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Once a regional treasure, Korean dramas have grown into a global phenomenon, cherished by fans across continents. The October 2025 lineup of K-dramas spans fantasy, history, family, and drama, yet romantic comedy takes the lead. With unparalleled twists and emotion, these stories promise to leave audiences both captivated and perplexed. Let’s enjoy the charm of the top 10 K-dramas releasing in October 2025. Top 10 New K-Dramas Arriving This October . Genie, Make a Wish | Fantasy Romance | October 3, 2025 Reimagining the age-old fantasy, Netflix original ‘Genie, Make a Wish’ flourishes with Ahn Gil-ho as director and Kim Eun-sook as writer. After centuries of silence, a weary genie stirs awake, only to collide with Ka-young, a young woman. She is suffocated by the rigid expectations of her grandmother and the quiet despair of her own stalled life. Their unlikely connection begins with three simple wishes, yet what unfolds is hardly simple. Moments of absurd comedy and sharp conflict arise as the two test the limits of desire, freedom, and consequence. Read more: South Indian Films Releasing in October 2025: 12 Must-watch Pan-Indian Lineup Kim Woo-bin steps into the role of the enigmatic genie, opposite Bae Suzy. Hwa&Dam Pictures and Studio Dragon oversee the production. Hwajas Scarlet | Family Drama | October 3, 2025 Directed by Yoo Si-yeon, ‘Hwajas Scarlet’ thrives under the writing of Kang Seul. At its centre is a daughter sent away for adoption at birth, raised oceans apart, who eventually comes back to Korea. Now she is long transformed, almost unrecognisable, as the blonde-haired Scarlet. Produced by Studio Dragon and Blitzway Studio, the series stars Seo Young-hee, Oh Na-ra, and Kim Si Eun in the lead roles. Read more: Bollywood Hindi Movies List for October 2025: Top 10 Biggest Premieres Would You Marry Me | Romantic Comedy | October 10, 2025 Romance collides with calculation in ‘Would You Marry Me’, a drama that asks how far two strangers will go for the promise of security. Choi Woo-shik and Jung So-min star as a man and woman who agree to a 90-day marriage of convenience. This is not for love but for the glittering reward of a luxury home reserved for newlyweds. Hwang In-hyeok and Song Hyun-wook take on the director’s seats, while writing credit goes to Lee Ha-na. The production comes from the banner of Samhwa Networks and Studio S. Read more: Best 10 Amazon Prime Originals Coming in October 2025 Typhoon Family | Historical Drama | October 11, 2025 Also known by its working title ‘Typhoon Boss’, ‘Typhoon Family’ sets its sights on one of Korea’s most turbulent eras: the 1997 financial crisis. This upcoming Netflix drama tells the coming-of-age story of a young CEO caught between personal ambition and the daunting responsibility of keeping his father’s modest company alive. His journey intertwines with the sacrifices of both family and employees, painting a portrait of resilience when survival itself is uncertain. Headlined by Kim Min-ha and Lee Jun-ho, the historical series boasts Lee Na-jeong as director and Jang Hyun-sook as writer. Imaginus, Studio PIC, and Tree Studio stand behind production. Read more: Netflix Originals Coming in October 2025: Top 10 Binge-worthy Releases Marie and Her Three Daddies | Family Dramedy | October 13, 2025 Directed by Seo Yong-soo and penned by Kim Hong-joo, ‘Marie and Her Three Daddies’ is brought to life under the KBS1 banner. The story revolves around Kang Ma-ri, a woman navigating her search for identity as she encounters three men who all, in different ways, represent fragments of her past. The drama lingers on pain, forgiveness, and healing, yet it insists that chosen families can be more steadfast than biological ones.  The ensemble cast features Hyun Woo, Ha Seung-ri, Park Eun-hye, Ryu Jin, Hwang Dong-joo, and Kong Jeong-hwan. Read more: Top 10 Korean Dramas Releasing in September 2025

The South Indian cinema never stops to flourish its creative strength with a vibrant slate poised to energise viewers across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam film industries. Like every month, the audiences can expect a wave of new releases this October, spanning diverse genres like romance, comedy, horror, thriller, fantasy, and high-voltage action. Teasers and first looks have already surged online, laced with sharp dialogues and bursts of stunt-heavy spectacle, igniting excitement across fan circles. Let’s dive into the top 12 upcoming South Indian movies driving the buzz in October 2025. Top 12 South Indian Movies Coming This October . Vrusshabha | Telugu Action | October 16, 2025 A lingering question runs through the centre of ‘Vrusshabha’: can affection