dialect demands, “Where is my 400 crore taka?” To this, Swapan responds, “Because of you, I had to come out. Myself Shamsur Rahman Swapan, aka Allen Swapan.” The first season depicted Swapan’s transformation from a small-time drug dealer in Chattogram to a mastermind of money laundering. The new season is expected to expand on his criminal operations, with possible changes in his strategies and reach. Nasir Uddin Khan, who plays the titular role, hinted at a darker portrayal of the character. “Viewers already know that Allen Swapan is not a good guy. In this season, he will appear even more ruthless, while retaining his mischievous nature - and overall, the character will return on a larger scale,” he said. ‘Toofan’ to premiere on Chorki, Hoichoi after midnight  Directed by Shihab Shaheen, the series is a spin-off of Chorki’s original show ‘Syndicate,’ where the character Allen Swapan was first introduced. Shaheen acknowledged the challenges of creating the second season but assured that the story has evolved with greater depth and complexity. “After the success of the first season, expectations are high. The narrative and character relationships have grown more intricate, making it both challenging and exciting to develop,” he said. The first season of ‘Myself Allen Swapan’ became an instant hit upon its release in 2023, amassing two crore minutes of streaming in just eight days. It also set a record by crossing one crore minutes in the first 100 hours. Chorki CEO Redoan Rony expressed confidence in the new season, stating, “These streaming numbers are significant for the OTT industry, but the real success lies in the audience’s enthusiasm for Allen Swapan. Their love for the character inspired us to create the second season, ensuring new surprises in the story and performances.” Actors Rafiath Rashid Mithila, Aimon Shimla, Farhad Limon, and Arnab Tripura will reprise their roles alongside new cast members, whose names will be announced soon.

On his 60th birthday, Bollywood star Aamir Khan made headlines not just for the milestone but for introducing his partner, Gauri Spratt, to the public. At a pre-birthday gathering in Mumbai, Aamir spoke candidly about their relationship and future plans.  Speaking to the media at a Mumbai hotel, Aamir shared that he and Gauri first met 25 years ago but lost touch, reconnecting two years ago. "I was looking for someone who brings me peace, and I found that in her," he said. He explained that they had reached a point in their relationship where they felt secure enough to make it public. "Now, I won’t have to hide things. If we go for coffee, you can join us too," he joked.  Having been married twice before—to Reena Dutta and Kiran Rao—Aamir has three children. He revealed that Gauri had met them and that they liked her. When asked about marriage, he laughed, saying, "We are fully committed. But at 60, marriage may not suit me. Let’s see."  Rashmika Mandanna: The box office queen who surpassed Deepika, Alia Gauri, originally from Bangalore, is the daughter of Rita Spratt, who owned a salon in the city. According to her LinkedIn profile, she currently manages a BBlunt salon in Mumbai. She has a six-year-old child and has been dating Aamir for the past 18 months.  While Aamir remains uncertain about another marriage, his openness about the relationship signals a new chapter in his life. With inputs from Indian media

As a leading OTT (Over-The-Top) platform, Amazon Prime Video continues to expand its diverse catalog with fresh content and returning favorites. The April 2025 lineup spans animation, action, crime, thriller, and comedy. The collection features fresh premieres, eagerly awaited returns, and hidden gems, promising to take over your watchlist. Let’s take a closer look at the must-watch titles set to dominate conversations this month. 