United News of Bangladesh

Drishyam 3 is generating strong buzz, especially after reports that Akshaye Khanna has exited the project following the success of Dhurandhar. Amid the excitement, actor Rajat Kapoor, who reprises his role as Mahesh Deshmukh—the husband of Tabu’s character, Meera Deshmukh—has shared a humorous take on his character’s journey in the upcoming film. What he said In a recent interview with SCREEN, Kapoor was asked whether his character would be given more depth in the third installment. Responding with wit, the actor dismissed the idea of a character arc, saying there was nothing new to explore. He joked that his role simply involved standing behind Tabu, adding that nothing had changed this time either. On playing officials in films Kapoor also reflected on his frequent casting as government officials. He has previously portrayed a senior income tax officer in Ajay Devgn’s Raid 2 and a police officer in Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders. Speaking candidly, he said such roles can feel limiting when they lack depth. While he emphasized that every role is about reacting to the script, he noted that generic authority figures—especially those without a strong narrative purpose—often leave actors with little to do. He contrasted this with more layered characters, like Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s role, which offered greater scope. About Drishyam 3 The Hindi Drishyam franchise, adapted from the Malayalam original starring Mohanlal, has turned Ajay Devgn’s Vijay Salgaonkar into a memorable on-screen figure—a common man who relies on intelligence and emotional resilience to protect his family. Filming for the third chapter is currently in progress at multiple locations. The original cast, including Ajay Devgn, Tabu, and Shriya Saran, is set to return, along with other prominent actors. The makers have teased heightened suspense and intense drama as the story continues. The film is presented by Star Studios and produced by Panorama Studios. It is directed by Abhishek Pathak, who has also co-written the script with Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh. Producers include Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak, and Abhishek Pathak.   source NDTV

Universal Pictures has released the first trailer of The Odyssey, director Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic based on Homer’s classic poem, offering audiences an early look at a large-scale battle and survival saga. The film follows Greek hero Odysseus, played by Matt Damon, as he struggles to return home after the Trojan War. The trailer opens with the aftermath of the war and shows Odysseus leading his men away from Troy, hoping to reunite with their families. The preview highlights a long and dangerous journey across seas and unfamiliar lands. Odysseus is seen sailing through violent storms, crossing harsh terrain and surviving shipwrecks, with strong visuals focusing on endurance and survival. One sequence confirms that the fall of Troy is part of the opening chapters, showing Odysseus and his men inside the Trojan Horse. Another dark scene hints at mythical threats, suggesting encounters with monsters without revealing them fully. Family ties are also central to the story. Tom Holland appears as Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, while Anne Hathaway plays his wife, Penelope. Dialogue in the trailer is limited, with the story largely driven by visuals. The film features a large ensemble cast, including Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Charlize Theron, Robert Pattinson, Mia Goth, Benny Safdie, Jon Bernthal, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, Himesh Patel and Corey Hawkins. Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey is produced by Nolan and Emma Thomas and backed by Universal. The film was shot entirely using IMAX’s largest format and is scheduled for worldwide release on July 17, 2026.   With inputs from NDTV

Marvel Studios has confirmed the return of Chris Evans as Steve Rogers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the release of the first teaser for Avengers: Doomsday, ending days of speculation sparked by leaked footage. The teaser takes a reflective tone, showing Steve Rogers riding his motorcycle home as a soft piano version of the Avengers theme plays. Instead of action-heavy scenes, the preview focuses on memory and nostalgia, with Rogers seen unpacking his old Captain America suit, suggesting a past life he once left behind. One of the most notable moments in the teaser features Rogers holding a newborn baby, reinforcing the idea that he chose a different life after the events of Avengers: Endgame. The teaser ends with a clear confirmation of his return in Avengers: Doomsday. Steve Rogers was last seen stepping away from the role of Captain America after passing the shield to Sam Wilson and choosing to remain in the past with Peggy Carter. His reappearance signals a new chapter in the MCU, challenging the sense of finality surrounding his earlier departure. Marvel has indicated that Doctor Doom will be the main antagonist, with the storyline expected to span multiple timelines and universes. The film will also feature several familiar MCU characters, including Chris Hemsworth. Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for global release on December 18, 2026.   With inputs from NDTV