overcome the darker pull of vengeance when the same two souls meet again as father and son? Nanda Kishore shapes that idea into a reincarnation drama, threading together mythic overtones with the intimacy of a family story. Mohanlal anchors the narrative with his usual ease, while Shanaya Kapoor, Samarjit Lankesh, Zahrah S. Khan, Ragini Dwivedi, and Srikanth fill out the supporting canvas. Produced by Balaji Motion Pictures with Connekkt Media and AVS Studios, the film benefits from Devi Sri Prasad’s music. Read more: Bollywood Hindi Movies List for October 2025: Top 10 Biggest Premieres Telusu Kada | Telugu Romantic Comedy | October 17, 2025 At first glance, ‘Telusu Kada’ presents itself as another triangular romance, but debut filmmaker Neeraja Kona appears intent on stirring a little chaos into the genre. Raashii Khanna, Siddhu Jonnalagadda, and Srinidhi Shetty headline the cast, with Harsha Chemudu and Ravi Mariya on hand to tilt the mood toward farce. Backed by T. G. Vishwa Prasad and Vivek Kuchibhotla’s People Media Factory, the production hints at a blend of lightness on modern dating. Thaman S’s score is expected to underline that balance. Baahubali: The Epic | Telugu Epic Action | October 31, 2025 Years after it first stormed through Indian cinemas, ‘Baahubali’ returns in an unexpected guise. S. S. Rajamouli has condensed and polished his two-part saga into ‘Baahubali: The Epic’. This is a single feature that threads together the rise of Mahishmati’s warrior prince with new edits and technical upgrades. Read more: Best 10 Amazon Prime Originals Coming in October 2025 Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah, Ramya Krishna, Sathyaraj, and Nassar reprise the roles that turned them into pop-culture fixtures. M. M. Keeravani’s score has been remastered to match the refurbished images. Produced once again by Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni for Arka Media Works, the project courts both nostalgia and curiosity. Idly Kadai | Tamil Sports Drama | October 1, 2025 A quiet resilience runs beneath ‘Idly Kadai’, a new outing from Dhanush, who not only headlines the film but also directs and co-produces it. The sports film brings together Wunderbar Films and Dawn Pictures. The narrative tracks the unassuming life of an idli seller, letting his struggles and modest ambitions speak to wider shifts in society. Read more: Netflix Originals Coming in October 2025: Top 10 Binge-worthy Releases Nithya Menen steps in as Dhanush’s co-star, surrounded by an able ensemble – Arun Vijay, Sathyaraj, Shalini Pandey, R. Parthiban, Rajkiran, and P. Samuthirakani. G. V. Prakash Kumar’s music is set to wrap the proceedings in a familiar warmth. Diesel | Tamil Action Thriller | October 17, 2025 Shanmugam Muthusamy attempts to steer his first feature, ‘Diesel’, through the combustible world of illicit fuel trade. The director, who also pens the screenplay, appears intent on grounding his action beats in the politics surrounding the so-called diesel mafia. Harish Kalyan and Athulya Ravi front the cast, with Vinay Rai slipping into the antagonist’s shoes. Around them, an extensive supporting lineup – P. Sai Kumar, Zakir Husain, Ramesh Thilak, Vivek Prasanna, Kaali Venkat, Sachin Khedekar, and Sai Krishna – hints at a layered ensemble. Third Eye Entertainment and SP Cinemas jointly oversee the production, and Dhibu Ninan Thomas handles the score. Read more: Baaghi 4 Starring Tiger Shroff, Harnaaz Sandhu, Sanjay Dutt: Review and Earnings Dude | Tamil Romantic Comedy | October 17, 2025 Keerthiswaran makes his feature film directorial debut with ‘Dude’, along with crafting its screenplay. The romantic comedy draws together Mamitha Baiju and Pradeep Ranganathan in lead roles, with veterans like Rohini and R. Sarathkumar lending support alongside Hridhu Haroon. Mythri Movie Makers bankrolls the production, while Sai Abhyankkar steers the music. The makers have not revealed the plot details yet, making an effort to let the movie speak for itself when it arrives. Read more: Lokah Chapter 1 – Chandra: Female-Led Malayalam Superhero Blockbuster

