United News of Bangladesh

A clip from the 2019 television series Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, featuring John Krasinski delivering a forceful speech on Venezuela’s geopolitical significance, has gone viral on social media following the recent US operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. In the widely shared scene from the show’s second season, Krasinski’s character, CIA analyst Jack Ryan, challenges fellow officers to rethink global threats, drawing attention to Venezuela’s vast oil and mineral reserves and its strategic importance. Social media users have described the moment as “prophetic” in light of the latest developments, according to international media reports. In the clip, Ryan questions why a country rich in natural resources is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, referring to Venezuela as a potential “failed state” and warning that instability so close to the United States could pose serious risks. Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan is a political action thriller based on characters created by author Tom Clancy and stars Krasinski in the lead role. The series first aired in 2018 and gained popularity for its storylines rooted in contemporary global politics.   With inputs from NDTV

Actor Varun Dhawan has responded to a question regarding the possible release of his upcoming film Border 2 in Pakistan, without confirming whether the film will be screened there. During an interaction on social media platform X, a Pakistani user congratulated Dhawan on the film and asked if it would be released in Pakistan. The user also expressed admiration for Sunny Deol’s character from the Gadar franchise. In his reply, Dhawan did not address the release status in Pakistan. He said Border 2 is based on the 1971 war and certain real-life events, and noted that Sunny Deol has fans in Pakistan as well. The filmmakers have not announced whether Border 2 will be released in Pakistan or face restrictions similar to those imposed on Dhurandhar. Directed by Anurag Singh and produced by Nidhi Dutta, Border 2 stars Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty. The film is scheduled to hit theatres on January 23, ahead of India’s Republic Day.   With inputs from NDTV

Director Mohit Suri has dismissed speculation about a possible reunion with actor Aditya Roy Kapur following the massive success of his 2025 blockbuster Saiyaara. Suri, who earlier directed Kapur in the 2013 superhit Aashiqui 2, said there has been no professional discussion between them regarding any new project. Speaking to Indian media, the director clarified that the script he is currently working on is still incomplete and has not been written with Kapur in mind. He said while he regularly meets Kapur socially, including playing cricket together, there have been no talks about films. Suri added that details about his next project would be revealed only after the script and cast are finalised. Echoing the director’s remarks, Aditya Roy Kapur also denied reports suggesting he had opted out of Suri’s upcoming film, calling such claims completely false. The actor said their recent meetings have been limited to friendly cricket matches and not work-related discussions. Saiyaara, starring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, emerged as one of the biggest hits of 2025, earning more than Rs 570 crore worldwide.   With inputs from NDTV

Kiara Advani has delighted her fans by sharing the first glimpse of her five-month-old daughter, Saraayah. The actor posted a short video on her Instagram Stories on Monday evening, January 5, offering a sweet peek into a quiet moment with her baby. In the clip, Kiara is heard affectionately talking to Saraayah while leafing through a magazine that features her own photographs. “Do you want to read mama’s magazine? Okay, let’s see where mama is,” she says as she turns the pages. When her photo appears, Saraayah’s tiny fingers briefly come into view. Kiara captioned the video, “Me and my mini enjoying our Monday magazine read.” Leonardo DiCaprio on the importance of creating cinema over content at Palm Springs Film Festival Kiara and her husband, actor Sidharth Malhotra, welcomed their daughter on July 15, 2025, at Reliance Hospital in Mumbai. The couple publicly announced their baby’s name in November through a joint Instagram post. Kiara Advani’s upcoming projects On the work front, Kiara is gearing up for the release of Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, directed by Geetu Mohandas and starring Kannada actor Yash in the lead role. The film is slated for theatrical release on March 19, 2026. Shot in both Kannada and English, Toxic will also be dubbed into multiple Indian languages. Kiara essays the role of Nadia, while the film also stars Nayanthara as Ganga and Huma Qureshi as Elizabeth. The ensemble cast includes Tara Sutaria, Rukmini Vasanth, Akshay Oberoi and Sudev Nair. Kiara was last seen on screen in War 2, where she appeared alongside Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR. Source NDTV

