entertainment
New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial
New York’s highest court on Thursday overturned Harvey Weinstein ’s 2020 rape conviction, finding the judge at the landmark #MeToo trial prejudiced the ex-movie mogul with “egregious” improper rulings, including a decision to let women testify about allegations that weren’t part of the case.
“We conclude that the trial court erroneously admitted testimony of uncharged, alleged prior sexual acts against persons other than the complainants of the underlying crimes," the court's 4-3 decision said. “The remedy for these egregious errors is a new trial.”
The state Court of Appeals ruling reopens a painful chapter in America’s reckoning with sexual misconduct by powerful figures — an era that began in 2017 with a flood of allegations against Weinstein. His accusers could again be forced to retell their stories on the witness stand.
The court's majority said “it is an abuse of judicial discretion to permit untested allegations of nothing more than bad behavior that destroys a defendant’s character but sheds no light on their credibility as related to the criminal charges lodged against them.”
In a stinging dissent, Judge Madeline Singas wrote that the majority was “whitewashing the facts to conform to a he-said/she-said narrative,” and said the Court of Appeals was continuing a “disturbing trend of overturning juries’ guilty verdicts in cases involving sexual violence.”
“The majority’s determination perpetuates outdated notions of sexual violence and allows predators to escape accountability,” Singas wrote.
Weinstein, 72, has been serving a 23-year sentence in a New York prison following his conviction on charges of criminal sex act for forcibly performing oral sex on a TV and film production assistant in 2006 and rape in the third degree for an attack on an aspiring actress in 2013.
He will remain imprisoned because he was convicted in Los Angeles in 2022 of another rape and sentenced to 16 years in prison. Weinstein was acquitted in Los Angeles on charges involving one of the women who testified in New York.
Weinstein lawyer Arthur Aidala said immediately after the ruling came out: “We all worked very hard and this is a tremendous victory for every criminal defendant in the state of New York.”
Lawyers for the women who accused Weinstein in the New York case did not immediately return messages Thursday.
Weinstein’s lawyers argued Judge James Burke’s rulings in favor of the prosecution turned the trial into “1-800-GET-HARVEY.”
The reversal of Weinstein’s conviction is the second major #MeToo setback in the last two years, after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal of a Pennsylvania court decision to throw out Bill Cosby’s sexual assault conviction.
Weinstein’s conviction stood for more than four years, heralded by activists and advocates as a milestone achievement, but dissected just as quickly by his lawyers and, later, the Court of Appeals when it heard arguments on the matter in February.
Allegations against Weinstein, the once powerful and feared studio boss behind such Oscar winners as “Pulp Fiction” and “Shakespeare in Love,” ushered in the #MeToo movement. Dozens of women came forward to accuse Weinstein, including famous actresses such as Ashley Judd and Uma Thurman. His New York trial drew intense publicity, with protesters chanting “rapist” outside the courthouse.
Weinstein is incarcerated in New York at the Mohawk Correctional Facility, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) northwest of Albany.
He maintains his innocence. He contends any sexual activity was consensual.
Aidala argued before the appeals court in February that Burke swayed the trial by allowing three women to testify about allegations that weren’t part of the case and by giving prosecutors permission to confront Weinstein, if he had testified, about his long history of brutish behavior.
Aidala argued the extra testimony went beyond the normally allowable details about motive, opportunity, intent or a common scheme or plan, and essentially put Weinstein on trial for crimes he wasn’t charged with.
Weinstein wanted to testify, but opted not to because Burke’s ruling would’ve meant answering questions about more than two-dozen alleged acts of misbehavior dating back four decades, Aidala said. They included fighting with his movie producer brother, flipping over a table in anger and snapping at waiters and yelling at his assistants.
“We had a defendant who was begging to tell his side of the story. It’s a he said, she said case, and he’s saying ‘that’s not how it happened. Let me tell you how I did it,’” Aidala argued. Instead, the jurors heard evidence of Weinstein’s prior bad behavior that “had nothing to do with truth and veracity. It was all ‘he’s a bad guy.’”
Aidala also took issue with Burke’s refusal to remove a juror who had written a novel involving predatory older men, a topic the defense lawyer argued too closely resembled the issues in Weinstein’s case.
A lawyer for the Manhattan district attorney’s office, which prosecuted the case, argued that the judge‘s rulings were proper and that the extra evidence and testimony he allowed was important to provide jurors context about Weinstein’s behavior and the way he interacted with women.