10 Must-watch Original Shows on Amazon Prime Video this April . The Bondsman / Action Horror / April 03, 2025 Featuring Kevin Bacon in the lead role, this action drama thrives with Erik Oleson as the showrunner and Grainger David as its creator. The writing credit also goes to Satinder Kaur, Satinder Kaur, and Nina Kim. This supernatural horror follows Hub Halloran, a resurrected bounty hunter granted an unexpected second chance at life. As he revels in love and a long-dormant musical career, he soon discovers that his old profession now comes with a sinister twist. Read more: Top 10 Netflix English Originals to Watch in April 2025: Movies, Series, and Shows The supporting cast includes Jennifer Nettles, Beth Grant, Damon Herriman, Maxwell Jenkins, and Jolene Purdy. The episodes' directors are Sanaa Hamri, Lauren Wolkstein, and Thor Freudenthal. Oleson, Bacon, and David executive produced this series along with Jason Blum, Chris McCumber, Jeremy Gold, Chris Dickie, and Paul Shapiro. Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX / Sci-fi Anime / April 08, 2025 Created by Yoshiyuki Tomino and Hajime Yatate, this Japanese series is the 16th main entry in the Gundam franchise. Continuing the trend set by The Witch from Mercury (2022–2023), this marks the second consecutive series to feature a female protagonist. This time it shares the spotlight with both female and male co-leads. Read more: March 2025 K-Drama Fever: 10 Most-hyped Shows Worth Binge-Watching Written by Hideaki Anno and Yoji Enokido, this Sunrise and Studio Khara production is the second Gundam TV series to premiere in Japan's Reiwa era. This military science fiction follows a space colony teenager whose life takes a drastic turn after befriending a refugee and entering the world of underground mecha duels. Her reality is further upended by the arrival of a mysterious Gundam and its young pilot- both hunted by the authorities. Under the direction of Kazuya Tsurumaki, this action-adventure showcases the voice cast that includes Tomoyo Kurosawa, Yui Ishikawa, Shimba Tsuchiya, and Yuuki Shin. Bhool Chuk Maaf / Sci-fi Comedy / April 10, 2025 Backed by Dinesh Vijan under the banner of Maddock Films, this Bollywood movie flourishes with Karan Sharma as its director and writer. In this sci-fi tale, a groom-to-be eagerly awaits his wedding, now just a day away. However, the Haldi ceremony inexplicably repeats itself in an endless time loop, turning his excitement into confusion and despair. Read more: 12 Most Anticipated South Indian Movies Releasing in March 2025 The romantic comedy stars Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, supported by Kumud Mishra, Sadia Khateeb, Revathi, and Sharib Hashmi. G20 / Action Thriller / April 10, 2025 Story by Logan Miller and Noah Miller, this action film takes shape courtesy of screenplay writers Caitlin Parrish, Logan Miller, Noah Miller, and Erica Weiss. The story follows U.S. President Danielle Sutton as she fights to protect her family, world leaders, and global stability when terrorists seize the G20 summit in Cape Town, South Africa. Directed by Patricia Riggen, this thriller emerges under the production of Amazon MGM Studios, JuVee Productions, Mad Chance Productions, and MRC. Read more: March 2025 Bollywood Movie Releases: Top 10 Most-Anticipated Hindi Films to Watch Viola Davis, Clark Gregg, Marsai Martin, Anthony Anderson, Ramon Rodriguez, Elizabeth Marvel, Douglas Hodge, Antony Starr, and Sabrina Impacciatore assume the key characters. Godfather of Harlem (Season 4) / Crime Drama / April 13, 2025 Created by Paul Eckstein and Chris Brancato, this Primetime Emmy Award Winning series boasts production by Chris Brancato Inc., Significant Productions, and 20th Television. This gangster saga follows crime boss Bumpy Johnson, who returns from prison in the 1960s to reclaim Harlem from the Italian mob. It forges a risky alliance with Malcolm X amid rising political and criminal turmoil. Season 4 is penned by Stephen Schiff, Benjamin Cavell, Tanya Barfield, Salvatore Stabile, Michael Panes, Kyle Hamilton, and Angelica Cheri, along with Chris Brancato. Read more: Top Amazon Prime Originals to Binge-Watch in March 2025 In the new season, Bumpy will battle the Mafia and newcomer Frank Lucas, Malcolm X’s assassination forces him to confront his daughter’s ties to the Black Panthers. The gangster series stars Forest Whitaker, Lucy Fry, Ilfenesh Hadera, Antoinette Crowe-Legacy, Arthur J. Nascarella, Erik LaRay Harvey, Richard D'Alessandro, and Evander Duck Jr. New faces appearing in the crime series are Rome Flynn, Susannah Rogers, Liv Symone, Michael Benjamin Washington, and Willie C. Carpenter.

