United News of Bangladesh

Dhallywood superstar Shakib Khan is set to reunite with ‘Priyotoma’ director Himel Ashraf for a new film titled ‘Mohabbat’, produced by Arshad Adnan. The film was officially announced Thursday evening, with the makers confirming its release for Eid-ul-Azha 2027. Announcing the project on Facebook, Himel, Arshad and Shakib wrote, “Sometimes love comes with a price, a promise and a struggle… Introducing Mohabbat, the beginning of a new story and a new journey. See you next Qurbani Eid!” Within about an hour of the poster’s release, ‘Mohabbat’ and Shakib Khan began trending on social media. The post from Shakib’s official Facebook page had garnered more than 50,000 reactions, nearly 4,000 comments and around 1,000 shares. Himel Ashraf previously directed Shakib Khan in ‘Priyotoma’ and ‘Rajkumar’, both of which were produced by Arshad Adnan. ‘Mohabbat’ will mark their third collaboration with Shakib. Details about the film’s story, Shakib’s co-star and the shooting schedule have yet to be announced. However, sources said the film may feature a foreign actress opposite Shakib Khan.

Hollywood stars Tom Cruise and a new generation of ‘Resident Evil’ characters are set to arrive on Bangladeshi screens on Oct 2, with both films scheduled for release at Star Cineplex on the same day as their international theatrical openings. Tom Cruise appears almost unrecognisable in ‘Digger’, directed by two-time Oscar-winning Mexican filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu. With grey-white hair, a large belly, a wrinkled face and a markedly different body language, Cruise takes on a character far removed from the action hero audiences know from ‘Mission: Impossible’ and ‘Top Gun’. The film follows Digger Rockwell, a powerful billionaire whose company is linked to a project that causes a massive glacier in Greenland to shift. What begins as an environmental crisis gradually threatens to become a global catastrophe, with scientists warning of devastating climate consequences and even the possibility of nuclear conflict. Digger initially dismisses the warnings and refuses to halt his multibillion-dollar business. As the crisis worsens, he attempts to position himself not only as a powerful businessman but as the saviour of humanity. The film has drawn attention particularly for Cruise’s transformation. He worked with Iñárritu on elements including makeup, costume, teeth, accent and mannerisms to create the eccentric character. Blending black comedy, political satire and environmental themes, ‘Digger’ marks a notable departure from the star’s familiar action-oriented roles. Also opening on Oct 2 is the latest film in the popular ‘Resident Evil’ franchise, based on Capcom’s hit video game series. The Hollywood franchise began in 2002 with Paul W.S. Anderson’s ‘Resident Evil’, starring Milla Jovovich, and later expanded into a seven-film series. Sony Pictures rebooted the franchise with ‘Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City’ in 2021. The new film, simply titled ‘Resident Evil’, is directed by Zach Cregger and serves as the franchise’s second reboot and eighth overall film. Austin Abrams, Jack Champion, Cailee Spaeny and Paul Walter Hauser are among the cast. The film is not a direct sequel to the earlier movies. Instead, it returns to the survival-horror atmosphere of the games, with the story unfolding around the time of the events of ‘Resident Evil 2’. The central character, Brian, is a medical courier who becomes trapped in Raccoon City amid a deadly infection and monstrous creatures. Unlike a trained soldier or conventional action hero, he must rely on his instincts and limited resources to survive. Cregger, who made his directorial debut with the acclaimed 2022 horror film ‘Barbarian’, has sought to give audiences the feeling of being inside a ‘Resident Evil’ game. With both films arriving at Star Cineplex on Oct 2, Bangladeshi audiences will be able to watch the two Hollywood releases on their international opening day.

Raihan Rafi’s horror film “Andhar” will not be released on its previously announced October 16 date, with the director announcing that the film will now hit cinemas on March 26, 2027. Rafi said the delay is necessary to allow more time for visual effects and post-production, as releasing the film on October 16 would have compromised the quality of the work. He announced the new release date in a video message posted on social media on Tuesday night. “‘Andhar’ is the film I have shot for the longest time in my career and made with the most care. I made it with a particular vision, and I want to show the audience something they have never seen before,” the filmmaker said. “We could have released the film on October 16, but the visual effects and post-production work would not have been up to the standard. I do not want to compromise on quality when it comes to the audience,” he said.  