“Defendant’s argument was that they had a consensual and loving relationship both before and after the charged incidents,” Appellate Chief Steven Wu argued, referring to one of the women Weinstein was charged with assaulting. The additional testimony “just rebutted that characterization completely.”
Wu said Weinstein’s acquittal on the most serious charges — two counts of predatory sexual assault and a first-degree rape charge involving actor Annabella Sciorra’s allegations of a mid-1990s rape — showed jurors were paying attention and they were not confused or overwhelmed by the additional testimony.
The Associated Press does not generally identify people alleging sexual assault unless they consent to be named; Sciorra has spoken publicly about her allegations.
The Court of Appeals agreed last year to take Weinstein’s case after an intermediate appeals court upheld his conviction. Prior to their ruling, judges on the lower appellate court had raised doubts about Burke’s conduct during oral arguments. One observed that Burke had let prosecutors pile on with “incredibly prejudicial testimony” from additional witnesses.
Burke’s term expired at the end of 2022. He was not reappointed and is no longer a judge.
In appealing, Weinstein’s lawyers sought a new trial, but only for the criminal sexual act charge. They argued the rape charge could not be retried because it involves alleged conduct outside the statute of limitations.
Most Hyped South Indian Movies Releasing in May 2024
South Indian cinema, encompassing the vibrant worlds of Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada films, stands with its distinctive storytelling and technical prowess. Together, they are contributing significantly to the ever-developing world-class filmmaking landscape in Pan India. Now, let’s look ahead to May 2024, and explore the exciting South-Indian movies slated for release, promising a mix of genres and star power.
12 Must-see South Indian Movies Premiering This May
Aranmanai 4 / Tamil / May 3, 2024
This comedy-horror film is directed by Sundar C., who co-wrote it alongside Venkatt Ragavan and S. B. Ramadass. It serves as the fourth installment in the Aranmanai film series.
The film features Sundar C. in a leading role, supported by an ensemble cast including Raashii Khanna, Tamannaah Bhatia, Santhosh Prathap, Yogi Babu, Ramachandra Raju, Kovai Sarala, Jayaprakash, VTV Ganesh, Rajendran, K. S. Ravikumar, Singampuli, and Delhi Ganesh.
Read more: Must-see South Indian Films Releasing in January 2024
In Aranmanai 4, a lawyer seeks to uncover the truth behind his sister's mysterious death, only to find himself ensnared by a dangerous demon named Baak. The movie is set to release alongside its Telugu version titled 'Baak'.
The Proof / Tamil / May 3, 2024
Directed and written by I Radhika, this film stars Sai Dhanshika and offers a blend of action and courtroom drama.
The plot centers on the trial of a girl's brutal murder, which uncovers a covert drug trafficking scandal and its subsequent cover-up. Despite the trial concluding in favor of the culprits, a resilient young woman strives to expose the hidden truth against all odds.
Read more: Top 10 Highest Earning South Indian Films of All Time
The cast also includes Ashok, Indraja, Riythvika, Raja Simhan, Rudhveer Varadhan, Marimuthu, Mime Gopi, and Ashmitha. In addition to its Tamil release, the film will be dubbed in Hindi and Telugu.
Quotation Gang / Tamil / May 2024
This crime thriller, written and directed by Vivek K Kannan, stars Jackie Shroff, Sunny Leone, and Priyamani in pivotal roles.
'Quotation Gang' unfurls a gripping tale of brutal murders portrayed with intensity. The narrative centers on a fearless female contract killer who challenges the crime syndicate and vies for power. A life-altering incident turns her world upside down.
Read more: Top South Indian Films Hitting the Screens in February 2024
This film also features Jayaprakash, Sara Arjun, and Ashraf Mallissery in supporting roles. Besides its Tamil release, 'Quotation Gang' is slated to hit screens in Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi.
Aa Okkati Adakku / Telugu / May 3, 2024
Comedy maestro Allari Naresh is poised to charm audiences in this family entertainer helmed by Malli Ankam. Faria Abdullah plays the female lead opposite Allari Naresh, with Vennela Kishore, Harsha Chemudu, Jamie Lever, and Ariyana Glory in supporting roles.
The story revolves around the arrival of an eccentric new tenant in a residential community, causing upheaval in the lives of a close-knit group of family and friends and triggering a significant shift in their dynamics.