Actor Ayo Edebiri has criticised billionaire Elon Musk for amplifying false claims about her being cast in a Pirates of the Caribbean reboot. The Bear star revealed she received an overwhelming number of death threats and racial slurs due to the misinformation spread by Musk.  The rumour originated from a right-wing account on X (formerly Twitter), which falsely claimed that Edebiri would replace Johnny Depp in the popular franchise. Musk reshared the post, commenting, “Disney sucks.” His endorsement of the unverified claim led to widespread backlash against the actor.  Edebiri responded by sharing Musk’s tweet on her Instagram Stories, calling him a “fascist” and an “idiot” for promoting fake news that subjected her to severe harassment. Amazon Prime to stream Trump's 'The Apprentice' reality show “Just remembering when I got some of the most insane death threats and racial slurs of my life (maybe not the #1 moment, but definitely top 3) for a fake reboot of a movie I had never even heard of because of this man. LMAO. So not only is he double s**g h**l-ing [sieg heil-ing] fascist, he’s an idiot. But anyway,” she wrote.  The rumour had not been reported by any credible Hollywood outlet or confirmed by the franchise’s producers.  Pirates of the Caribbean Reboot Update  The Pirates of the Caribbean series, featuring Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow, grossed over $5 billion globally. While producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed plans for a reboot in 2024, no official casting or production details have been announced. With inputs from HT

In just two years, Rashmika Mandanna has established herself as a dominant force in Indian cinema, outperforming Bollywood’s top actresses at the box office. With three back-to-back blockbusters—Animal, Pushpa 2: The Rule, and Chhaava—the 28-year-old star has amassed a staggering ₹3300 crore worldwide. Her remarkable success in the Hindi market, contributing ₹1850 crore in net collections, has set a new benchmark in the industry. Over the past 16 months, Rashmika’s three theatrical releases have shattered records. Pushpa 2: The Rule became a pan-India sensation, collecting ₹812 crore in the Hindi market alone. Saif Ali Khan resumes work after stabbing incident, looks fit and cheerful Animal, a high-octane action thriller, garnered ₹503 crore, while the historical drama Chhaava has already surpassed ₹532 crore, with numbers still climbing. This extraordinary streak positions her as Bollywood’s most bankable actress in recent times. Beating Bollywood Veterans For years, Deepika Padukone dominated the box office, particularly after Priyanka Chopra moved to Hollywood. Alia Bhatt, too, had been leading the new generation of actresses. However, Rashmika’s phenomenal rise has overshadowed them both. Since 2023, Deepika’s five major releases have amassed over ₹1800 crore in Hindi, while Alia’s films have grossed a mere ₹300 crore. This stark contrast highlights Rashmika’s unprecedented dominance. A Star Beyond the Male Leads Critics may argue that Rashmika’s success is largely due to her co-stars, but the same can be said for Deepika, Kareena Kapoor, and other leading actresses. Billboard names Doechii 2025 Woman of the Year Her consistent presence in high-grossing films suggests she has become the preferred choice for mass entertainers alongside superstars. Her versatility across different genres has further solidified her reputation. What’s Next? The actress shows no signs of slowing down. She will next be seen in Salman Khan’s Sikandar, which is expected to be another major box office hit. Additionally, she has signed on for Maddock’s horror-comedy Thama and the pan-India action film Kubera, ensuring her dominance continues well into 2025 and beyond. With inputs from Indian media

