United News of Bangladesh

The makers of Yash-starrer Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups have postponed its release to June 4, citing the ongoing Middle East conflict as the reason for the delay. The film was originally scheduled to release on March 19. In an official note shared on X, Yash said the film was created to reach a global audience in Kannada and English, but “the current uncertainty, especially in the Middle East, impacts our goal to connect with the widest possible audience.” With Toxic now rescheduled, Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar 2 will be the sole major Bollywood release on March 19. Toxic is produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the film features Yash alongside Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, and Rukmini Vasanth, with dubbed versions planned in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam. Source: NDTV

Michael B Jordan has shaken up this year’s Oscars race after securing a surprise best actor victory at the Actor Awards, formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Jordan was honoured for his performance in vampire horror film Sinners, which also clinched the night’s top prize for best ensemble cast. The unexpected win gives the actor renewed momentum just weeks ahead of the Academy Awards scheduled for March 15. “I wasn’t expecting this at all,” Jordan said while accepting the award, expressing gratitude to his co-stars, director and family. He paid tribute to his mother Donna for supporting his acting ambitions from an early age and thanked director Ryan Coogler along with the film’s cast and crew. Co-star Delroy Lindo described making the film as an “incredible journey,” saying the cast brought “our hearts and souls” to the project. The awards came a week after the Bafta Film Awards, where Jordan and Lindo were commended for their composure following an on-stage disruption. Lindo later thanked supporters at the NAACP Image Awards, calling the response overwhelmingly positive. Other film winners included Sean Penn for One Battle After Another and Jessie Buckley for Hamnet, continuing her dominant run in the best actress category this season. In a surprise result, Amy Madigan won supporting actress for Weapons, boosting her late Oscar prospects. Television honours saw a posthumous win for Catherine O'Hara for her role in The Studio. The award was accepted by co-star Seth Rogen, who praised her talent and generosity. The series also won best comedy ensemble, while Rogen picked up best comedy actor. In the drama categories, The Pitt won best ensemble, with Noah Wyle earning best drama actor. Veteran star Harrison Ford received the lifetime achievement award, reflecting on a career spanning more than six decades that includes roles in Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Blade Runner. With 16 Oscar nominations, Sinners heads into the Academy Awards as a strong best picture contender, facing competition from One Battle After Another, which has secured major wins at other precursor events. While Buckley remains the clear frontrunner in best actress, Jordan’s Actor Award triumph has made the best actor contest one of the tightest races ahead of Hollywood’s biggest night.   With inputs from BBC

Popular TV dramas such as Bridgerton are helping many of England’s stately homes survive by providing much needed income, attracting visitors and funding conservation work, heritage groups say. With new episodes of Bridgerton released on Netflix, historic houses across England are again in focus. Filming has become a key source of revenue for many estates that struggle with high maintenance costs. The charity English Heritage, which manages about 400 historic properties, says many of its sites are used regularly for film and TV productions. One example is Ranger’s House in Greenwich, which appears as the Bridgerton family home. Christina Pascoe, commercial development lead at English Heritage, said money from TV productions helps pay for basic but costly work. This includes replacing curtains and carpets, repairing stonework and cleaning windows, all of which require specialist skills. English Heritage said its most popular filming location is Wrest Park near Silsoe in Bedfordshire. The site has appeared in The Crown and Downton Abbey and was recently closed to visitors for a film shoot. Pascoe said its rooms look similar to those in Buckingham Palace and are mostly unfurnished, making filming easier. Tony Wood, a supervising location manager who has worked on Bridgerton, said filming at historic homes is far from glamorous. He said large crews, trucks and cables are hidden from view. Wood added that properties within 30 miles of London are most attractive as they reduce hotel costs. He said studios cannot fully replace real stately homes. Building several connected and highly detailed rooms would cost far more than filming on location, and studios cannot recreate views of open countryside. The National Trust, which looks after more than 500 properties in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, said filming fees usually start at around £6,000 a day. Senior filming officer Harvey Edgington said costs rise if a property must close to the public, especially during peak summer months. Edgington said estates farther from London are becoming more popular as new studios open across the UK. He said filming the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie at Calke Abbey helped pay for improvements such as a new visitor car park. Appearing in major productions can also boost visitor numbers. Edgington said Antony House in Cornwall saw visitor numbers quadruple after featuring in the 2010 film Alice in Wonderland. Stowe House near Buckingham, a Grade I listed estate, has appeared in Bridgerton and older films such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Because it is also a school, filming is limited to holidays. Even when a planned shoot for director Ridley Scott’s Napoleon was cancelled, producers still paid the agreed fee. Susy Pullen, who manages commercial activity at Stowe House, said income from filming is essential as all work in historic buildings is expensive. In some cases, film crews have even paid to restore damaged features they noticed. Ashridge House near Tring in Hertfordshire has also benefited from filming. Parts of the Harry Potter films used moulds taken from the house to create Hogwarts sets. Managing director David Evans said filming provides a significant share of the estate’s income and helped fund repairs such as replacing 200 year old gutters. Evans said appearing on screen also helps attract younger visitors. He said films and TV shows introduce historic houses to people who might not otherwise visit them, helping to secure their future for generations to come.   With inputs from BBC