Read more: March 2024 South Indian Films Line-up: Must-watch Releases
Prasanna Vadanam / Telugu / May 9, 2024
Directed by debutant Arjun YK, this film starring Suhas delves into a dark thriller with a unique concept, underscored by black humor. The story follows a man grappling with face blindness- a rare medical condition- as he unwittingly becomes embroiled in a world of crime and violence.
'Prasanna Vadanam' also features Rashi Singh Nandu, Payal Radhakrishna, Viva Harsha Chemudu, Kushalini, Nitin Prasanna, and Sai Swetha in supporting roles.
Gangs of Godavari / Telugu / May 17, 2024
Vishwak Sen takes on an action-packed role in this film directed and written by Krishna Chaitanya. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, the movie chronicles a man's journey from poverty to prosperity, driven by sheer grit and determination, in the Eluru and Godavari coastal regions of India.
Read more: April 2024 Netflix English Originals: Must-watch Films, and Shows
The drama also stars Neha Shetty, Nassar, P. Sai Kumar, and Anjali, with Ayesha Khan making a special appearance in the song 'Motha'.
Bangladesh participates at the prestigious Venice International Art Biennale
In keeping with the previous years, Bangladesh is participating in the prestigious Venice International Art Biennale.
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy under the guidance of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is taking part in this event. The overarching theme of this year’s biennale is ‘Foreigners Everywhere’, according to press release received here.
The Bangladesh pavilion under the caption ‘Yearning for Harmony: In the Crisis of the Civilization’ has been formally inaugurated in the touristic city of Venice on 18 April 2024 in presence of a huge number of artists, art lovers and critics, journalists, member of expatriate Bangladeshi community, educationist, and high officials.
A 6-member Bangladeshi delegation led by the Director General of Shilpakala Academy Mr. Liaquat Ali Lucky attended the inauguration ceremony. Consul General of Bangladesh in Milan Mr. M J H Jabed, Honorary Consul of Bangladesh in Venice Avv. Fabrizio Ippolito D'Avino, Curator of Bangladesh pavilion Ms. Viviana Vannucci also attended the ceremony. In his address to the foreign audience, the Director General of Shilpakala Academy said that Bangladesh is a proud participant at the Venice Biennale which is the world's premiere art event. The artworks displayed at the Bangladesh pavilion are done by both celebrated and promising artists of the country. He informed that Bangladesh also hosts Asian Art Biennale which has drawn attention of art connoisseurs from across the world. He invited the Italian artists and art critics to attend the future art events to be organized in Bangladesh.
Consul General of Bangladesh in Milan noted that during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s last visit to Italy a cultural Cooperation Agreement was signed between Bangladesh and Italy under which two friendly countries are expected to broaden cooperation in the cultural domain. He also noted that Bangladesh has a rich history in art which needs to be showcased before the global community.
Mr. Jabed also stated that Cultural Diplomacy is one of the priority areas in the Public Diplomacy endeavour of the present government. From the Bangladesh delegation Ms. Nafriza Shayma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Ekushey Padak awardee artist Professor Shahjahan Ahmed Bikash spoke on the occasion.
This is the 5th consecutive time that Bangladesh has been participating at the Venice Biennale.The 6-month long event will continue till end November-2024.
Film Artistes' Association election 2024: Misha Sawdagar elected president, Dipjol general secretary
Popular actor Misha Sawdagar was elected president from the Misha-Dipjol panel after the nail-biting 18th edition of the Bangladesh Film Artistes' Association elections held on Friday, which also declared veteran actor Monowar Hossain Dipjol as the new general secretary.
They defeated prominent actor Mahmud Koli and actress Nipun Akter from the Koli-Nipun panel for the respective positions.
Participated in this biennale election from two different panels, the newly elected executive body will run the association for the term between 2024 and 2026.
Khorshed Alam Khosru, the chief election commissioner, announced the results on Saturday morning at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) in Dhaka.
Newly elected president Misha got a total of 265 votes. He was the past president of the 2020-2022 panel and the defeated candidate in the much-controversial 2022 election who lost to the immediate past president Ilias Kanchan.
Representing the Misha-Dipjol panel, the new general secretary Dipjol got 225 votes, while his opponent and the immediate past general secretary actress Nipun received 209 votes.
Masum Parvez Rubel with 231 votes and DA Tayeb with 234 votes secured the positions of vice presidents in the election from the Misha-Dipjol panel. Among other candidates, Arman became the joint general secretary with 237 votes.