The South Indian film industries—Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada—continue to hold their place as cultural powerhouses on the silver screen. Adding to their dynamic legacy, the May 2025 slate introduces a fresh wave of thrillers, mysteries, comedies, horrors, action, and fantasy. Teasers have already ignited a wave of excitement, with sharp dialogues and high-octane sequences raising expectations. Let’s check out this May’s most anticipated with South Indian movies promising cinematic diversity on every frame. Top 12 South Indian Movies Being Released This May . HIT: The Third Case | Telugu Thriller | May 1, 2025 The third movie in the HIT franchise, continuing the saga from HIT: The Second Case (2022), this action film flourishes with Sailesh Kolanu as writer and director.  The plot follows Arjun Sarkaar, a HIT Special Police officer from Visakhapatnam, assigned to track a ruthless group of serial killers in Jammu and Kashmir. Read more: Kesari Chapter 2 Review: Akshay Kumar Fronts a Bold Patriotic Courtroom Saga Srinidhi Shetty and Nani assume the lead roles, while Surya Srinivas, Adil Pala, Brahmaji, Maganti Srinath, and Rao Ramesh round out the supporting cast. Prashanti Tipirneni and Nani helm the production, bringing together Wall Poster Cinema and Unanimous Productions. Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1 | Telugu Historical Action | May 9, 2025 Headlined by Pawan Kalyan, this period drama unfolds in the 17th-century Mughal Empire. It chronicles the daring exploits of Veera Mallu, an outlaw tasked with stealing the famed Koh-i-Noor diamond. Besides directing the action movie with A. M. Jyothi Krishna, Krish Jagarlamudi crafts its screenplay with Sai Madhav Burra. Read more: Top Pakistani Dramas in 2025 Showcasing Strong Female Leads Appearing in the crucial roles are Bobby Deol, Dalip Tahil, Nargis Fakhri, Nora Fatehi, Nidhhi Agerwal, Sachin Khedekar, and Jisshu Sengupta. Produced by Mega Surya Production, this historical saga is enhanced by the music of Oscar-winning M. M. Keeravani. Eleven | Tamil-Telugu Bilingual Thriller | May 16, 2025 This AR Entertainment production features Naveen Chandra in the lead role, along with Reyaa Hari, who also produces the movie in association with Ajmal Khan. The supporting cast also includes Abhirami, Shashank, Dileepan, Aadukalam Naren, and Riythvika. Lokkesh Ajls’ direction and writing elevate the Tamil-Telugu bilingual movie. Read more: May 2025 Bollywood Releases: 10 Most Hyped Hindi Films To Watch The narrative revolves around a fearless officer whose unmatched investigative skills have cracked the department’s most complex cases. He now faces his toughest challenge yet, a chilling serial murder investigation. Retro | Tamil Romantic Action | May 1, 2025 Backed by 2D Entertainment and Stone Bench Creations, this romantic movie boasts Karthik Subbaraj as its writer and director. The story traces Parivel Kannan’s journey to reclaim his lost love, Rukmini, as he confronts emotional trials and unforeseen hurdles along the way. Pooja Hegde and Suriya embody the lead characters, with the additional cast of Joju George, Jayaram, Nassar, and Prakash Raj. Read more: May 2025 Amazon Prime Video Originals Streaming Lineup: Movies, Series, Shows The soundtrack is composed by Santhosh Narayanan, who also makes a cameo in the track “Kanimaa,” while Shriya Saran appears in a special sequence for another song. Tourist Family | Tamil Drama | May 1, 2025 Helmed and written by Abishan Jeevinth, this family drama features Simran, M. Sasikumar, Kamalesh, and Mithun Jai Sankar in central roles. M. S. Bhaskar, Yogi Babu, Ramesh Thilak, Elango Kumaravel, Bagavathi Perumal, and Sreeja Ravi portray the other key roles. Set in post-COVID Sri Lanka, the film portrays a Tamil family’s desperate quest for safety and stability as they risk everything to escape deepening economic despair. The produced credit goes to Magesh Raj Pasilian, Nazerath Pasilian, and Yuvaraj Ganesan under MRP Entertainment and Million Dollar Studios. Read more: Sunny Deol's Jaat Movie Review: Is It Worth Watching DD Next Level | Tamil Comedy Horror | May 16, 2025 Subtitled as Devil's Double Next Level, the horror movie thrives with the writer and director S. Prem Anand at the helm. Bankrolled by Niharika Entertainment and The Show People, the film marks the fourth chapter in the Dhilluku Dhuddu franchise, serving as a sequel to “DD Returns” (2023). While the plot remains under wraps, early glimpses hint at a narrative woven around crime, action, and an unsettling, shadowy world. Led by Santhanam, the ensemble cast includes Selvaraghavan, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Geethika Tiwary, Kasthuri Shankar, Yashika Aannand, Rajendran, Nizhalgal Ravi, and Maaran. Read more: Farewell to ACP Pradyuman: Tribute to Sony TV Crime Drama CID's Legendary Character

