Bongo BD, an OTT platform of Bangladesh, is going to release the Bengali version of South Indian comedy film 'F2: Fun and Frustration' on its platform this week. Cast by renowned actors including South superstar Daggubati Venkatesh, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Varun Tej, 'F2: Fun and Frustration' this movie promises a riot of laughter and a rollercoaster of emotions. 'Nun 2' narrowly edges 'A Haunting in Venice' over quiet weekend in movie theaters The film's narrative takes a hilarious twist as it unfolds the story of two Indian young men who find themselves in a sticky situation, caught by foreign police under allegations of molesting two women on the street. However, there's a comical twist—these men claim that one of the women is the wife of one, and the other is destined to be the wife of the other! Yes, they were indulging in what's colloquially known as "Eve teasing" with their own wives. To uncover the secrets behind this uproarious scenario, viewers are encouraged to tune in and enjoy the rollicking ride of 'F2: Fun and Frustration.' Masud Karim to bring Assam’s historic Bengali language movement into documentary This South Indian comedy gem offers a delightful blend of action, romance, and emotions, all wrapped up in the side-splitting quarrels and escapades between husbands and wives. Ariful Islam, Assistant Manager of Digital Marketing at Bongo BD, expressed his excitement about bringing this unique comedy genre film on the platform. English Language Netflix Originals Coming in October 2023 He stated, "Bongo always strives to offer diverse and engaging content to our audience. 'F2' is a prime example of such eclectic content. We're delighted to bring this comedy masterpiece to our viewers, with the hope of putting smiles on their faces. The movie is already generating buzz on various social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, which is a source of great joy and pride for us."

"The Nun 2" and "A Haunting in Venice" virtually tied for the No. 1 spot in U.S. and Canadian theaters over the weekend, with a slight edge carrying the horror sequel over the Hercule Poirot mystery, according to studio estimates Sunday. In its second weekend of release, Warner Bros.' "The Nun 2," a spinoff from the studio's lucrative "Conjuring" franchise, grossed $14.7 million. If numbers hold, that will give "The Nun 2" (up to $56.5 million total and $158.8 million worldwide) the top spot at the box office for the second straight week. Very close behind was "A Haunting in Venice," Kenneth Branagh's third Agatha Christie adaptation following 2017's "Murder on the Orient Express" and 2022's "Death on the Nile." It opened with $14.5 million. Final box-office figures will be released Monday. Also read: Comedian Russell Brand denies allegations of sexual assault published by three UK news organizations After the successful run of "Murder on the Orient Express" ($352.8 million worldwide against a production budget of $55 million) and the less-stellar global haul of "Death on the Nile" ($137.3 million against a $90 million budget), the sluggish start for "A Haunting in Venice" may have signaled the death knell for Branagh's detective. The 20th Century Studios film, released by the Walt Disney Co., grossed $22.7 million internationally. And it cost less than its predecessor, carrying a production budget of about $60 million. "The Equalizer 3," starring Denzel Washington, dropped to third place with $7.2 million. In three weeks, its grossed $73.7 million domestically and $132.4 million worldwide. Fourth place went to "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3" with $4.7 million in its second weekend of release. It's grossed $18.5 million domestically. It was one of the quietest weekend in movie theaters this year, as Hollywood — which has spent much of the last two weeks promoting its films at the Venice, Telluride and Toronto film festivals — treads water in between the summer smashes of "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" and awaits its top fall movies. Some of those, like "Dune: Part Two," have already postponed until next year due to the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. Also read: ‘We’re not just co-stars’: Deepika on working with Shah Rukh One anticipated fall film, Sony's "Dumb Money," opted for a platform release, debuting in eight theaters over the weekend before expanding next weekend and going wide Sept. 29. The film, a rollicking dramatization of the GameStop stock frenzy, grossed $217,000, for a per-location average of about $27,000. And "Barbie" also remains in the picture. For the ninth straight weekend, Greta Gerwig's box-office sensation ranked in the top five films. It added $4 million to bring its domestic total to $625 million and its global haul to $1.42 billion. Meanwhile, "Oppenheimer" has reached $912.7 million, making it the highest grossing biopic ever, passing "Bohemian Rhapsody." Also read: English Language Netflix Originals Coming in October 2023 Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday. 1. "The Nun II," $14.7 million. 2. "A Haunting in Venice," $14.5 million. 3. "The Equalizer 3," $7.2 million. 4. "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3," $4.7million. 5. "Barbie," $4 million. 6. "Jawan," $2.5 million. 7. "Blue Beetle," $2.5 million. 8. "Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story," $2.4 million. 9. "Oppenheimer," $2.1 million. 10. " Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem," $2 million.