Joy Chowdhury became the organizing secretary with 255 votes; Alexander Bow, the secretary of international affairs, received 296 votes; Jacky Alamgir, the office and publicity secretary, received 245 votes; Mamnun Hasan Emon, the culture and sports secretary, received 235 votes; and Komol became the treasurer winning 231 votes.
Nine candidates were elected from Misha-Dipjol panel to serve as executive members while two executive members were elected the Koli-Nipun panel.
From the Misha-Dipjol panel, Sucharita (228), Rozina (243), Ali Raj (239), Subrata, Dilara Yasmin (218), Shahnur (245), Nana Shah (210), Ratna Kabir (263), and Chhunu (248) became the new executive members while Riana Parvin Poly (220) and Soni Rahman (230) were elected from the Koli-Nipun panel.
Amid a festive atmosphere, the voting activities for the biennale election were conducted on Friday under strict security at the BFDC premise from 9 am to 6:20 pm.
According to the sources of the Election Commission, 475 votes were cast out of 570 votes. The EC ruled out 41 votes for miscellaneous reasons, therefore 434 votes were finally counted.
The Chief Election Commissioner for this election was Khorshed Alam alongside two EC members BH Nishan and AJ Rana.
‘Stitched Collage’: Suranjana Bhattacharja’s solo art exhibition begins at AFD
The solo art exhibition by Suranjana Bhattacharja titled ‘Stitched Collage’ has begun at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), inaugurated on Friday evening.
Renowned art critic Moinuddin Khaled, eminent artist Syed Iqbal, DU Faculty of Fine Art Professor Shishir Bhattacharjee, popular author, physicist, academic, activist Prof Dr Muhammed Zafar Iqbal and eminent artist Monirul Islam attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition as the special guests.
Collage as a technique or form of art would be about two thousand years old. After the invention of paper, it started in China and continued through the Middle Ages, in Japan as well as in Europe, before and after the Renaissance, in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, along with the Surrealist and Dada movements followed by Modern art.
Great artists like Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Henri Matisse and Wassily Kandinsky among many others did each collage in their own way. Among these maestros, particularly Kandinsky’s work has always been one of the principal sources of surprise, love and inspiration for Suranjana.
Born in Narayanganj but brought up in Chittagong and then in Narsingdi, Bangladesh, Suranjana had always a penchant for sewing and got training in a technical school run by the Bangladesh Government in Narshingdi in the late eighties. About a decade ago, the artist was stricken by Dystrophy, a rare, chronic disease which caused her left hand to be partly disabled.
To fight against the disease, Suranjana started ‘stitched collage,’ a new form of art inspired by Kandinsky among others. There was a copy of a collage hanging in one of the walls of her Montreal apartment, the famous blue nude by Matisse who also did this when he was almost visually impaired, a mere coincidence, as the artist says. She was immensely motivated by that coincidence and this exhibition is a brainchild of that inspiration.
The exhibition will be open to all till Saturday, April 27, Monday to Saturday from 3 pm to 9 pm.
Must-Watch Bollywood Films Releasing in May 2024
Thanks to top-notch storytelling and rapid advancements in film technology, a touch of diversity is often evident in Bollywood releases. And, this influx of Hindi cinema with diverse genres is observed throughout the year. As a result, film enthusiasts throughout the subcontinent eagerly anticipate the latest Bollywood movies. Let’s take a sneak peek into the must-see Bollywood film lineup for May 2024.
Most Hyped Bollywood Movies Coming This May
Pyar Ke Do Naam | Romantic Drama | May 3, 2024
Written, directed, and co-produced by Danish Javed, the film stars Bhavya Sachdeva, Ankita Sahu, Namita Lal, and Kanika Gautam. This captivating love story unfolds at the iconic Aligarh Muslim University, where two scholars, Aryan and Kaira, clash over their beliefs in togetherness versus commitment during a prestigious peace seminar. The expression of the screenplay embodies the ideologies of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi.
Srikanth | Biographical Drama | May 10, 2024
This film chronicles the journey of Srikanth Bolla, an Indian industrialist who founded Bollant Industries despite being visually impaired. Directed by Tushar Hiranandani, it features Rajkummar Rao in the titular role, alongside Alaya F, Jyothika, Jameel Khan, and Sharad Kelkar.