“Jaat” marks Sunny Deol’s cinematic comeback, reviving the raw intensity that once defined his larger-than-life action era. At 67, the veteran star once again shoulders the weight of high-octane drama and fist-pumping sequences. Released theatrically on 10 April 2025, this film taps into old-school heroism with unshaken resolve. Let's find out if the Bollywood action thriller Jaat (2025) truly packs a punch or merely rides on nostalgia. Jaat Movie Insights: Storyline, Theme, and Direction Set against the windswept shores of Ramayapatnam, “Jaat” opens with a familiar setup: A stranger’s arrival disrupts the reign of a merciless tyrant. What follows is a battle not just of muscle but of moral reckoning. Director Gopichand Malineni, making his Hindi debut after a strong Telugu run, infuses the first half with remarkable energy. With the unmistakable flavour of the Madras Cut, the film crafts a tightly edited, sharply written build-up that surprises with its humour and fluid pacing.  Read more: 10 Best Films, Documentaries on Palestine That Everyone Should Watch Gopichand, alongside co-writers Srinivas Gavireddy and Kundan Pandey, maintains a screenplay that invites curiosity and keeps the viewer guessing. There’s craft in the setup, an assurance in the rhythm, and polish in every frame. However, this polish fades as the second half unravels. The plot begins to sag under the weight of scattered sub-themes. It extends from moral crusades to social messaging and half-baked women empowerment arcs. The tonal balance wavers, and what once felt precise becomes overstuffed. Even the stylised violence begins to feel repetitive rather than impactful. Sunny Deol’s Action Legacy Is Far from Done Beneath the dust and defiance, the movie builds toward an inevitable clash, though the path leading there holds enough punch to keep things moving. Sunny Deol’s name goes unspoken until deep into the second half, but by then, the aura is already cemented. He leans fully into his strengths—every bellow, every punch sending bodies flying, lands with satisfying impact.  Read more: April 2025 Hindi Films Lineup: Top 10 Most Hyped Bollywood Releases Thaman S.’s rousing background score breathes rhythm into each frame, especially during those slow-motion power walks and tension-laced standoffs. “Jaat” works best as a nostalgic ride for Sunny fans, even if it stops short of offering something truly new beneath the spectacle. Casts In the Shadows of the Spotlight A brooding menace cloaks Randeep Hooda’s performance—sharp, deliberate, and just restrained enough to intrigue. Though the “real-life Jaat” angle is left underexplored, he owns the screen whenever present. Vineet Kumar Singh revels in madness, slipping into his wild sidekick role with unforced flair. Read more: April 2025 South Indian Film Slate: 12 most hyped releases Regina Cassandra commands attention with layered poise. Saiyami Kher’s cop role feels underutilised, limited to mere script requirements without the chance to leave a lasting impression. Jagapathi Babu’s character also fades into the background, failing to make a significant impact. Solid Opening in Box Office and IMDb Score Backed by Mythri Movie Makers, People Media Factory, and Zee Studios, Jaat arrived with solid commercial momentum. Its opening day haul of Rs 9.5 crore placed it as the fourth-biggest Hindi opener of 2025, crossing BDT 13.14 crore (Rs. 1 = BDT 1.38). By 2 pm on April 11, it added another 1.39 crore (approximately BDT 1.92 crore), holding steady on its second day. The numbers fall short when placed beside the thunderous Rs 40 crore (over BDT 55.34 crore) launch that Gadar 2 stormed in with back in 2023. However, they still mark an improvement over Deol’s recent outings. Read more: 12 Most Anticipated South Indian Movies Releasing in March 2025 ET News claims that Rs. 3.62 million (over BDT 5 million) worth of tickets were sold in just two hours. As per the Times of India, pre-release ticket sales reached Rs. 62.7 million (beyond BDT 86.75 million). On IMDb, the film currently holds a respectable 7.8 rating from 827 users. In a Nutshell The Bollywood film Jaat (2025) delivers a familiar yet rousing action experience, with Sunny Deol stealing the spotlight through sheer presence and raw power. His performance reminds audiences why he's long been a mass favourite. The action film opened well at the box office, signalling strong crowd pull despite mixed creative reception. While it doesn’t break new ground, Gopichand’s direction succeeds as a throwback entertainer. It is definitely a decent one-time watch for One-Man-Army epic action fans. Read more: March 2025 Bollywood Movie Releases: Top 10 Most-Anticipated Hindi Films to Watch