Paris has spoken, setting the tone for fall fashion with power shoulders, oversized outerwear, and a striking color palette that ranges from moody to mesmerizing. While Milan embraced romance and New York revisited Y2K grunge, Paris took a decisive stance with sharp tailoring, statement-making silhouettes, and dramatic proportions. From luxury runways to fast fashion retailers like Zara, H&M, and Shein, these trends are set to dominate the season. Forget last season’s oversized outerwear—this fall, coats are even more dramatic. At Louis Vuitton, Nicolas Ghesquière introduced blanket-like coats with exaggerated hips, echoing historical travel attire. Meanwhile, Balenciaga’s Demna emphasized volume with sculptural wool coats and puffer-gown hybrids. Marine Serre took a sustainable approach, crafting oversized pieces from upcycled materials, proving that excess and ethics can go hand in hand. Strong, structured shoulders are reclaiming their place in fashion. Givenchy’s Sarah Burton debuted razor-sharp tailoring, while Victoria Beckham played with exaggerated shoulder lines on elegant eveningwear. Loewe’s Jonathan Anderson added surrealist elements, and Saint Laurent’s Anthony Vaccarello perfected the power silhouette with precise, armor-like cuts. The message? Whether in a suit or a dress, make an impact. This season’s color palette is bold and deliberate. Valentino embraced deep red, creating an intense, almost cinematic atmosphere. Akris explored various shades of blue, from cobalt to midnight, while Balenciaga turned black into a statement of depth and restraint. Monochrome looks are in—but forget minimalism, this is about making a statement with color. Saif Ali Khan resumes work after stabbing incident, looks fit and cheerful Parisian fashion is shifting away from flashy branding, embracing quiet, refined luxury instead. Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri focused on masterful tailoring, while Rick Owens delivered an unexpectedly restrained collection, highlighting expert construction and innovative materials. The emphasis is on craftsmanship over hype. Fashion continues its digital evolution. Coperni’s runway doubled as a ’90s-style LAN party, featuring gaming influencers live-streaming the show. Louis Vuitton collaborated with electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk for a travel-inspired capsule, while Balenciaga fused couture with high-performance sportswear through a partnership with Puma. The future of fashion is interactive. This season, femininity is anything but delicate. Designers stripped it down to its essence, blending bold sensuality with structured power. Rick Owens contrasted strong outerwear with bare skin, Givenchy showcased sheer knit bodysuits alongside sharp tailoring, and Valentino pushed boundaries with corseted silhouettes and plunging necklines. Unlike Hollywood’s ethereal take on the naked dress, Paris presented a more assertive, battle-ready interpretation of sensuality. Amazon Prime to stream Trump's 'The Apprentice' reality show As the final stop on the fashion calendar, Paris dictates the season’s biggest trends. The verdict? Go big, be bold, and invest in statement pieces that matter. Whether it’s a commanding coat, a sculpted shoulder, or impeccable craftsmanship, this season is all about confidence—and in uncertain times, that’s exactly what fashion needs.

Saif Ali Khan has returned to work after recovering from a stabbing incident that took place in January. The actor was attacked by an intruder during a burglary attempt at his residence, sustaining multiple injuries. Following surgeries and a period of rest, he is now back on set, looking fit and in good spirits.  New images from the set of his upcoming yet-untitled project show Saif sporting a classic moustache and a sleek hairstyle, hinting at a fresh role. He was dressed casually in a grey T-shirt and matching track pants, complemented by sunglasses and white trainers. Interestingly, the shoot is taking place at the same location where he filmed his first scene for his debut film Parampara in 1993. However, details of the new project remain undisclosed.  India’s official Oscar entry, which failed to make the cut, wins big at major Bollywood awards show Meanwhile, Saif is gearing up for Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins, a Netflix film directed by Robbie Grewal and Kookie Gulati. The film, which also features Jaideep Ahlawat, Kunal Kapoor, and Nikita Dutta, follows a jewel thief hired to steal the world’s most elusive diamond, The African Red Sun. The heist soon spirals into a dangerous game of deception and betrayal.  Netflix has yet to announce the film’s release date. On January 16, an intruder broke into Saif’s home and attacked him, leaving him with injuries near his neck and spine. He was rushed to hospital, where he underwent multiple surgeries. Five days later, he was discharged, and security was tightened around his residence. Following the incident, Kareena Kapoor urged paparazzi to respect their privacy, especially regarding their children.  With inputs from Indian media