Read more: Must-watch South Indian Films Hitting the Screens in April 2024
‘Srikanth’ follows Blind Srikanth's journey to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his establishment of Bollant Industries. The storyline portrays his pursuit of goals for the visually impaired while facing entrepreneurial challenges and navigating personal sacrifices. Through this life struggle the obstacles overcome by the blind in academics and business are highlighted.
Tipppsy | Adventure-Thriller | May 10, 2024
The film, directed by and starring Deepak Tijori, takes its title from the initials of five girls' names in the movie. ‘T’ stands for Tanya, ‘I’ for Iris, ‘P’ for Pony, ‘S’ for Seline, and ‘Y’ for Yami.
Natasha Suri, former Miss World India, portrays Tanya. Nazia Hussain, Sanjay Dutt's niece, plays Iris, a tomboyish DJ and the bossy among the group. Alankrita Sahai takes on the role of Pony, while Sonia Birje, also a DJ and daughter of Hemant Birje, plays the role of Seline, an independent and adventurous woman. And, Lastly, Kainaat Arora portrays Yami, a Haryanvi character.
Read more: Most-hyped Bollywood Movies Releasing in April 2024
The girls started journey to visit Goa for Pony's bachelorette party, but things take a turn for the worse.
Kartam Bhugtam | Psychological Thriller | May 17, 2024
Directed and written by Soham P. Shah, the film stars Shreyas Talpade and Vijay Raaz in lead roles, with Madhoo and Aksha Pardasany in the supporting roles.
The story revolves around the immutable laws of karma and destiny, deeply rooted in the ancient wisdom of Vedic astrology. It offers a cinematic exploration of the belief that every individual's actions inevitably shape their future.
Read more: May 2024 Netflix English Originals Lineup: Must-see Releases
Sadia Khalid Reeti invited back as Fipresci jury at Cannes
Renowned Bangladeshi film critic, screenwriter and journalist Sadia Khalid Reeti has been invited to the Fipresci (International Federation of Film Critics) jury at the upcoming 77th Cannes Film Festival, one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world in which she was a jury member before in 2019 when she became the second Bangladeshi to receive this honour.
A Screenwriting graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Reeti has served as a jury member at different international film festivals in Italy, India, England, Nepal, France, Russia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. She also served as a Fipresci jury at the Bengaluru International Film Festival, International Film Festival of Kerala and Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF), and is currently serving as the Co-Convenor of the West Meets East Screenplay Lab at DIFF, one of the leading script development labs in the country.
With 'Tati', Coke Studio Bangla launches season 3 paying homage to Jamdani
Reeti became Bangladesh's first international voter for the Golden Globe Awards in 2022. A Berlinale Talents alumna, she attended prestigious mentorship programs with Film Independent and Locarno Open Doors.
Alongside her responsibilities as the Cultural Editor of Dhaka Tribune, one of the leading English dailies in the country, Reeti teaches film studies at different universities and institutions. She is a recipient of the Charles Wallace Fellowship from the British Council, as a part of which she trained in surreal filmmaking at the British Film Institute in 2023.
Regarding her return to Cannes, Reeti said: “Cannes is the biggest and most prestigious film festival in the world. It’s an incredible honour to be invited back. Having our film critics on the jury board more often will enable us to convey our cultural point of view and help world cinema move away from its Eurocentric lens.”
“The invitation always arrives so late that it’s difficult to arrange the visa and other necessities with a green passport,” she said about her travel preparations. “The festival has grown so much over the years that it’s now a logistical nightmare trying to find suitable lodging. Hopefully, when more of us participate in such festivals, the authorities will keep provisions to reduce the stress.”
From Bangladesh, Ahmed Muztaba Zamal was the first Fipresci jury at Cannes in 2002, 2005, and 2009. Reeti came next in 2019, followed by Bidhan Rebeiro in 2022. They joined as members of the IFCAB (International Film Critics Association of Bangladesh).
‘Adyontor’ to release their first song ‘Opekkhar Chithi’ tomorrow
The 77th annual Cannes Film Festival is due to take place from 14 to 25 May 2024. American filmmaker and actress Greta Gerwig will serve as jury president for the main competition, and the main competition at Cannes will include veteran filmmakers like Coppola, Audiard, Cronenberg, Arnold, Lanthimos, Sorrentino, Abbasi and so on this year.