The South Indian film industries—Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada—continue to dominate the cinematic landscape with their groundbreaking storytelling and massive fanbase. In February 2025, audiences are in for a treat with an exciting lineup of 12 highly anticipated movies spanning romance, thrillers, action, horror, and comedy. From innovative narratives to unexpected plot twists, these films promise to set screens ablaze. Here’s your ultimate guide to the South Indian movie releases this month! 12 Must-watch South Indian Movies Being Released this February . Thandel | Telugu Romance | February 7, 2025 Based on a story written by Karthik Theeda, this romantic survival drama is shaped by the screenplay and directing of Chandoo Mondeti. The story delves into the perilous journey of fishermen from Srikakulam, whose routine expedition unexpectedly lands them in Pakistani waters. Set against this gripping backdrop, this movie intertwines love, revenge, bravery, and patriotism themes. Read more: 10 Most-Anticipated Bollywood Movies to Watch in February 2025 Starring Sai Pallavi, Naga Chaitanya, and Sundip Ved, this survival movie is produced by Bunny Vasu serving in Geetha Arts. Oka Pathakam Prakaaram | Telugu Thriller | February 7, 2025 Backed by Vihari Cinema and Vinod Vijayan Films, this thriller movie thrives with Vinod Vijayan as both the director and writer. The narrative centers on Siddharth, a man pushed to the edge after losing everything, including the mysterious disappearance of his beloved wife. Just as he faces impending arrest, he sets on a relentless investigation. It finds its way to uncover the depth and scope of the societal crimes that have shaped his plight. The stellar cast comprises Samuthirakani, Ashima Narwal, Shruti Sodhi, Sairam Shankar, and Pallavi Gowda. Read more: February 2025 Amazon Prime Originals Streaming Lineup: Exclusive Films and Web Series Ramam Raghavam | Telugu Thriller | 14 February 2025 Partially filmed in Tamil, this thriller drama flourishes with Dhanraj Koranani as its director in his debut. Written by Siva Prasad Yanala, this film makes its way to theaters courtesy of producer Prudhvi Polavarapu under the banner of Slate Pencil Stories. This suspense-filled tale unravels the dynamics of betrayal and redemption, where a son's greed drives him to scheme against his honest father, a principled government official. As his treachery unfolds, unforeseen truths emerge, compelling him to wrestle the weight of his actions. The ensemble cast includes Samuthirakani, Harish Uthaman, Dhanraj Koranani, Raghu Babu, Satya, Pruthviraj, Srinivas Reddy, Pramodini, and Mokksha Sengupta. Vidaamuyarchi | Tamil Thriller | February 6, 2025 From a story based on the 1997 American film Breakdown, this action thriller showcases the directing prowess of Magizh Thirumeni. Bankrolled by Subaskaran Allirajah within Lyca Productions, the action movie highlights the expert screenplay by Magizh Thirumeni. Read more: Top 10 Netflix English Originals to Watch in February 2025: Movies, Series, and Shows This action-packed film centers on a devoted husband whose profound bond with his wife, Kayal, is tested when unforeseen challenges disrupt their harmony. As their relationship faces unraveling, Kayal is abducted by a notorious group in Azerbaijan. It prompts her husband to embark on a daring mission to rescue her and restore their love. The Tamil film stars Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha, Ramya Subramanian, Arav, and Regina Cassandra. 2K Love Story | Tamil Romantic Comedy | February 14, 2025 Starring Jagaveer opposite Meenakshi Govindarajan in lead roles, this drama film excels with Suseenthiran as its writer and director. The film explores the multifaceted dynamics of love, friendship, and life within a close-knit group of young individuals. Among them is Karthik, a talented cricketer who plays for the Pondicherry team and has spent 12 years playing for a county club in Australia. Another one is Monica, a passionate pre-wedding photographer. Read more: Top Bangladeshi Movies of 2024: Dhallywood’s Biggest Box Office Hits The additional cast includes Bala Saravanan, Jayaprakash, Antony Bhagyraj, and Vinodhini Vaidyanathan. The production credit goes to Vignesh Subramanian associated with City Light Pictures. Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam | Tamil Romantic Comedy | February 21, 2025 Producing, directing, and co-writing the movie is none other than Dhanush, who also has a special appearance in one of its songs. The production team also includes Vijayalakshmi Kasthuri and Dhanush’s father Kasthuri Raja under RK Productions and Wunderbar Films. This coming-of-age film follows a group of friends as they face the complexities of their evolving personal lives. It features a strong emphasis on the emotional impact of love, misunderstandings, and frustrations. Meanwhile, the movie reveals how these elements shape their growth, relationships, and the journeys they undertake. Read more: Top 10 Indian Blockbusters of 2024: Record-Breaking Hits Ruling the Box Office This romantic comedy film boasts a stellar cast of Anikha Surendran, Pavish, Priya Prakash Varrier, Venkatesh Menon, Mathew Thomas, Sathish, and Ramya Ranganathan.

