United News of Bangladesh

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali believes that while young people today can form relationships more easily than previous generations, many are struggling with a growing sense of loneliness and a search for deeper emotional connections. Speaking to NDTV India during promotions for his upcoming romantic drama Main Vaapas Aaunga, Ali said modern relationships often begin quickly but become difficult to sustain. "The tragedy with this generation is that they reach their destination very quickly," he said, explaining that many young people expect relationships to be effortless once they find a partner. However, he noted that challenges often emerge after that point. According to Ali, today's youth are lonelier than earlier generations and are increasingly looking for meaning and stronger emotional bonds in their lives. He said his new film explores this longing for lasting love and stability, adding that many young people admire the kind of romance associated with earlier generations. Actor Vedang Raina, who stars in the film, agreed with the filmmaker's observations. He said he personally desires the type of love portrayed in the movie and believes many people of his generation feel the same way. Raina noted that social media and dating apps have changed the way relationships develop, but many young people still dream of old-fashioned romance, including handwritten love letters and subtle expressions of affection. He said there is a growing nostalgia among young people for deeper, more meaningful relationships, despite living in a highly connected digital world. Directed by Ali, ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ also stars Diljit Dosanjh, Sharvari and Naseeruddin Shah. The romantic drama is scheduled to be released in cinemas on June 12, 2026.

Two low-budget horror films created by young YouTubers dominated the North American box office this weekend, drawing large numbers of Gen Z viewers to theaters and outperforming major Hollywood releases. Leading the pack was Backrooms, a horror movie directed and co-written by 20-year-old YouTube creator Kane Parsons. The film earned an impressive $81.5 million from 3,442 theaters across the United States and Canada during its opening weekend. The success is particularly remarkable because the movie was made on a budget of just $10 million. Its opening weekend revenue nearly matched that of The Mandalorian and Grogu, which had debuted at the top of the box office the previous week. Another YouTuber-directed horror film, Obsession, also continued its strong run. Directed by 26-year-old YouTube creator Curry Barker, the film earned $26.4 million in its third weekend, a 10% increase from the previous week. It secured second place at the box office, ahead of the latest Star Wars installment, which earned $25 million and dropped sharply from its debut. Industry observers say the success of these films suggests YouTube creators may be helping bring younger audiences back to movie theaters rather than drawing them away. The weekend also saw the release of family comedy The Breadwinner, starring comedian Nate Bargatze, and World War II drama Pressure featuring Oscar-winning actor Brendan Fraser. However, it was the YouTuber-led horror films that attracted the biggest crowds. Both "Backrooms" and "Obsession" were produced by Blumhouse Productions and Atomic Monster. Abhijay Prakash, president of Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, described the weekend as a major milestone for the company, which has long focused on original horror films aimed at younger audiences. He said the studio has actively searched YouTube for emerging talent and believes the latest success could encourage more filmmakers from digital platforms to enter Hollywood. "Backrooms" began as an internet horror phenomenon before Parsons transformed it into a popular web series using open-source animation software. The concept eventually attracted major producers and was adapted into a feature film starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve. The film has also performed strongly overseas, earning $118 million globally so far. Distributor A24 said Parsons has become the youngest director ever to have the world's top-grossing film. The movie also delivered the biggest opening weekend in the studio's history, surpassing Civil War. Audience surveys showed that younger moviegoers drove the film's success. About 86% of viewers were under 35 years old, while more than half were under 25. Many attended in groups, resulting in sold-out screenings and repeat visits. The popularity of both R-rated horror films has become so intense that some theaters have reportedly stationed employees outside screening rooms to ensure younger viewers are accompanied by adults where required. Meanwhile, "Obsession" has now earned $104.7 million in North America, becoming the highest-grossing domestic release ever for Focus Features. Cinema operators said the strong turnout demonstrates that audiences are still eager to visit theaters when compelling content is available. "The Mandalorian and Grogu" fell nearly 69% from its opening weekend but has still earned $246.6 million globally. The musical biopic Michael finished fourth with $11.7 million, bringing its domestic total to $339.9 million. Sony's "The Breadwinner" rounded out the top five with $7.5 million, while "Pressure" debuted in seventh place with $5.8 million. Box office analysts said Hollywood has been searching for new ways to attract audiences back to theaters, and the strong performance of films created by internet personalities could point to a promising new trend for the industry.

Every generation brings something new, and Generation Z is no different. Born roughly between 1997 and 2012, this generation has grown up in a world vastly different from their predecessors. Gen Z is shaping the future in unprecedented ways, from their unique upbringing to their forward-thinking attitudes. Understanding this generation is crucial for businesses, educators, and society as a whole. So, let's dive into some interesting facts about Gen Z and what makes them tick. What is Generation Z? Generation Z (often shortened to Gen Z), also known as Zoomers, is the generation that follows Millennials and comes before Generation Alpha. Born between the late 1990s and the early 2010s, they are the children of younger Baby Boomers or Generation X. As true digital natives, Gen Z has grown up with the internet and digital technology as integral parts of daily life.  This generation is known for its tech-savviness, multiculturalism, and strong commitment to social and environmental causes. They value authenticity, inclusivity, and diversity, often using social media to express their views and advocate for change. Gen Z's entrepreneurial spirit and preference for meaningful, flexible work are already influencing culture, business, and society. Read more: Staying Safe When Studying Abroad: Essential Considerations Some Interesting Facts about Generation Z Technological Natives Generation Z is the first generation to grow up with smartphones, social media, and the internet as everyday tools. They are adept at navigating digital platforms. This tech-savviness allows them to access information quickly and stay connected with people worldwide.  Social media is central to their lives, influencing their communication styles, entertainment preferences, and even shopping habits. As digital natives, they are reshaping how we interact with technology and consume content. Diversity and Inclusion Generation Z is the most diverse generation in history, both in terms of ethnicity and cultural background. They place a high value on inclusivity, actively supporting causes related to equality, and gender rights issues.  Read more: Craft a Job-Winning Resume with AI: Step-by-Step Guide to Stand Out This generation embraces different cultures and is more likely to have a diverse group of friends. Their commitment to diversity extends to the brands they support, preferring companies that promote equality and social responsibility. Gen Z's inclusive mindset is driving change across various sectors. Education and Learning Gen Z values education but approaches it differently than previous generations. They prefer flexible, tech-driven learning environments, often supplementing traditional education with online courses and tutorials.  Skill-based learning and real-world experience are particularly important to them, as they seek practical knowledge that can be directly applied in the workforce. Lifelong learning is also a priority for Gen Z, who continuously look for ways to upskill and adapt to a rapidly changing job market.  Read more: Free Online AI Courses by Harvard University from Basic to Advanced Levels Work and Career  Unlike their predecessors, Generation Z prioritises meaningful work and work-life balance over traditional career paths. They are entrepreneurial, with many aspiring to start their businesses or pursue side hustles.  Flexible work environments that offer autonomy and align with their values are particularly appealing to them. Gen Z is also highly motivated by social responsibility, often choosing employers that have a positive impact on society. Their unique approach to work is reshaping workplace culture and expectations.