Examining the historic Bengali language movement in India’s Assam, Bangladeshi documentary filmmaker Masud Karim is producing a documentary film titled "Assam's Bengali Language Movement". According to the filmmaker, a full-length documentary on Assam's language movement has never been made. The exact context in which this language movement was created, will be showcased in this documentary.  Read: Shah Rukh Khan starrer ‘Jawan’ makes historic debut in Bangladesh The language movement in Assam was not a national language movement, but there was a demand for the right to speak the mother tongue only on the basis of the majority of the Assamese-Bengali speakers. When it comes to the Bengali language movement, it automatically resonated with the historic 21st February 1952, along with the names of Salam, Rafiq, Shafiq, Barkat and Jabbar. The Bengali language for which the Assamese people gave their lives, remains unknown to the present generation. The context of the language movement of 1952 and the language movement of Assam is not the same. Assam is home to many tribes and languages, and these people hold their own history-tradition, political background and cultural identity, therefore, the 1961 language movement in Assam was not only for the Bengali language. Apart from Manipuri, and Garo, there were activists of other languages too, all fought for the same right.  Read: Mostofa Sarwar Farooki makes acting debut in Chorki's 'Something Like an Autobiography' However, those who lost their lives at Silchar railway station in the Cachar district of Assam for the language movement on May 19, 1961, were all Bengalis. The matter is more discussed because of Kamala Bhattacharya, the first female language martyr in the world. Assam was able to come up with a history specifically for the Bengali language with the help of Bengalis as most of the 11 martyrs were originally from Sylhet and Brahmanbaria, Munshiganj and Tangail in present-day Bangladesh. The documentary features the film and television actress Nijhum Rubina, who played the role of the lead character of Kamala Bhattacharya. Acclaimed actress Shirin Alam played the role of Kamla's mother and Manisha Shikder played the role of Kamla's sister. Part of the filming was done outside Bangladesh in Kolkata and featured prominent educationist Professor Pabitra Sarkar, editor Shantanu Gangaridi of Unishe May magazine along with Kamala Bhattacharya's niece Barnali Bhattacharya, who revealed some unpublished facts about Kamala. This documentary will be screened simultaneously in Assam's Silchar, Agartala, Kolkata and Dhaka on May 19 next year. Masud Karim is producing this documentary entirely self-financed. Read:Chorki to bring ‘Shurongo’ with extended Director’s Cut version He has previously made documentary projects based on the life and works of renowned Indian actor Soumitra Chatterjee in 2015, prominent educationist and National Professor Anisuzzaman in 2017 and eminent lyricist Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury in 2020.  