The 23rd Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) will begin on Saturday. The festival will showcase 220 films from 75 countries with the slogan “Better Film, Better Audience, Better Society.” The flagship yearly film festival of Bangladesh, this year’s nine-day festival in six venues in Dhaka will become a rendezvous for many local and foreign filmmakers, artists, critics, and film enthusiasts, where Bangladesh will be represented through 44 films. Showcasing 252 films from 74 nations, 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival begins Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Adviser Nahid Islam will inaugurate the festival as the chief guest at the main auditorium of the Bangladesh National Museum at 4 pm on Saturday, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and the Chinese Film Administration's International Director Shu Yang will join the inauguration ceremony as the special guests. Festival Committee Executive Member and Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Jalal Ahmed will preside over the opening ceremony. A press conference was arranged at Dhaka Club on Thursday where the DIFF Director Ahmed Muztaba Jamal, festival committee Chairperson Kishwar Kamal, Asian Competition Section Jury Board member actor Ilias Kanchan, festival committee Executive Member and Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Jalal Ahmed, festival committee member Journalist Rafikuzzaman, Masterclass and media in-charge Bidhan Riberu, and Conference Director of Women in Cinema Conference Sadia Khalid Reeti briefed journalists. 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) begins Saturday “Since 1992, the Rainbow Film Society has been organising the Dhaka International Film Festival with support from different organisations. Unfortunately, the support is decreasing day by day. To continue this acclaimed festival in the future, we need proper financial assistance from the government and elite members and corporations in society, which is the driving force behind every other successful film festival across the world,” Ahmed Muztaba Zamal said at the press conference. The festival this year will open with the Chinese science fiction comedy film ‘Moon Man,’ co-written and directed by Zhang Chiyu, and China will be the ‘Country Focus’ at this year’s festival. Popular Bangladeshi band Joler Gaan will also perform at the inauguration ceremony. Moviegoers will be welcomed at different venues of the 23rd edition of this annual film festival, including Bangladesh National Museum; Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA); Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), Dhanmondi; Green University of Bangladesh; and North South University in the capital. The films will be screened under the Asian Competition Section, Retrospective Section, Bangladesh Panorama, Wide Angle, Cinema of the World, Children's Film, Spiritual Films, Short and Independent Film, and Women's Film Session. Central Women's University Vice Chancellor Dr Parveen Hasan will be present as the chief guest on the opening day of the '11th International Women Filmmakers Conference' at Dhaka Club’s Samson Lounge on January 12 at 9:30 am, which will be chaired by DIFF Chairperson Kishwar Kamal. Curtain rises on 21st Dhaka International Film Festival ActionAid Bangladesh Country Director Farah Kabir and Chinese film director and writer Zhang Yudi will be special guests at the conference. Commemorating the martyrs of the July-August uprising, seven short films will be screened at this year’s DIFF on January 12, 15, 16 and 17. The venues for these screenings are the Sufia Kamal Auditorium of the National Museum, the Green University of Bangladesh Auditorium, the National Art Gallery Auditorium of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and the Auditorium of North South University, respectively. Apart from this, a unique painting exhibition is being organised at the La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) on January 9-17, as part of the festival. It will include works by both new and veteran artists. The two-day masterclass is going to be held for the third time at DIFF on January 17-18 this year. Chinese writer and film director Zhang Yudi, Serbian film scholar Prof. Dragen Milinkovic, Norwegian film producer and distributor Augie Hoffert, and Bangladeshi cinematographer Rashed Zaman will speak in this masterclass, to be held at the Cineplex auditorium of the National Museum. Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostafa Sarwar Farooki will be the chief guest of the 23rd DIFF’s concluding ceremony on January 19 at the National Museum.