New Delhi , Newly married actors Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna have announced plans to celebrate their wedding by organising ‘annadanam’ at temples across the country on Sunday. Apart from offering free meals at multiple temples, the couple said they will also send trucks loaded with sweets to more than 20 cities nationwide to share their joy with fans. In a joint social media message, they expressed gratitude to people across India for being part of their journey and said they wished to mark the special occasion in a way that reflects how the country celebrates — with food and sweets. They said trucks carrying sweets would travel to cities including Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Karimnagar, Delhi, Chandigarh, Noida, Ghaziabad, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Mumbai, Jaipur, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Puttaparthi, Kochi, Mysuru, Coorg, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Chennai and Puducherry. The couple also sought blessings from well-wishers. Vijay and Rashmika tied the knot on February 26. Meanwhile, a preview of the song ‘Endhayya Saami’ from their upcoming film Ranabaali was unveiled on Saturday. In the film, Vijay plays the titular role, while Rashmika portrays his wife Jayamma. Actor Arnold Vosloo, known for his role in The Mummy, features as the antagonist Sir Theodore Hector. According to sources, Ranabaali is inspired by real events from the 1850s that remain largely absent from mainstream history books. The project marks Vijay and Rashmika’s first on-screen collaboration since their marriage, following earlier films such as Geetha Govindam and Dear Comrade.   Source NDTV

The wife of television actor Zaher Alvi reportedly committed suicide in the capital’s Mirpur DOHS on Saturday. Alvi confirmed the matter through a post on his verified Facebook page. However, he did not mention any reason behind the incident. In the post, the actor wrote, “This noon, my wife Ikra committed suicide at our Mirpur DOHS residence. Now, I am in Nepal for a shooting project. Since hearing the news, I have not been in a state to speak. I do not understand why she chose to leave this way without thinking about our child and me.” Bollywood veteran actor-comedian Asrani dies at 84 He further wrote, “I request my well-wishers and journalist brothers to please give me some time. I am trying to return to Dhaka as soon as possible and will speak to everyone after I get back. Until then, during this moment of grief, please allow me and my family some mental peace. For the sake of our child’s future, please do not spread any misleading information. Please pray for my Ikra.” Alvi and Ikra have a son.

Sankgeetha Sornalingam, wife of actor-politician and TVK founder Joseph Vijay Chandrasekar, has filed for divorce, citing irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. In her petition submitted to a family court in Chengalpattu District, Sankgeetha accused her husband of maintaining an extramarital relationship with an actress and subjecting her to “persistent mental cruelty, neglect, and desertion.” She stated that, if necessary, she would include the actress as a second respondent in the case. The divorce plea, filed under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, is scheduled to be heard on April 10. Sankgeetha requested that all proceedings be held in camera to protect the privacy of the parties involved. She also sought a court injunction to prevent media outlets, social media platforms, and YouTube channels from publishing any content related to the case, warning that such coverage could cause further mental anguish and humiliation to her and her family. According to the petition, since 2021, Vijay has “emotionally withdrawn” and treated Sankgeetha with verbal disdain, forcing her to live separately within the matrimonial home. His ongoing public association with the actress caused her emotional distress and embarrassment, particularly affecting their children socially. To avoid publicity, she has not disclosed the actress’s name but reserves the right to do so if needed. Sankgeetha said she attempted to resolve matters amicably through legal notices and personal discussions with Vijay between August 2024 and February 2025, with the last meeting on November 9, 2025, but all efforts to reach a mutually acceptable solution failed. The petition notes that the couple first registered their marriage in the United Kingdom on July 10, 1998, followed by a ceremonial wedding in Chennai on August 25, 1999.   Source: NDTV  