Netflix continues to be a global entertainment powerhouse for audiences worldwide with its original programming and vast selection of movies and TV shows. Every month the platform captivates viewers with a diverse range of original contents. From thought-provoking documentaries to thrilling crime dramas and captivating comedies, there's a wide array of entertainment waiting to be discovered on the streaming platform. Let’s take a look into October’s Netflix English Original contents.  English Netflix Originals Releasing in October 2023 Everything Now Everything Now," is an upcoming British limited series set to debut on Netflix on October 5, 2023. Developed and written by Ripley Parker, with direction by Alyssa McClelland and other notable directors, the series follows Mia Polanco, a 17-year-old recovering from anorexia who embarks on a bucket list adventure to catch up with the experiences she missed during her illness.  The show aims to shed light on mental health issues, particularly surrounding food and body image, among British teenagers. The cast includes Sophie Wilde, Vivienne Acheampong, Stephen Fry, and more, making it a highly anticipated exploration of recovery and self-discovery. Read more: First-ever Bangla-dubbed Thai movie ‘Bad Genius’ to be released on Bongo tomorrow Reptile Reptile" is a gripping 2023 American crime thriller film that marks Grant Singer's remarkable directorial debut. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2023, and is about to land on Netflix on October 6, 2023, the movie is a tense exploration of a brutal murder mystery.  The story follows a hardened detective portrayed by Benicio del Toro as he delves into the enigmatic murder of a real estate agent. The film delves into a world where appearances are deceiving, unraveling both the case and the detective's own illusions.  The ensemble cast includes Justin Timberlake, Alicia Silverstone, Michael Pitt, and Ato Essandoh.  "Reptile" is not a sequel but a standalone cinematic experience that promises intrigue and suspense. Read more: Top 12 South Indian Films Being Released in September 2023 The Fall of the House of Usher The Fall of the House of Usher" is a highly anticipated gothic horror drama miniseries set to captivate audiences on Netflix starting October 12, 2023. Created and written by the talented Mike Flanagan, the series draws inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe's iconic short story, weaving a dark and mysterious tale. The narrative revolves around the CEO of a corrupt pharmaceutical company, played by Bruce Greenwood, who confronts his sinister past when his children meet gruesome and enigmatic fates.  With a stellar ensemble cast featuring Carla Gugino, Mary McDonnell, Mark Hamill, and more, this miniseries promises to deliver chilling thrills in a contemporary gothic setting. It's a standalone series, not a sequel, offering a fresh take on classic horror themes. Fair Play Fair Play is a 2023 American salacious thriller film marking Chloe Domont's directorial debut. The movie, which premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, explores the tumultuous journey of a young couple, played by Phoebe Dynevor and Alden Ehrenreich, whose relationship is pushed to its limits when an unexpected promotion at a ruthless hedge fund firm disrupts their lives.  With supporting roles by Eddie Marsan and Rich Sommer, the film promises to deliver a tense and passionate narrative. Set to release in limited theaters on September 29, 2023, and on Netflix on October 13, 2023, "Fair Play" delves into themes of ambition, desire, and the price of success, offering a fresh take on the erotic thriller genre. It's a standalone film, not a sequel, offering a unique and captivating story. Read more: Chorki to bring ‘Shurongo’ with extended Director’s Cut version The Devil on Trial Netflix's "The Devil on Trial" is a gripping documentary that delves into the infamous "Devil Made Me Do It" case, retracing the trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, who attempted to prove his innocence by claiming demonic possession.  The film explores the first and only time that "demonic possession" was used as a defense in a U.S. murder trial, featuring firsthand accounts of alleged possession and a shocking murder. Directed by Christopher Holt, the documentary offers an extraordinary and chilling narrative, forcing viewers to confront their fear of the unknown. Executive producers Julia Nottingham and Sam Starbuck, along with a talented production team, bring this compelling story to life.  "The Devil on Trial" is not a sequel but a unique exploration of a historic legal case. It is set to premiere globally on Netflix on October 17, 2023 promising a thought-provoking and unsettling viewing experience. Read more: Don 3: Bollywood’s New Don Ranveer Singh Replaces Shah Rukh Khan Neon Neon," a vibrant and comedic series, explores the world of reggaeton in Miami, following the journey of three friends striving to make it big in the music industry. Co-created by Shea Serrano and Max Searle, with Searle as the showrunner, the series blends larger-than-life dreams with the humorous realities of navigating the reggaeton scene.  Executive-produced by the "King of Reggaeton" himself, Daddy Yankee, the show promises an exciting cameo of the global music star. "Neon" features an ensemble cast including Tyler Dean Flores, Emma Ferreira, Jordan Mendoza, and Courtney Taylor. All eight episodes of Season 1 are set to premiere on October 19, 2023. Read more: Upcoming Netflix Originals in September 2023