With 'Tati', Coke Studio Bangla launches season 3 paying homage to Jamdani
Showcasing a festive tribute to the nation's woven treasure Jamdani, which UNESCO has designated as an intangible cultural heritage, as well as the legacy of handloom (Taat) and the exquisite craftsmanship behind the textile artistry, popular music platform Coke Studio Bangla’s third season returned on April 13 with the song "Tati."
Performed by Bangladeshi singer and weaver Md Gonjer Ali, Nigerian rapper Louis Anthony who is better known by his stage name Oli Boy and featuring renowned Bangladeshi actress Jaya Ahsan, the song has been trending during the festive occasion of Eid and Pahela Baishakh, garnering over a million views on YouTube within two days.
The maiden track of the third season is an amalgamation of three songs - “Gayer Bodhu” written by Md Gonjer Ali, “Hana di Reshomer Bone” written by Shatarupa Thakurta Roy, and “Time to Giger” written by Oli Boy.
Chandra Shekhar Shaha, a researcher and one of the pathfinders in modern crafting and textile design in Bangladesh, collected Jamdani Weaving verses used in the song, while Faizan R Ahmad (Buno) worked on the track as its Chief Sound Engineer, mixed and mastered by Saadul Islam.
The song not only showcased a harmonious tapestry of the country’s traditional handloom through its melodic presentation; but the Steadicam-operated music video itself, produced by Runout Films under the direction of Adnan Al Rajeev, also portrayed a majestic set with a tantalizing display of Jamdani everywhere, and through the classy attires of the performers as well.
Describing the song, Coke Studio Bangla Curator and Producer Shayan Chowdhury Arnob said: “Jamdani is our heritage, identity and pride - however, the rhythmic verses and tunes of our handlooms were unknown to me.”
“After discovering those hidden gems and our weaver brother Gonjer Ali, creator of many of these types of songs, we blended the track with my old song “Tati,” (Hana di Reshomer Bone), written by Shatarupa didi. To set the song on Afrobeat (African tunes), we found Oli Boy, who has been working in our garments industry for the past three years - and speaks and sings in Bengali.”
Popular actress Jaya Ahsan's appearance in this song was a surprising addition, and Arnob commented, "Jaya Ahsan is a friend of mine, and I enjoy her wearing Jamdani saree on all occasions at home and abroad. Not everyone knows that she is also an excellent singer.”
Jaya also shared her association with the track, saying: “All of Bangladesh's traditional sarees, such as the Jamdani and Muslin styles, are my favourites - and because of my passion for sarees and Arnob's earnest request, I became associated with this song and gained valuable experience working with an amazing team. I have represented the Jamdani sarees of Bangladesh on a global scale several times, and I'm confident this song will appeal to music lovers who appreciate sarees and the tradition of our magnificent handlooms.”
Syeda Sadia Afrina, the owner of Thread Bangladesh which provided the Jamdani wardrobe for the performers, stated: “For the first time, someone took a major initiative in the music industry which will help this generation and the next to know more about our weaving heritage and the history behind it - and this is perfectly aligned with our core values in Team Thread. Thanks to the entire Coke management Abeer Rajbeen, Adnan Al Rajeev, Jaya Ahsan and the whole team of “Tati,” and a sincere thanks to Shayan Chowdhury Arnob bhai for making this beautiful composition about our weavers.”
The lineup for the background vocal of the song featured Md Ariful Haque (also with dotara as well), Jannatul Ferdous Akbar, Sheikh Mumtahina Mehzabin, Baby Akter, Karishma Sanu Shovvota, Shanta Islam, Nishat Ara Khaled, and Md Makhon Miah.
DotBirth Limited is associated with season 3 as its creative agency, and the new season will feature 11 new songs with more than 180 musicians and artists from across Bangladesh and the world, including Arnob, Pritom, Emon Chowdhury and Meghdol. In addition to that, new artists will be making their Coke Studio Bangla debut this season, including the iconic Habib Wahid.
May 2024 Netflix English Originals Lineup: Must-see Releases
The international OTT platform Netflix has regularly ensured a rich collection of world-class films, drama series, and shows. English-language content, in particular, caters to the needs of the largest segment of international audiences. Let's get updated on the English-language Netflix Originals releasing in May 2024.
10 Must-see Netflix English Originals Streaming in May 2024
A Man in Full | Political Drama Series | May 2, 2024
This is a limited TV series with a political storyline, created by David E. Kelley and directed by Regina King. Adapted from Tom Wolfe's eponymous novel, the series, comprising six episodes, boasts a stellar cast led by Jeff Daniels and Diane Lane. Notable supporting actors include William Jackson Harper, Lucy Liu, Aml Ameen, Sarah Jones, Chante Adams, and Bill Camp.