Paramount Skydance is set to take over Warner Bros Discovery in a deal valued at about $111 billion after Netflix withdrew from the bidding, ending a months-long battle for one of Hollywood’s most prominent studios. Warner Bros, which put itself up for sale last year, said on Thursday that Paramount’s revised offer was “superior” to Netflix’s proposal, which the streaming giant declined to increase. Netflix executives said the deal was no longer financially attractive at the higher price. If approved, the acquisition would give Paramount control of Warner Bros’ film studio and major media assets, a move expected to significantly reshape the global entertainment industry. Netflix had earlier reached an agreement in December to buy parts of Warner Bros in a deal worth around $82 billion including debt. Paramount later entered the race with a rival bid, initially rejected, before returning this week with a sweeter offer that increased the cash price per share. Netflix co-chief executives Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters said the company remained disciplined, noting the transaction was never essential at any cost. Regulatory hurdles remain. California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the proposed merger is still subject to scrutiny, with the state’s Department of Justice reviewing the deal. Approval would also be required from the US Department of Justice and European regulators. The potential takeover has drawn particular attention because Warner Bros owns CNN, one of the United States’ largest news networks. A merger with Paramount could have major implications for the channel’s future. Paramount is backed by tech billionaire Larry Ellison and led by his son David Ellison. The financing of the bid has attracted scrutiny due to Ellison’s close ties with US President Donald Trump, who has frequently criticised CNN’s coverage. David Ellison welcomed the Warner Bros board’s decision, saying the enhanced proposal offers shareholders greater value and certainty, with a faster path to completion. If regulators give the green light, Paramount would absorb Warner Bros’ HBO Max streaming subscribers and take ownership of brands including CNN, the Food Network and various sports properties, adding them to its existing portfolio that includes CBS, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central. Industry observers say the sale of Warner Bros is likely to have far-reaching consequences across Hollywood, including possible job cuts, as studios adjust to further consolidation in an industry already facing major structural changes.   With inputs from BBC

Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda are officially married. The couple solemnised their union with a traditional Telugu ceremony held at 10:10 AM today, followed by another ritual in the evening that paid tribute to Rashmika’s Kodava roots. The much-awaited official wedding pictures have now been unveiled. Sharing glimpses from the ceremonies, Rashmika posted an emotional note introducing Vijay as her husband. She described him as the person who helped her understand true love and inner peace, someone who constantly encouraged her to dream big and believe in her potential. She also spoke about how he supported her individuality, her love for dancing freely, and her joy of travelling with friends, adding that she could write an entire book about him. Vijay posted the same photographs with a heartfelt caption of his own. He reflected on a moment when he realised how deeply he missed her presence — how ordinary moments like meals, workouts, and daily routines felt incomplete without her. Calling her his best friend, he announced that on 26.02.2026, she officially became his wife. The wedding festivities included two distinct ceremonies — a morning Telugu wedding honouring Vijay’s heritage and an evening Kodava (Coorg) ceremony celebrating Rashmika’s cultural background. Close sources confirmed that the couple also distributed sweets to paparazzi stationed at the venue. The intimate celebrations took place at the luxury hotel ITC Mementoes, located about 50 kilometres outside Udaipur, with only family members and close friends in attendance. Haldi and Sangeet Celebrations As reported by Cinema Express, the sangeet turned into a lively celebration with the couple dancing alongside loved ones. The playlist was curated with personal favourites, including songs from their own films that fans cherish. Tracks from Geetha Govindam and Dear Comrade — known for showcasing their on-screen chemistry — were among the highlights. Songs like Kalyani Vachaa Vachaa and Inkem Inkem added a nostalgic touch to the evening. The viral track Peelings from Pushpa: The Rise reportedly became the biggest hit of the night, drawing guests to the dance floor and elevating the energy of the celebration. The couple also hosted a close-knit Haldi ceremony at the hotel. While Rashmika and Vijay shared select glimpses of the décor on Instagram Stories, their friends posted behind-the-scenes moments as well. Actor Kalyani Priyadarshan, Ashika Ranganath and Shravya Varma shared cheerful snapshots from the festivities on social media. Vijay offered a detailed look at the ceremony space, which was set up outdoors in a circular arrangement framed by wooden panelling. The ground was covered in soft pink rose petals, with two wooden stools placed at the centre for the rituals. Surrounding them were baskets filled with bright marigold petals, while lush floral décor in warm hues created a garden-like ambience. He also shared close-up images of personalised floral name boards reading “Rushie” — Rashmika’s nickname — and “Vijay,” arranged among lilies, roses and marigolds. Rashmika, meanwhile, showcased customised décor dedicated to their pets — Vijay’s Huskies, Storm and Chester, and her Cocker Spaniel, Aura. Guests in Attendance Several members of the film fraternity travelled to Udaipur to attend the February 26 wedding. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga and actor Kalyani Priyadarshan were among the attendees. Director-actor Tharun Bhascker, filmmaker-actor Rahul Ravindran, actors Eesha Rebba and Ashika Ranganath, and stylist Shravya Varma were also present to celebrate the couple’s big day. Source: NDTV    