The much-anticipated Bollywood film "Jawan" starring Shah Rukh Khan, made its debut in Bangladesh yesterday, marking a historic moment as it became the first Hindi film to simultaneously release in the country alongside its global debut. Directed by South Indian Director Atlee Kumar, the film was released in multiplexes across the country soon after "Jawan" was cleared by the censor board yesterday afternoon. Read : Is Jaya Ahsan making her debut in Hindi cinema? According to Anonno Mamun, the film's distributor in Bangladesh, "Jawan" is set to captivate audiences with a staggering 237 screenings across 48 cinema halls, including all the single-screen theatres across the country today (September 8). The anticipation among Baadshah's fans in Bangladesh surrounding the release of "Jawan" has reached a fever pitch since the initial announcement. The film's release has sparked a festive atmosphere, with many people gathering in theatres to watch it in groups, marking a first-of-its-kind experience in the country. Read : Cinema hall refinance scheme deadline extended to December This level of enthusiasm among the audience is reminiscent of the frenzy often seen among Indian fans following the release of films featuring Bollywood's Khans. Now, it is clear that the audience in Bangladesh is also revelling in the same level of excitement and passion around the release of "Jawan". “Pathan, another Shah Rukh Khan movie which was released earlier this year made history in Indian cinema with its remarkable earnings. However, it did not quite resonate with the audience compared to his previous films. However, there was a palpable sense of anticipation among fans regarding the upcoming film from Bollywood's King Khan. The optimism surrounding "Jawan" was particularly high, thanks in part to the involvement of Atlee Kumar. Read : Telugu Film RRR: Lifetime Record Breaker and the Pride of Indian Cinema Southern Indian directors have recently established a global reputation for their innovative storytelling on the silver screen. Among the already star-studded cast is another southern superstar, Vijay Sethupathi, who was revealed as a surprise cast member in "Jawan". With a budget of Rs 300 crore, this film has managed to not only meet but surpass the lofty expectations it set. In the film, Shah Rukh Khan takes on a double role, portraying both a father and son—Vikram Rathore and Azad Rathore. The star-studded cast of the film also included Nayanthara, Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra, Sunil Grover, and several other actors. Additionally, Deepika Padukone made a special guest appearance, adding to the film's allure.

After much drama, debate, and speculation regarding the release of Shah Rukh Khan starrer "Jawan" in Bangladesh, the film is now set to be finally screened on Thursday as it has received clearance from the Censor Board. This is the first time any Indian film has been released in Bangladesh on the same day as its global release. According to filmmaker-distributor Anonno Mamun from Action Cut Entertainment, "Jawan" received an uncut censor certificate from the board at 12:00 pm after the board members saw the film. Also read: Nagad offers ‘Jawan’ movie tickets on ‘Add-Money’ transactions The importers, Action Cut Entertainment and Rongdhonu Group, have confirmed that the film will start screenings tonight. Primarily, the film is set to be screened in 41 theatres across the country, according to its overseas distributor, Yash Raj Films. Several of Shah Rukh Khan's fans and admirers in Bangladesh have already joined forces to celebrate their fandom. "True SRKians BD" - a Facebook fan page of Shahrukh Khan in Bangladesh, has booked the "first-day first show" of the film at Blockbuster Cinemas in the capital’s Jamuna Future Park. Another Shah Rukh Khan fan group, 'SRK Universe Bangladesh' has announced the premier show of the film for its registered fans and members at Star Cineplex, Bashundhara City branch at 6 pm on Thursday. The Facebook post of Star Cineplex Sony Square branch also indicates that they are gearing up to premier the much-hyped film as soon as possible. Also read: ‘Hero or villain?’ Shah Rukh Khan teases with new ‘Jawan’ poster The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting granted permission for "Jawan's" import on August 27, and its screening on the same day as its global release. Earlier, another Shah Rukh Khan film, "Pathaan" was released in Bangladesh in May and got massive responses from the fans. However, several artists and filmmakers, namely Delwar Jahan Jhantu, expressed anger and frustration over the release of Hindi films in Bangladesh. "Jawan" features an ensemble cast with South Indian superstar Nayantara, Bollywood's acclaimed actress Deepika Padukone, South Indian actor Vijay Sethupathi, and SRK himself in multiple characters, alongside Sania Malhotra, Priyamani, Sunil Grover, and Yogi Babu, among others. Since its release in the early hours of Thursday, the film has been getting rave reviews from both critics and moviegoers.