Leonardo DiCaprio delivered a passionate reminder about the soul of filmmaking at the Palm Springs Film Festival on Friday night, urging Hollywood to prioritize cinema over disposable content. “Films are meant to be experienced together, in a theater,” DiCaprio said in a pre-recorded message. “That belief matters now more than ever. Original films are becoming harder to make and harder to protect. But movies still matter not content  cinema. Stories created by people, meant to be shared in a dark room as a communal experience.” The “One Battle After Another” star accepted his honor virtually, as he was unable to attend the festival in person. According to Variety, DiCaprio’s absence was due to ongoing political tensions involving Venezuela, which triggered widespread flight cancellations across the Caribbean, where the actor had been spending the holiday season. His co-stars Chase Infiniti and Teyana Taylor stepped in to accept the award on his behalf. The 37th annual International Film Awards, held in Palm Springs, California, marked the ceremonial launch of Hollywood’s annual awards-season spring, spotlighting many of the year’s most buzzed-about films and performances. The evening unfolded as a celebration of artistry and solidarity, with speakers repeatedly stressing the importance of original storytelling and the preservation of movie theaters as cultural spaces. Michael B. Jordan, honored with the Icon Award, encouraged fellow artists to keep creating stories that connect and uplift audiences. “The films we’re honoring tonight push us to be better, to understand one another more deeply,” he said. “And maybe when the theater lights come up, we can step back into the world together.” Recording artist Cyrus accepted the Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award for her song “Dream As One” from Avatar: Fire and Ash, calling on artists to move beyond competition and focus on community. “Performance isn’t a scoreboard,” she said. “Every artist bares their soul in a unique way, and each contribution leaves a lasting mark.” Jane Fonda briefly guided the audience through a breathing exercise before presenting the Vanguard Award to Hamnet collaborators Chloé Zhao, Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley. Fonda credited Zhao for inspiring the moment, noting the director often leads similar grounding exercises before screenings. Guillermo del Toro received the Visionary Award alongside his Frankenstein cast and reflected on the recent loss of his older brother. He spoke about the enduring relevance of Mary Shelley’s novel in an era shaped by technological anxiety and social division. “We never learn,” del Toro said, “and sometimes the only way to talk about humanity is through monsters.” Timothée Chalamet was presented with the Spotlight Award and spoke about ambition and self-belief through the lens of his “Marty Supreme”character. Mahershala Ali later honored Ethan Hawke with the Career Achievement Award, recalling how Hawke’s early performances helped shape his own path as an actor.In his speech, Hawke reflected on the friends, collaborators and mentors who influenced his life and career, including the late River Phoenix. “I’m the sum of everyone who helped shape me,” he said. Hawke returned to the stage later alongside former “First Reformed”co-star Amanda Seyfried to present her with the Desert Palm Achievement Award for Actress. Seyfried noted the full-circle moment of receiving the same honor as DiCaprio. “Leo inspired me to become an actor,” she said. “So sharing the same award title feels strange  and kind of amazing.” The mood lightened when Adam Sandler accepted the Chairman’s Award from Laura Dern, delivering a brief stand-up routine that imagined a quieter version of his life. “I’d still have a Netflix deal,” he joked, “except I’d be paying them to watch the last season of Stranger Things.” The ensemble cast of “Sentimental Value”received the International Star Award, while Rose Byrne earned the Breakthrough Performance Award for Actress for “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”, humorously acknowledging the irony of receiving a “breakthrough” honor in her 40s. The ceremony concluded with Kate Hudson accepting the Icon Award for Actress for her role in “Song Sung Blue”. Awards season continues this week with the Critics’ Choice Awards, followed by the Golden Globes next Sunday. Leonardo DiCaprio, Taika Waititi react to Oscar nominations  