“The Apprentice,” the long-running reality TV show that boosted Donald Trump’s profile, will begin streaming on Amazon's Prime Video, the company announced Monday. The show’s first seven seasons will be available on Amazon's streaming platform, with the first season premiering Monday and subsequent seasons arriving every week until late April. Debuting in 2004, “The Apprentice” and a spinoff, “Celebrity Apprentice,” propelled Trump to national stardom following a string of bankruptcies and bad business deals in the 1990s that had splintered his New York-based real estate empire. The series, meant to showcase Trump’s business acumen, was a major hit, and Trump’s name became a global brand that helped launch his political career. The show featured contestants taking part in various challenges for a $250,000 salary and a job with The Trump Organization. Trump expressed enthusiasm for the news on Truth Social and in a statement included in Amazon’s statement. “I look forward to watching this show myself — such great memories, and so much fun, but most importantly, it was a learning experience for all of us!” Trump said in Amazon’s release. Amazon's decision to stream “The Apprentice” is the latest indication the company is attempting to strengthen its relationship with Trump, which was testy during his first term. Jury rules Disney didn’t copy Moana from surfer story In January, Amazon said it would release a new documentary about first lady Melania Trump, promising an “unprecedented behind-the-scenes look” at her life. Weeks before the November election, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos announced that The Washington Post, which he owns, would not endorse a presidential candidate, sparking a wave of resignations and thousands of subscription cancellations. On Monday, a columnist who has worked at the Post for four decades resigned after she said the newspaper’s management decided not to run her commentary critical of Bezos’ new editorial policy. The policy, announced last month, narrows the topics covered by the paper’s opinion section to personal liberties and the free market. In December, Amazon said it would donate $1 million to Trump's inauguration fund. The company also streamed the inauguration on its Prime Video service, a separate in-kind donation worth another $1 million.

The film that was submitted as India’s official Oscar entry but failed to make the final list of nominees has swept the International Indian Film Academy Awards, which recognize outstanding work in the country's film industry. Director Kiran Rao’s critically acclaimed “Laapataa Ladies” — renamed “Lost Ladies” for its Oscar campaign — emerged as the biggest winner at the 2025 IIFA Awards, bagging 10 wins, including best picture and best direction. The 2023 comedy is about two veiled brides who are accidentally swapped during a train ride, and tackles issues of patriarchy and gender roles, a shift from decades of male-centered mainstream Indian movies. Billboard names Doechii 2025 Woman of the Year “It’s a rare privilege to win an award for a film like ‘Laapataa Ladies.' It’s been a wonderful night. It’s a rare privilege to make a film like this,” Rao said in her acceptance speech. Rao's film — a rare departure from most Bollywood films, which typically feature song-and-dance routines, violence and melodrama — also won in categories for best story, best screenplay and best actress in a leading role. The annual ceremony of IIFA began in the western city of Jaipur on Saturday and concluded Sunday. Indian cinema’s most recognizable names took part in the glitzy event and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and actor Shahid Kapoor were among those who performed at the ceremony. The event was hosted by veteran director and producer Karan Johar and actor Kartik Aaryan. Aamir Khan reflects on rejecting iconic roles played by Shah Rukh and Salman The awards show also presents an opportunity for Indian celebrities to showcase their fashion, and this year was no exception. Notable figures such as Madhuri Dixit, Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor Khan displayed their fashion choices on the green carpet.