Bongo, Bangladesh's first OTT platform, is going to release Bangla-dubbed version of Thai heist thriller movie ‘Bad Genius’ for the first time in the country tomorrow (Friday).    The internationally acclaimed Thai movie co-written and directed by Nattawut Poonpiriya is coming to the Bongo app on September 1. In the lead character of the movie, Lynn is a brilliant student from a lower-middle-class family and her dad is the only person in her family. Read: Startup Bangladesh invests Tk 5cr in Bongo Due to her talent, she obtained a scholarship to a prestigious school where students are mostly rich kids. Lynn befriends a rich student named Grace on her first day at school. Grace asks Lynn to let her copy her answer sheet for the sake of friendship. Initially, Lynn is against it but later she agrees. Subsequently Grace's boyfriend Pat offers money to Lynn to cheat on the exam. Read: 'Ei Mon Tomake Dilam': Award-winning Chinese drama dubbed in Bangla on Bongo BD  However, there's a catch! It's not just Pat, his other rich friends want Lynn's help too. In return, Lynn's gonna make a fortune! After witnessing her poor father's lifelong struggle and economic inequality in the society, she decides to commit the misdemeanors. Having aced local exams, Lynn challenged herself to cheat in international exams! Will Lynn be able to cheat on the international exam? Is it that simple? To know the answers, you have to see "Bad Genius" on the Bongo app with Bengali dubbing.   Read more: Symon-Mahi's LIVE movie is coming to Bongo!

Acclaimed filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki is making his acting debut with his web film "Something Like an Autobiography" as part of Chorki’s "Ministry of Love" anthology film series. Farooki, along with his wife, actress Nusrat Imrose Tisha, will be coming together on screen for the film as their first-ever acting project, for which they have also co-written the screenplay. Also read: No filmmaker should experience what I did: Farooki Chorki revealed the first look of this film on its social media handles on Wednesday afternoon. "For almost the last 25 years, I have been trying to tell different stories. Those stories have impacted our audiences more or less, and my experiments regarding acting and storytelling always continued for those stories, but the one thing I always kept myself distant from was acting." "When I was writing this film with Tisha, we realised that we both had to act in this film. I was initially hesitant about it, but Rony (Chorki CEO) and Tisha insisted. Tisha motivated me by saying that this story could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me, so I moved forward," Farooki posted on Facebook regarding his acting debut on Wednesday. Also read: Farooki’s "No Land’s Man" wins Prix du Public award in France Farooki also revealed that the film has been selected to compete at the 28th Busan International Film Festival’s main competition section in October, along with having its world premiere at the festival. According to Chorki, "Something Like an Autobiography" will be competing with some of Asia's most prominent filmmakers this year, including Filipino master filmmaker Brillante Mendoza, Sri Lankan powerhouse Prasanna Vithanaga, and Indonesia's Yosep Anggi Noen, among others, in the ‘Kim Jiseok competition category’ for established filmmakers from Asia. Tisha is returning to work after motherhood with this film. "I had no idea I would be able to start working so soon," she added. "Farooki has given me the confidence to get back into shape and work, and I thank the Almighty for allowing me to work on such an emotional story, especially after the birth of our daughter Ilham," the actress remarked. Also read: Chorki to bring ‘Shurongo’ with extended Director’s Cut version Like every other artist, I also hold expectations regarding my works, but I have great expectations regarding this particular film, as this is our special story. This film is like our second child. Farooki is a brilliant filmmaker, and with 'Something Like an Autobiography', the audiences will get to see how good of an actor he is," Tisha said. Chorki CEO Redoan Rony said, "This film is very special from other films, as Farooki Bhai acted for the first time in this movie. We are all looking forward to seeing him on screen. Also, this is the first Chorki Original film to go to the Busan Film Festival, which is a great matter of pride for us." Farooki has directed two web films for Chokri’s "Ministry of Love" anthology series while overseeing the project, which is set to bring 12 new web films with 12 acclaimed filmmakers. His other film, "Last Defenders of Monogamy," stars Chanchal Chowdhury and singer Xefer in the lead roles.