Fans of the iconic Shrek movies, rejoice! Eddie Murphy, the voice of Donkey, has revealed in an interview with Collider that not only is a new Shrek movie in production, but Donkey will also star in his very own standalone film. Murphy shared, “We started doing Shrek 4 or [Shrek] 5 months ago. I recorded the first act, and we’ll be finishing it up this year. Shrek is coming out, and Donkey’s gonna have his own movie. We’re gonna do Donkey as well.” He clarified the timeline, saying, “I started recording Shrek, I think it’s coming out in 2025, and we’re doing a Donkey one next.” Read more: It’s official; “The Devil Wears Prada” sequel in the works Since Shrek first graced the screens in 2001, the franchise has become a cultural touchstone, celebrated for its witty humor, memorable characters, and heartwarming stories. The series includes four feature films, numerous spin-offs, and even a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. Murphy’s portrayal of the hilarious and lovable Donkey has been a standout, and his enthusiasm for the upcoming projects is palpable. The announcement of a standalone Donkey movie promises to delve deeper into the character, offering fans fresh comedic and emotional experiences. As fans eagerly await the return of Shrek and the debut of Donkey’s solo adventure, it’s clear that the magic of this beloved franchise continues to enchant audiences of all ages. Read more: August 2024 Netflix English Originals Lineup: Top 10 Most-hyped Releases

Gird your loins! Disney is officially working on a sequel to the iconic 2006 film “The Devil Wears Prada,” according to multiple media reports. Fans will be thrilled to hear that Meryl Streep is set to return as the formidable Runway editor, Miranda Priestly. Joining her will be Emily Blunt, reprising her role as Miranda’s sharp-tongued assistant, Emily Charlton, as confirmed by E! News. Read more: Sy Huq becomes first Bangladeshi-American creative executive in Japan’s anime industry While Anne Hathaway has not been confirmed to reprise her role as Andy Sachs, there is plenty of star power returning. Original producer Wendy Finerman and screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna are both on board for this exciting sequel, per Variety. The plot details are already stirring excitement. The sequel will delve into the challenges Miranda faces as the magazine publishing industry declines. In a twist, the only person who can save her is her former assistant, Emily, who has now risen to become a high-powered executive at a luxury fashion group, according to Puck. Anne Hathaway has previously shared her thoughts on a potential sequel. “I don’t think a continuation of that story is probably ever gonna happen,” she told E! News in March. However, she expressed gratitude for the film’s enduring popularity, adding, “The reason that movie felt so special was that we were a team and we did that work, but really it’s the love that everybody pours into it.” Read more: August 2024 Netflix English Originals Lineup: Top 10 Most-hyped Releases

The High Court (HC) on Monday (May 20, 2024) barred Monowar Hossain Dipjol from serving as general secretary of the executive committee of Bangladesh Film Artists’ Association for the 2024-26 term. An HC bench comprising Justice Naima Haider and Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque also directed relevant authorities to investigate allegations of irregularities in the election. Additionally, the court issued a rule demanding an explanation as to why the election results should not be annulled in light of these allegations. Film Artistes' Association election 2024: Misha Sawdagar elected president, Dipjol general secretary The HC's orders followed a petition filed by actress Nipun Akter, who contested the election for general secretary and is currently in the USA, according to her lawyer, Palash Chandra Roy. Senior lawyer Shah Manjurul Haq, Barrister Harunur Rashid, and Palash Chandra Roy represented Nipun in court, while Deputy Attorney General Amit Das Gupta represented the state. Lawyer Manjurul Haq stated that the court's stay on Dipjol's position means he cannot perform his duties as general secretary. The court also mandated the Social Welfare Ministry to investigate the alleged election irregularities. On May 15, actress Nipun submitted a petition to the HC seeking the cancellation of the election results and a restriction on the duties of the Misha-Dipjol panel, which had won the election. Allegations of embezzlement against actor Apurba Nipun also requested the court to set a schedule for a new election. In the election held on April 20, Dipjol defeated Nipun by 16 votes, as announced by Chief Election Commissioner Khorshed Alam Khosru. Dipjol received 225 votes, while Nipun, the immediate past general secretary, garnered 209 votes.