The trailer of Jana Nayagan, marking Thalapathy Vijay’s final film before entering politics, was released on Friday in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi at 6:45 PM. Directed by H. Vinoth, the action-packed drama promises a blend of high-octane thrills and political intrigue, with music by Anirudh Ravichander. The 2-minute-52-second teaser highlights Vijay’s signature style, showcasing intense action sequences and sleek visuals. Alongside him, Pooja Hegde, Priyamani, Mamitha Baiju, and Bobby Deol play pivotal roles, with Deol’s performance described as intense and commanding, reports NDTV. Speaking at the audio launch in Malaysia, Vijay confirmed that Jana Nayagan would be his last film. “When I entered cinema, I thought I was building a small sand house. But fans built a palace for me. That’s why I am now giving up films and standing for them,” he said. The film, set against a strong political backdrop, follows Vijay’s character navigating power and politics. It is scheduled to release on January 9, coinciding with the Pongal/Sankranti festivities, and will clash at the box office with Prabhas’ The Raja Saab and Sivakarthikeyan’s Parasakthi.

Actor-rapper Will Smith is facing a lawsuit filed by violinist Brian King Joseph, who performed with him during the 2025 Based on a True Story tour. The suit accuses Smith and Treyball Studios Management of sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination. According to court documents reviewed by Variety, Brian King Joseph was first hired by Smith in November 2024 to perform at a San Diego show. He later joined Smith’s 2025 tour and contributed to his upcoming album. The lawsuit alleges that Smith made comments implying a personal bond, saying, “You and I have such a special connection, that I don't have with anyone else.” The case focuses on an incident during the first leg of the tour in March 2025 in Las Vegas. Brian claims his hotel room key went missing for several hours, and when he returned, he found signs someone had entered his room without permission. Items left behind included wipes, a bottle of HIV medication with another name, and a handwritten note stating, “Brian, I'll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us (drawn heart), Stone F.” Brian interpreted the note as a warning that someone intended to return to engage in sexual acts. Brian immediately informed hotel security and Smith’s representatives and reported the matter to a non-emergency police line. However, he says a member of Smith’s management later accused him of lying and told him his services were no longer needed. The lawsuit claims the termination caused Brian severe emotional stress, including PTSD, and financial losses. He is seeking damages for sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination, with compensation to be decided by a jury. So far, Will Smith has not publicly responded to the allegations.   With inpus from NDTV

K-pop superstars BTS have officially announced their long-awaited comeback, confirming they will return on March 20, 2026. The date was revealed in a social media post by their agency, BigHit Music, marking the group’s first full release after almost four years away from group activities. The hiatus followed the completion of South Korea’s mandatory military service by all seven members — RM, Jin, Jimin, V, Suga, Jung Kook and j-hope. “March 20th comeback confirmed,” BigHit Music posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. Suga was the final member to complete his service, finishing his duties as a social service worker — an alternative form of enlistment he reportedly chose because of a shoulder injury — in June 2025. The remaining six members served in the South Korean army. The group staggered their enlistments, allowing members time to pursue solo music and projects while BTS activities were paused. Last summer, BTS hinted at a global tour and announced plans for a new album scheduled for release in spring 2026, saying work on the project would begin in July 2025. Because it is a group album, they explained, the music will incorporate the individual perspectives and ideas of all seven members, adding that they are approaching the project with the same passion they had at the start of their career. The upcoming album will be BTS’s first since their 2022 anthology Proof. Their most recent studio album was Be, released in 2020, along with the 2021 Japanese compilation BTS, the Best.  

Marvel Studios has released a second teaser for the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday, highlighting Thor’s emotional fight to protect his daughter. The movie is scheduled to hit theatres on December 18, 2026. The teaser features Chris Hemsworth returning as Thor and focuses on family and sacrifice. It opens in a quiet forest where Thor is seen praying to his late father Odin, asking for strength to keep his adopted daughter Love safe as he prepares for another battle. In brief scenes, Love is shown older than when audiences last saw her in Thor: Love and Thunder. Thor is also seen at home, gently kissing her forehead as a serious voice-over continues in the background. The new teaser comes a week after the first Doomsday teaser, which revealed the return of Chris Evans as Captain America and introduced a surprising family twist involving his character. According to Variety, Love is the daughter of the villain Gorr the God Butcher, played by Christian Bale in Love and Thunder. The character is portrayed by Hemsworth’s real-life daughter, India. In the earlier film, Gorr revived Love before his death and asked Thor to raise her as his own. Marvel has earlier confirmed a large cast for Avengers: Doomsday, including Chris Evans, Anthony Mackie, Paul Rudd, Tom Hiddleston, Letitia Wright and Simu Liu. The film will also bring together characters from the Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts and the X-Men universe. The teaser suggests an emotional and action-packed chapter as Thor prepares to rejoin the Avengers to face new threats, including Doctor Doom.   With inputs from NDTV