Filming of Tom Holland starrer Spider-Man: Brand New Day has officially wrapped up, with the film set for a theatrical release on July 31, 2026. Director Destin Daniel Cretton shared the update on Instagram on Saturday, thanking the cast and crew and describing the project as one of the most rewarding experiences of his career. He praised the team’s dedication, creativity and hard work throughout production. Cretton also commended Tom Holland for his leadership, commitment and performances, both on and off screen, calling the completion of filming a significant milestone for the project. Alongside Holland, the film features Mark Ruffalo reprising his role as Bruce Banner, also known as the Hulk, Michael Mando returning as Scorpion, and Jon Bernthal joining the cast as the Punisher. Sadie Sink is also part of the ensemble in an undisclosed role, while Zendaya and Jacob Batalon return as MJ and Ned.   With inputs from NDTV

Hollywood actor and former professional wrestler Dwayne Johnson has dedicated his latest film, The Smashing Machine, to the memory of 15 friends he lost to addiction and suicide over the past two decades. In an interview with Variety, the 53-year-old actor said the biopic, which portrays the life of legendary UFC fighter Mark Kerr, reflects not only Kerr’s journey but also the struggles of countless people battling mental health issues. “In a way, The Smashing Machine is a love letter to the men and women who struggle, who have made it on the other side, and who didn’t,” Johnson said. Johnson, who has been open about his own battles with depression, revealed that losing friends over the years deeply influenced the project. “Over the past two decades, I lost exactly 15 friends to addiction and suicide, who just couldn’t handle the pressure,” he added. The actor also recalled his personal experiences with mental health challenges, including suffering from depression at the age of 23 after failing to qualify for professional football, and witnessing his mother attempt suicide when he was 15. He stressed the importance of support, encouraging people to talk openly about their struggles and reminding them that they are not alone. Johnson has previously spoken about helping those facing depression. In 2018, he advised on social media to support loved ones by listening and guiding them through difficult times. “Everybody is fighting demons, and a lot of people keep it in. A lot of people don’t talk about it,” he said, reflecting on lessons learned over the years. The Smashing Machine is set to reach audiences worldwide while Johnson continues to work on upcoming projects, including the live-action Moana, an untitled Jumanji sequel, and Fast X: Part 2.   With inputs from NDTV

From Disney’s Snow White to Dwayne Johnson’s The Smashing Machine, several high-profile Hollywood films failed to meet box-office expectations in 2025. Despite a number of global hits, many anticipated releases underperformed, highlighting challenges for cinemas as audiences increasingly stay home. Marvel’s Thunderbolts earned nearly $400 million worldwide, less than half of Avengers: Endgame’s 2019 total, while Captain America: Brave New World also struggled. Both films were criticised for feeling like leftover parts of the Marvel saga, unlike Fantastic Four: First Steps, which performed better. Disney’s live-action Snow White failed to recover its budget amid controversies over casting and politics. Similarly, Bong Joon Ho’s Mickey 17, delayed for months after his hit Parasite, disappointed critics and audiences. Other flops included After the Hunt starring Julia Roberts, the Christy Martin biopic Christy, teen horror revival I Know What You Did Last Summer, Bruce Springsteen drama Deliver Me from Nowhere, and Pixar’s Elio, all of which underperformed despite high expectations. Sequels and reboots like M3GAN 2.0 failed to replicate the original’s success, while The Smashing Machine starring Dwayne Johnson did not attract audiences seeking lighter entertainment. Experts suggest that a combination of misjudged timing, audience fatigue, and creative missteps contributed to these box-office failures.   With inputs from BBC