A jury has swiftly and unequivocally dismissed claims that Disney’s Moana was derived from a story about a young surfer in Hawaii. On Monday, a federal jury in Los Angeles deliberated for just two and a half hours before concluding that the creators of Moana had no access to writer and animator Buck Woodall’s outlines and script for Bucky the Surfer Boy. Billboard names Doechii 2025 Woman of the Year With this issue resolved, the jury of six women and two men did not need to examine the similarities between Bucky and Disney’s 2016 animated feature, which follows the journey of a Polynesian princess. Woodall had shared his work with a distant relative who worked for a separate company on the Disney lot. However, during the two-week trial, she testified that she had never shown it to anyone at Disney. “Obviously, we’re disappointed,” Woodall’s attorney, Gustavo Lage, said outside the courtroom. “We’re going to review our options and consider the best way forward.” In closing arguments earlier that day, Woodall’s attorney asserted that an extensive chain of circumstantial evidence linked the two works inseparably. “There was no Moana without Bucky,” Lage argued. Defence lawyer Moez Kaba countered that the evidence overwhelmingly demonstrated that Moana was the original work and the “crowning achievement” of John Musker and Ron Clements, the celebrated writers and directors behind The Little Mermaid (1989), Aladdin (1992), Hercules (1997), and The Princess and the Frog (2009). “They had no idea about Bucky,” Kaba stated in his closing remarks. “They had never seen it, never heard of it.” Moana went on to earn nearly $700 million worldwide. A judge had previously ruled that Woodall’s 2020 lawsuit was filed too late for him to claim any share of the film’s revenue. Additionally, a separate lawsuit he filed earlier this year regarding Moana 2—which grossed over $1 billion—must be addressed separately. Though that case remains active, the jury’s decision does not bode well for its outcome. Judge Consuelo B. Marshall, who is also presiding over the sequel lawsuit, expressed agreement with the jury’s verdict regarding access. “We are incredibly proud of the collective effort that went into making Moana and are pleased that the jury determined it had no connection to the plaintiff’s work,” Disney said in a statement. Musker and Disney’s legal team declined to comment outside the courtroom. The relatively young jury, consisting of six women and two men, watched Moana in its entirety during the trial. They also examined a 2003 story outline for Bucky, along with a 2008 revision and a 2011 script. In later versions of Bucky, the titular character, while vacationing in Hawaii with his parents, befriends a group of Native Hawaiian youths and embarks on a quest involving time travel to ancient islands and interactions with demigods to protect a sacred site from a developer. Around 2004, Woodall had provided his Bucky outline to the stepsister of his brother’s wife, Jenny Marchick, who worked for Mandeville Films. The company had a contract with Disney and was located on the Disney lot. He continued sending her follow-up materials over the years. He testified that upon watching Moana in 2016, he was shocked by the apparent similarities. However, Marchick testified that she never showed Bucky to anyone at Disney. Messages presented by the defence indicated that she eventually stopped responding to Woodall’s inquiries and had informed him that she could not assist him. Disney’s attorney, Kaba, argued that there was no proof that Marchick had ever worked on Moana or received any recognition or compensation related to it. He further pointed out that Marchick, who is now Head of Features Development at DreamWorks Animation, spent much of the relevant period working for Disney’s competitors, including Sony and Fox, undermining the claim that she had helped develop Moana for Disney. Woodall also submitted his script directly to Disney and had a meeting—arranged by Marchick—with an assistant at the Disney Channel regarding potential work as an animator. However, the jury determined that this did not establish a link between Bucky and Moana’s creators, Musker and Clements. In his closing arguments, Woodall’s attorney highlighted some of the alleged similarities between the two works. Both feature teenage protagonists on oceanic quests. Both prominently include Polynesian demigods and shape-shifting characters who transform into various creatures, including insects and sharks. Both depict the main characters interacting with animals serving as spiritual guides. Kaba, however, argued that many of these elements are drawn from Polynesian folklore and universal literary themes, making them ineligible for copyright protection. He pointed out that shape-shifting supernatural characters have appeared in multiple Disney films, including The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Hercules, all of which were written and directed by Musker and Clements. These films were instrumental in Disney’s 1990s renaissance and its rise as a global entertainment powerhouse. Animal guides, he added, have been a staple of storytelling since at least 1940’s Pinocchio and feature in all of Musker and Clements’ previous works. Aamir Khan reflects on rejecting iconic roles played by Shah Rukh and Salman Kaba asserted that Moana was developed through Musker and Clements’ established creative process—drawing from their own inspirations, extensive research, and travel experiences. He presented thousands of pages of development documents that detailed the entire creative process behind Moana, revealing that its initial inspiration came from the paintings of Paul Gauguin and the writings of Herman Melville. “You can see every single fingerprint,” Kaba concluded. “You can see the entire genetic makeup of Moana.”