Producer Ekta Kapoor has said the release timing of her upcoming horror comedy Bhooth Bangla, starring Akshay Kumar, was a deliberate and well-planned decision, despite it arriving shortly after two major action releases. The films Dhurandhar 2, directed by Aditya Dhar, and Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, led by Yash, are set to clash at the box office on March 19. Dhurandhar 2, the sequel to the 2025 blockbuster, grossed over ₹1,300 crore worldwide following its December release. Bhooth Bangla, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Priyadarshan, is scheduled to hit theatres on April 10. Speaking during a media interaction, Kapoor said the timing works in her film’s favour. “By the time our film releases, both Dhurandhar and Toxic would have had a good run. Some school exams will be over and it will be a holiday period,” she said, adding that family audiences are especially drawn to such entertainers. Kapoor said her aim was to offer variety at the box office. “Families enjoy watching different kinds of films. The idea is to provide another form of entertainment and ensure there is space for diverse genres,” she added. Bhooth Bangla marks the reunion of Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan after a 14-year gap. The film is presented by Balaji Motion Pictures, a division of Balaji Telefilms Ltd, in association with Akshay Kumar’s banner Cape of Good Films. Arijit Singh addresses fans after stepping away from playback singing Calling Akshay and Priyadarshan “soulmates,” Kapoor said she was thrilled to bring them together again. She revealed that Akshay immediately agreed to the project on the condition that Priyadarshan would direct it, while the filmmaker later fine-tuned the script after coming on board. The film also stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Paresh Rawal, Tabu and Rajpal Yadav, along with a posthumous appearance by veteran actor Asrani, who died in October 2025. Describing the ensemble cast, Kapoor said the combination of actors in Priyadarshan’s signature comic style was “deadly”. When asked whether Bhooth Bangla could become a franchise, Kapoor said franchises cannot be planned in advance. “If a film works, it automatically turns into a franchise,” she said.  #From Hindustan Times

Popular singer Arijit Singh, who announced in January that he would no longer take on new playback singing assignments, has shared his first direct message to fans since making the decision. In a heartfelt post on X on Tuesday, Arijit said the note was meant only for his listeners. Expressing gratitude and affection, he thanked fans for their continued kindness and support, saying their love mattered deeply to him in what he described as a harsh world. The singer clarified that while he has stopped accepting new playback projects, many previously recorded songs are still pending. He said those tracks would continue to be released over time, possibly throughout the year and even into the next. Arijit urged fans to remain calm, avoid unnecessary debates, and focus on peace, self-care and positivity. Ireland introduces world’s first permanent basic income scheme for artists The message follows his earlier announcement in which he revealed his decision to step back from playback singing, calling an end to a journey he described as fulfilling and memorable. At the time, he thanked listeners for their years of support and said he was grateful for the love he had received. Arijit first came into the spotlight as a contestant on the reality show Fame Gurukul in 2005. He later made his Hindi film playback debut with the song Phir Mohabbat from the movie Murder 2, which became widely popular. Despite his retirement announcement, Arijit will still be heard in upcoming releases, including the film Ek Din, starring Sai Pallavi and Junaid Khan, as he completes his remaining commitments.