Pakistani authorities have announced plans to produce a film titled Mera Lyari, citing what they described as Indian propaganda in the portrayal of Karachi’s Lyari area in the Bollywood film Dhurandhar. The Sindh Information Department said the upcoming film aims to present what it termed an accurate depiction of Lyari, contrasting with how the area was shown in Dhurandhar, which is set partly in Lyari between 1999 and 2009. The Indian film, released on December 5, depicts the area as being affected by gang violence, police operations, drug trafficking and militancy. Although Dhurandhar was not released in Pakistan, it has drawn attention there following its commercial success in India. The film was directed by Aditya Dhar and stars Ranveer Singh. In a post on X, the Sindh Information Department said Lyari represents “culture, peace and resilience” and rejected what it called attempts to portray the area through propaganda. It said Mera Lyari is scheduled for release in January 2026. Lyari, a densely populated neighborhood in Karachi, has historically been associated with gang-related violence, particularly during the early 2000s, a period depicted in Dhurandhar. The film includes characters based on real-life figures linked to criminal activity and law enforcement operations in the area. Officials said the new Pakistani film will focus on Lyari’s social and cultural identity. Further details about the cast and production have not been disclosed.   With inputs from NDTV

Rajinikanth is celebrating his 75th birthday, with fans and well-wishers from around the globe joining in the festivities, especially as his film Padayappa re-releases in theatres today. Amid the celebrations, an old post by Dharmendra featuring a scene from their 1984 film Insaaf Kaun Karega has resurfaced. The ClipIn the video, Dharmendra and Rajinikanth’s characters engage in a heated exchange, which leads to a playful fight scene, ending with the two actors hugging. In the clip, Rajinikanth says, "Dekh. Mujhe Kung Fu, Karate sab aata hai. Tumko kya aata hai?" to which Dharmendra humorously responds, "Aloo parathe aate hain." Sharing the clip earlier, Dharmendra wrote, "Rajini, a darling friend, a great actor… A funny scene with him… Hope you will enjoy it." He also reminisced, "Lovely clip, full of fun… Kakoli, those were beautiful days… and some of my comedy scenes… I used to write myself. I hope they will understand my mixture of Hindi, Punjabi…" Dharmendra and Rajinikanth had also collaborated in Farishtay (1991). Rajinikanth Remembers DharmendraDharmendra passed away in Mumbai on November 24 at the age of 89. The legendary Bollywood actor, known as the iconic ‘He-Man’ and star of over 300 films, died shortly after being discharged from Breach Candy Hospital. He was cremated at Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai under tight security. Rajinikanth shared a heartfelt post on X, saying, "Farewell, my friend. I will always remember your golden heart and the moments we shared. Rest in peace, Dharam ji. My deepest condolences to his family." Dharmendra’s Prayer MeetingsA prayer meeting was held in New Delhi by veteran actor, BJP MP, and Dharmendra’s second wife, Hema Malini, at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre. The first prayer meeting took place on November 27 at Taj Lands End in Mumbai, hosted by the Deol family, drawing a large turnout from the film industry.  source NDTV 