In the swiftly evolving landscape of pan-Indian cinema, a carnival of splendid narratives is set to grace screens this September. The allure of the Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Tamil film industries remains. These industries offer a diverse cinematic experience, from heartwarming tales to high-octane action. Captivating visuals are a natural feature of these films. Their popularity inevitably extends beyond regional boundaries. Let's get into the top 12 South Indian films set to release in September 2023. 12 Most Anticipated South Indian Movies for September 2023 Sapta Saagaradaache Ello – Side A / Kannada / 1 September 2023 Directed by Hemanth M Rao, this is a romantic drama starring Rakshit Shetty and Rukmini Vasanth. Charan Raj's music complements the tale of Priya and Manu, whose passionate relationship faces a hurdle when Manu is imprisoned. Set before the pandemic, the film explores love's endurance. Penned by Gundu Shetty and Hemanth, the story unfolds in two interconnected parts. "Side A", weaves a tale of their journey, while "Side B" advances a decade later. The movie promises an emotional and resonant narrative, highlighted by the director's dual-part vision and compelling performances. Read more: Chorki to bring ‘Shurongo’ with extended Director’s Cut version Kaddha Chitra / Kannada / 8 September 2023 This is a highly anticipated film starring Vijay Raghavendra, known for his intense roles. Directed by Suhas Krishna, the film delves into the shadowy world of gangsters and their nefarious activities. Joining Raghavendra are Raghu Shivamogga and Namrata Surendranath, adding their own layer of complexity to the tale. With power-packed performances and high-octane drama, it promises to leave an indelible mark on the audience. Produced by Sandeep H.K. and Suhas D., the movie brings together a talented team that promises a visually stunning and emotionally charged cinematic experience. Read more: Don 3: Bollywood’s New Don Ranveer Singh Replaces Shah Rukh Khan Tatsama Tadbhava / Kannada / 15 September 2023 It marks a significant moment in actor Meghana Raj's career, making her comeback to the silver screen. Directed by Vishal Atreya, the movie pairs Meghana with Prajwal Devraj, promising emotionally charged performances. A seasoned police inspector embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind a mysterious missing person case. Eventually, audiences can expect a roller-coaster of emotions and intrigue. The film's trailer, released earlier, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the suspense and tension that await. "Tatsama Tadbhava" is set to captivate audiences with its spellbinding storytelling and powerful performances. Read more: Upcoming Netflix Originals in September 2023 Kushi / Telugu / 1 September 2023 This upcoming romantic comedy promises a delightfully filmy approach to audiences. Directed and written by Shiva Nirvana, the film pairs Vijay Deverakonda with Samantha Ruth Prabhu. Set against the realm of state-run telecom and corporate professionalism, the narrative explores the blossoming romance between Viplav and Aradhya. With its heartwarming story and relatable characters, "Kushi" is expected to strike a chord with viewers of all ages.  Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, the movie's release has generated anticipation for eye-soothing entertainment. Read more: ‘Hero or villain?’ Shah Rukh Khan teases with new ‘Jawan’ poster Skanda / Telugu / 15 September 2023 This film, directed by Boyapati Srinu, takes audiences on a thrilling ride into a world of valor and justice. With Ram Pothineni and Sree Leela in the lead roles, the movie promises performances that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Set against the backdrop of a fictional kingdom, the narrative centers around Skanda, a fearless warrior who champions the cause of the oppressed. The film is written by M. Rathnam and Boyapati, known for their ability to create engaging stories. S.S. Thaman's musical compositions add to the experience, and Santosh Detake's cinematography captures the action and emotion. All of these leave Skanda geared up to be a blockbuster. Produced by Srinivasaa Silver Screen and Zee Studios, the film's release has fans excited for an epic cinematic journey. Read more: 'Ei Mon Tomake Dilam': Award-winning Chinese drama dubbed in Bangla on Bongo BD Salaar Part 1 – Ceasefire / Telugu / 28 September 2023 Helmed by Prashanth Neel, the film holds the promise of being an adrenaline-pumping action thriller. With Prabhas in the lead role as the titular character, supported by a stellar ensemble cast, expectations are high. The trailer has already set the stage for heart-pounding confrontations and intense drama. This inception part of Salaar is produced by Hombale Films, a name synonymous with quality and grandeur. Bhuvan Gowda's cinematography and Ravi Basrur's music are expected to enhance the storytelling. The movie's release is eagerly awaited by fans of gripping narratives and spectacular action sequences. Read more: Bollywood superstar Alia Bhatt makes her Hollywood debut in Netflix's 'Heart of Stone'