The 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) will begin on Saturday, with the slogan “Better Film, Better Audience, Better Society”. One hundred and twenty-nine full-length feature films and one hundred and twenty-three short and independent films are scheduled to enthrall the moviegoers at the festival, where Bangladesh will be represented through 71 films including 12 full-length feature films. Finance Minister Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali will inaugurate the festival as the chief guest at the main auditorium of the Bangladesh National Museum at 4pm while the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and eminent Indian actress Sharmila Tagore will join the inauguration ceremony as the special guests. The chief patron of the festival, Shahriar Alam MP will preside over the opening ceremony. ‘Top Gun 3’ in the making? A press conference was arranged on Thursday  at Dhaka Club in the capital where the festival director Ahmed Muztaba Zamal, Dhaka Club President Ashrafuzzaman Khan (Puton), festival executive committee member Jalal Ahmed, patron committee member and Jatiya Press Club (JPC) General Secretary Shyamal Dutta, dramatist and theatre personality M Hamid, cultural personality and Advisory Committee member Mofidul Hoque, film critic and 22nd DIFF Media In-charge Bidhan Rebeiro and DIFF Chairman Kishwar Kamal, also the press conference chairperson, briefed the journos. “Since 1992, the Rainbow Film Society has been organising the Dhaka International Film Festival with support from different organisations. Unfortunately, the support is decreasing day by day. To continue this acclaimed festival in the future, we need proper financial assistance from the government and elite members and corporations in society, which is the driving force behind every other successful film festivals across the world,” Ahmed Muztaba Zamal said at the press conference. The festival this year will open with the Iran-Bangladesh joint production film ‘Fereshteh’ starring acclaimed actress Jaya Ahsan and directed by Morteza Atashzamzam, under the Wide Angle Film Poster Exhibition section. The inaugural session on Saturday evening will also showcase the Shyam Benegal-directed ‘Mujib: Ekti Jatir Rupokar’ (Mujib: The Making of a Nation) at 7 pm, under the Bangladesh Panorama category. Moviegoers will be welcomed at different venues of the 22nd edition of this annual film festival, including the Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib auditorium (main auditorium) and Poet Sufia Kamal auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum, National Art Gallery auditorium and National Music and Dance auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Academy auditorium and Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), Dhanmondi in the capital. Most Hyped Bollywood Films Releasing in February 2024 The films will be screened under the Asian Competition Section, Retrospective Section, Tribute, Bangladesh Panorama, Wide Angle, Cinema of the World, Children's Film, Spiritual Films, Short and Independent Film and Women's Film Session. Like previous editions, the 'West Meets East: Screenwriting Competition', an interactive four-day seminar and workshop for filmmakers, will be held at the Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) from January 23-26. Social Welfare Minister  Dr Dipu Moni will inaugurate the Wide Angle section of the 22nd DIFF on January 22 at the Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum, which will be joined by the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and Deputy Chair of Shanghai Film Association and distinguished film scholar Dr Shi Chuan as the special guests. Apart from this, there will be a masterclass for the second time in the festival which will be held throughout the day on January 27 at Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum. The first session will be addressed by eminent film scholar Dr. Shi Chuan, Deputy Chair of Shanghai Film Association of China, while the second session will feature renowned Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi and the third session will feature Indian filmmaker, actor and singer Anjan Dutt. The sessions will be moderated by Bangladeshi film critic Bidhan Rebeiro. Registration will be required to join the masterclasses and the registration link will be available on the Facebook page of the festival. However, the registration must be completed before January 27. The '10th International Women Filmmakers Conference' on the role of women in films will be held on the 3rd floor of the Samson Lounge, Dhaka Club, from January 21-22 as part of the festival. Department of Film & Television, Jagannath University will cooperate in this and UNDP will be a strategic partner. Top South Indian Films Hitting the Screens in February 2024 In the conference, Bangladeshi women filmmakers will get a golden opportunity to gain experience by exchanging views with local and foreign women filmmakers and personalities. Here, women film makers will discuss the obstacles and ways to overcome them in their work with renowned women makers from around the world, the organizers said at the press conference. Eminent Indian actress and the esteemed guest of this year’s festival Sharmila Tagore will formally inaugurate the '10th International Women Film Makers Conference,' which will be chaired by DIFF Chairperson Kishwar Kamal on January 21 at 9:30 am. State Minister for Women and Child Affairs Simin Hossain Rimi will be present as the Chief Guest at the conference The 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival will conclude on January 28.