A wave of bold storytelling swept through the industry in 2025, as filmmakers from Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada pushed South Indian cinema to new heights. It has been the movie year of suspense and thrills. As the months unfolded, the most loved genre was blended with action and engaging drama. Let’s take a look at the list of top 10 South Indian thrillers released in 2025 that shaped the year’s most exciting moments. Top 10 South Indian Thriller Films Released in 2025 So Far . Kaantha | Tamil | November 14, 2025 | IMDB: 8.5 Fictionalized on the life of M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, ‘Kaantha’ is a joint production of Wayfarer Films and Spirit Media. The producers are Rana Daggubati, Prashanth Potluri, Jom Varghese, and Dulquer Salmaan. Besides directing the thriller film, Selvamani Selvaraj also wrote it with Thamizh Prabha. Samuthirakani, Dulquer Salmaan, Ravindra Vijay, Bhagyashri Borse, Gayathrie Shankar, and Rana Daggubati lead the cast. Read more: Golden Globes 2026 announces full list of film and TV nominees Set in 1950s Madras, the narrative follows famed director Ayya and his tense bond with film star T. K. Mahadevan, whose growing ego begins to disrupt their work. When a renamed film spirals into chaos after an on-set murder, Inspector Devaraj launches an investigation with Ayya and Mahadevan as the main suspects. Kantara: (A Legend) Chapter 1 | Kannada | October 2, 2025 | IMDB: 8.3 Backed by Chaluve Gowda and Vijay Kiragandur for Hombale Films, ‘Kantara: (A Legend) Chapter 1’ boasts Rishab Shetty as its writer and director. Long before the events of Kantara (2022), this tale travels back to ancient times, exploring the mysterious world of Buta Kola. It’s an old Hindu tradition filled with legends, village protectors, and a long-standing family struggle that shaped the story told in the original film. Headlining the movie cast are Rishab Shetty, Jayaram, Gulshan Devaiah, Rukmini Vasanth, and Pramod Shetty. Read more: 'Raat Akeli Hai: Bansal Murders' trailer brings back Nawazuddin as Inspector Jatil Rekhachithram | Malayalam | January 9, 2025 | IMDB: 7.9 In the forest area of Malakkappara, Officer Vivek returns to duty and begins looking into the strange death of Rajendran, a man who confessed to a hidden crime from years earlier. The case grows even more puzzling when a young girl suddenly goes missing near the shooting spot of the film Kathodu Kathoram. With this plot, ‘Rekhachithram’ is a joint production of Kavya Film Company and Ann Mega Media. Jofin T. Chacko takes on the directorial role, while John Manthrikal was in charge of the screenplay based on a story written by Ramu Sunil. Anaswara Rajan and Asif Ali embody the protagonists, supported by Manoj K. Jayan, Jagadish, Siddique, Saikumar, Indrans, and Harisree Ashokan. Thudarum | Malayalam | April 25, 2025 | IMDB: 7.5 Bankrolled by M. Renjith through Rejaputhra Visual Media, ‘Thudarum’ flourishes with the direction of Tharun Moorthy, who contributed to the screenplay with K. R. Sunil. In the peaceful hill town of Ranni, a taxi driver named Shanmughan cares deeply for his old but beloved Ambassador car. When unexpected trouble arrives, he faces a tough challenge that shows how much courage and heart one person can hold. Read more: Top 10 Hindi Movies Debuting December 2025: Bollywood’s Year-End Blast Mohanlal and Shobana portray the lead characters. Binu Pappu, Prakash Varma, Farhaan Faasil, Amritha Varshini, Aarsha Chandini Baiju, Maniyanpilla Raju, Thomas Mathew, Irshad Ali, Krishna Prabha, and Sangeeth Prathap round out the supporting roles. Bazooka | Malayalam | April 10, 2025 | IMDB: 7.5 Featuring Gautham Vasudev Menon and Mammootty in leads, ‘Bazooka’ takes shape under the writing and directing of Deeno Dennis in his directorial debut. The ensemble also includes Divya Pillai, Sidharth Bharathan, Iswarya Menon, and Binu Pappu, with Babu Antony, Shine Tom Chacko, and Arattu Annan appearing in cameos. The action thriller follows a clever police officer and a sharp-minded businessman who join forces to stop a dangerous criminal. Their mission turns into a tense cat-and-mouse chase filled with tricky clues and bold strategies as they try to outsmart a ruthless psychopath. Dolwin Kuriakose, Jinu V. Abraham, Vikram Mehra, and Siddharth Anand Kumar helm the production, bringing together Yoodlee Films and Theatre of Dreams. Read more: 12 must-watch films this December

The makers of Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders released the trailer of the crime thriller on Tuesday, bringing Nawazuddin Siddiqui back as Inspector Jatil. Directed by Honey Trehan and written by Smita Singh, the film stars Chitrangda Singh, Rajat Kapoor, Radhika Apte and Sanjay Kapoor alongside Nawazuddin. The movie will stream on Netflix from December 19. The trailer shows a wealthy family found murdered inside their locked mansion, with every survivor hiding fear and secrets. Nawazuddin’s character is called in to investigate a bigger and more complex case, as several witnesses add confusion to the probe. Chitrangda appears as one of the survivors, while suspicion also shifts to Sanjay Kapoor, according to the trailer. Netflix shared the video on Instagram on Tuesday. Nawazuddin said returning to the character was exciting. “Jatil may have evolved in every way, but his resolve is the same. His objectivity, sharp eye for detail and his ability to cut through noise remain his greatest weapons,” he said in a press note. Chitrangda said her role was layered and challenging. “Meera’s character carries fragility and toughness at once. She lives in emotional and psychological shadows. I am thankful for the chance to play a character like this,” she said.   With inputs from NDTV