The DC superhero film “Blue Beetle” led weekend ticket sales with a modest $25.4 million opening, according to studio estimates Sunday, dethroning “Barbie” from the top spot after a record-setting run that left movie theaters colored pink for a month. The “Barbie” phenomenon is far from over. Greta Gerwig’s film, which earlier this week became the highest grossing Warner Bros. release ever domestically, nearly managed to stay No. 1 again with $21.5 million in its fifth weekend. It’s up to $567.3 million in North America and an eye-popping $1.28 billion globally. The other half of “Barbenheimer” also continues to perform remarkably well for a movie so far into its run. Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” took in $10.6 million in its fifth week. With a $285.2 million domestic total, “Oppenheimer” now owns the distinction of being the biggest box-office hit never to land No. 1 at the weekend box office. The previous record-holder for that unlikely stat is 2016’s “Sing,” which grossed $270.3 million in the shadow of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and “Hidden Figures.” Read: Barbie: Interesting Facts to Know Before Watching the Movie Universal Pictures’ “Oppenheimer” has done even better overseas. Its global gross stands at an estimated $717.8 million through Sunday. “Blue Beetle,” starring Xolo Maridueña, came in on the lower side of expectations and notched one of the lower debuts for a DC Comics movie. Though earlier planned as a streaming-only release, Warner Bros. elected to put “Blue Beetle,” the first DC movie to star a Latino superhero, into theaters in the late summer, a typically quiet period at the box office. The production price tag of about $105 million was lower for “Blue Beetle” than the average superhero film. It’s one of the last releases produced under an earlier regime at DC Studios, which James Gunn and Peter Safran took the reins of last year. The film, directed by Ángel Manuel Soto and written by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, drew solid reviews – certainly better than the three previous DC releases this year (“The Flash,” “Black Adam” and “Shazam! Fury of the Gods”). “Blue Beetle” (76% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) is the rare comic-book film to put a Hispanic cast front and center. Read: He’s ‘just Ken’ but will the ‘Barbie’ movie change his popularity? But it also faced some tough luck, and not just in the unexpected staying power of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.” Southern California was bracing Sunday for Hurricane Hilary — potentially dampening ticket sales in the region. (Los Angeles was still its top market.) And like recent releases, “Blue Beetle,” which added $18 million internationally, didn’t have its cast available to promote the movie due to the ongoing actors strike. Universal’s raunchy R-rated canine comedy “Strays” showed even less bite. The film, with a voice cast including Will Ferrell and Jamie Foxx, landed in fifth place with $8.4 million. Comedies have generally struggled in theaters in recent years, but “Strays” had it particularly rough given that its starry cast was unavailable. “Strays” was very narrowly bested by “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.” The Paramount Pictures animated release earned $8.4 million in its third weekend, bringing its domestic total to $88.1 million. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday. Read: Algeria bans 'Barbie' almost a month after movie's local release 1. “Blue Beetle,” $25.4 million. 2. “Barbie,” $21.5 million. 3. “Oppenheimer,” $10.6 million. 4. “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” $8.4 million. 5. “Strays,” $8.3 million. 6. “Meg 2: The Trench,” $6.7 million. 7. “Talk to Me,” $3.2 million. 8. “Haunted Mansion,” $3 million. 9. “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One,” $2.7 million. 10. “The Last Voyage of the Demeter,” $2.5 million.