The series delves into the intricate interplay between business and political agendas as Atlanta real estate tycoon Charlie Croker maneuvers to protect his empire amidst a sudden financial downturn and loss of prestige.
Read more: Must-watch South Indian Films Hitting the Screens in April 2024
Secrets of the Neanderthals | Documentary | May 2, 2024
Narrated by actor Sir Patrick Stewart, renowned for his iconic roles in productions such as X-Men and Star Trek, this historical documentary is directed by Ashley Gething.
The documentary embarks on an exploration of the enigmatic disappearance of the Neanderthals, an ancient subspecies of humans that vanished approximately 40 thousand years ago. The extinction of the Neanderthals remains a subject of intense scholarly debate, with various theories attributing their demise to factors including climate change, demographic challenges, disease, the ascent of Homo Sapiens, and potential interbreeding with modern humans.
Unfrosted (The Pop-Tart Story) | Historical Biography | May 3, 2024
Directed, co-written, and co-produced by Jerry Seinfeld in his feature directorial debut, this film draws loose inspiration from the true story of the creation of Pop-Tarts toaster pastries.
Read more: April 2024 Amazon Prime Originals: List of Movies, and Shows
The ensemble cast includes Seinfeld himself, alongside Melissa McCarthy, James Marsden, Jim Gaffigan, Maria Bakalova, Amy Schumer, Jack McBrayer, Thomas Lennon, Hugh Grant, Bobby Moynihan, Christian Slater, Max Greenfield, Bill Burr, and Dan Levy.
Set against the backdrop of 1963 Michigan, the storyline follows the rivalry between Kellogg's and Post Cereal as they vie to produce a groundbreaking breakfast pastry.
Mother of the Bride | Romantic Comedy Film | May 9, 2024
This American rom-com film, written by Robin Bernheim, is made under the direction of Mark Waters. The movie stars Brooke Shields, Chad Michael Murray, Miranda Cosgrove, Rachael Harris, and Benjamin Bratt.
Read more: Most-hyped Bollywood Movies Releasing in April 2024
The film's plot centers on Emma, who returns home after a year abroad in London, surprising her mother Lana with the news of her impending marriage at a resort in Phuket, Thailand, just a month away. Tensions escalate when Lana learns that the groom-to-be is the son of the man who had broken her heart years earlier.
Blood of Zeus: Season 2 | Animated Series | May 15, 2024
Formerly known as Gods & Heroes, this American adult animated TV series was written and created by Vlas and Charley Parlapanides.
Set in mythical ancient Greece, the series follows Heron, the demigod son of Zeus, as he endeavors to save Olympus and Earth. Season 1 concluded with a cliffhanger, leaving Heron's journey poised to continue.
Read more: April 2024 Netflix English Originals: Must-watch Films, and Shows
The series boasts a talented voice cast including Jason O’Mara as Zeus, Derek Phillips as Heron, Jessica Henwick as Alexia, Elias Toufexis as Seraphim, Claudia Christian as Hera, Chris Diamantopoulos as Evios and Poseidon, and Fred Tatasciore as Hades.
Gunshots fired outside Salman Khan's Mumbai home
Gunshots were fired outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan's Mumbai home early this morning, according to police.
At 5 am today, two unidentified men on a motorbike shot five bullets into the air outside Khan's Bandra residence before fleeing the area, reports NDTV.
India tightens Salman Khan's security after death threat
A bullet also hit the first floor of Khan's residence, according to police, who added that the shooting was carried out using a foreign weapon. Mumbai Police has initiated an investigation into the incident and is attempting to locate the persons who fired the shots, it said.
Last year, India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) stated that Khan was among the top 10 targets that imprisoned gansgter Lawrence Bishnoi intended to assassinate, citing the actor's infamous 1998 black buck hunting incident, which the gangster claimed angered the Bishnoi community.
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Bishnoi said that his henchman, Sampat Nehra, had surveilled Khan's Bandra apartment, laying the groundwork for a possible hit. However, Haryana Police's Special Task Force arrested Nehra, said the report.
Following another threat call on April 11, last year, Mumbai Police elevated Khan's security status to Y+. An Indian student in the United Kingdom was given a lookout circular (LOC) after allegedly sending a threatening email to Khan, added the report.
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