The year 2026 is expected to be a blockbuster one for Indian cinema, with filmmakers lining up a diverse mix of war dramas, mythological spectacles, crime thrillers and emotionally driven stories. Packed with top stars, large-scale productions and ambitious storytelling, the upcoming slate promises something for every moviegoer. Here’s a look at some of the most anticipated Indian films scheduled for release in 2026: Ikkis (January 1, 2026)Directed by Sriram Raghavan, this war drama is based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who lost his life at 21 during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. The film introduces Agastya Nanda, Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, and marks the final on-screen appearance of veteran actor Dharmendra. Border 2 (January 23, 2026)A follow-up to the 1997 classic Border, the sequel revisits patriotic themes with a new cast alongside Sunny Deol. Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty also feature, and the film’s teaser has already generated strong patriotic sentiment. Ramayana Part 1 (Expected Diwali 2026)Among the most ambitious projects of the year, this retelling of the epic Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Sai Pallavi as Sita. Backed by high-end visual effects and a star-studded ensemble including Sunny Deol and Yash, the film aims for grand cinematic scale. Drishyam 3 (October 2, 2026)Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay Salgaonkar in the third instalment of the popular thriller franchise. Known for its clever twists and gripping suspense, the film arrives over the Gandhi Jayanti weekend. Jailer 2 (June 12, 2026)Rajinikanth reprises his role in this sequel, promising amplified action and signature style. Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu and Mirnaa return, while new cast members include SJ Suryah, Suraj Venjaramoodu and Anna Rajan. Love & War (2026)Sanjay Leela Bhansali brings Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal together for the first time in a romantic drama set against a wartime backdrop. Featuring Bhansali’s trademark grandeur and emotional depth, the film’s exact release date is yet to be confirmed. Mardaani 3 (February 27, 2026)Rani Mukerji once again dons the role of fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy. The third chapter continues the franchise’s focus on crime, social issues and strong female-led action. Toxic (March 19, 2026)Yash headlines this dark, stylised gangster drama titled Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups. With its edgy tone and intense narrative, the film is set to clash with other major releases in March. Dhurandhar 2 (March 19, 2026)Following the success of the first film, this sequel delves deeper into espionage and covert operations. Ranveer Singh’s character is expected to take on a more complex and unpredictable arc, with a stronger focus on psychological battles. Battle of Galwan (April 17, 2026)Salman Khan leads this war-action film inspired by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. The movie highlights bravery and sacrifice, with Chitrangada Singh in a key role. King (Late 2026)One of the most awaited films of the year, King stars Shah Rukh Khan in a high-octane action thriller. The film also marks the big-screen debut of his daughter Suhana Khan, alongside Deepika Padukone. The Raja Saab (January 9, 2026)Prabhas headlines this romantic fantasy-horror comedy directed by Maruthi Dasari. The cast includes Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Malavika Mohanan and Nidhhi Agerwal. O’ Romeo (February 13, 2026)Shahid Kapoor teams up with director Vishal Bharadwaj for this intriguing new project, with Triptii Dimri as the female lead. The film’s promotional material has already stirred curiosity. Alpha (2026)Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh lead Yash Raj Films’ first female-driven spy universe film. Directed by Shiv Rawail, the release was reportedly postponed to avoid a clash with Battle of Galwan. Jana Nayagan (January 9, 2026)Directed by H Vinoth, this film is designed as a tribute to Tamil superstar Thalapathy Vijay’s cinematic legacy. Featuring energetic dance numbers, powerful emotions and mass appeal, it is expected to be a major draw.