Nani’s much-anticipated film The Paradise has struggled to maintain the strong momentum it showed on its opening day. After a promising start, the film’s earnings have declined over the following days, with its India net collection reaching Rs 97.10 crore after five days. Day 5 box officeAccording to Sacnilk, The Paradise earned an estimated Rs 5 crore net in India on its fifth day from 5,804 shows. With this addition, the film’s total India gross collection stands at Rs 114.85 crore, while its net collection has reached Rs 97.10 crore. The film also earned Rs 0.75 crore from overseas markets on Day 5, taking its total overseas gross collection to Rs 30 crore. As a result, The Paradise has earned Rs 144.85 crore worldwide in gross collections so far. The Paradise reviewReviewing the film for NDTV, critic Saibal Chatterjee described The Paradise as a missed opportunity, particularly for director Srikanth Odela, whose debut film Dasara had received strong attention. Chatterjee noted that Nani delivers highly intense performances in parts of the film and praised the movie for staying connected to its setting. However, he said the film’s different elements feel scattered and uneven. The critic also pointed to the film’s heavy use of graphic violence, saying the action sequences repeatedly attempt to become more extreme than those before them. About The ParadiseThe Paradise reunites Nani and director Srikanth Odela after their 2023 film Dasara. Produced by SLV Cinemas, the movie also stars Mohan Babu, Kayadu Lohar, Sonali Kulkarni and Raghav Juyal. Set in 1980s Secunderabad, the film follows Jadal, played by Nani, as he challenges social discrimination and a system that has denied basic rights to his community. The movie blends period drama with action and explores themes of inequality, resistance and social injustice. Source: NDTV

Nani-starrer The Paradise has continued its theatrical run strongly, earning a worldwide gross of Rs 98.50 crore after two days, according to reported box-office figures. Directed by Srikanth Odela, the action thriller has collected Rs 61.15 crore net in India from 17,681 shows. On Friday, Sept. 25, the film earned Rs 17.60 crore gross in India, while its net collection stood at Rs 14.90 crore. It recorded 7,049 shows on its second day with an overall theatre occupancy of 32.8%. With the Day 2 earnings, The Paradise has reached Rs 72.50 crore in gross collections in India. Its worldwide gross currently stands at Rs 98.50 crore. Nani reacts to audience response Nani has also responded to the reactions to the film, acknowledging both praise and criticism from viewers and reviewers. In a post on X, the actor said he had seen the audience's responses and appreciated both their support and criticism. "I have seen all your reactions and responses. I've received all your love and equally enjoyed your hilarious trolls. I'm heartwarmed by the way the audience have owned the film, and also learnt from the flaws that critics and reviewers have pointed out," Nani wrote. The Paradise stars Nani alongside Mohan Babu, Sonali Kulkarni, Kayadu Lohar, Raghav Juyal, Sampoornesh Babu and Easwari Rao. Keerthy Suresh makes a cameo appearance in the film. The movie marks Nani's latest release following Hit 3. Source: NDTV

Star Cineplex is set to bring two Hollywood releases to Bangladeshi screens on Friday, September 25, with Marvel Studios’ ‘Avengers: Endgame Encore’ returning to cinemas alongside Jason Statham-starrer action thriller ‘Mutiny’. ‘Avengers: Endgame Encore’ brings back the 2019 blockbuster in a special version featuring around four minutes of new footage, a new introduction and an additional ending. The extended version has a runtime of 185 minutes. The re-release comes ahead of ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, scheduled for release in December, giving Marvel fans an opportunity to revisit the events of ‘Endgame’ while potentially picking up new connections to the MCU’s next chapter. The original film marked the conclusion of a major phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and featured several defining moments, including Tony Stark’s sacrifice, Natasha Romanoff’s death, Steve Rogers’ emotional farewell and Captain America wielding Mjolnir. The additional footage has become a major point of curiosity for fans, particularly because of its possible connection with ‘Doomsday’. The trailer for ‘Endgame Encore’ reportedly crossed 77 million views within its first 24 hours, reflecting strong global interest in the special theatrical release. Marvel has also prepared a list of 15 films and series for audiences looking to revisit key stories before watching ‘Avengers: Doomsday’. Meanwhile, ‘Mutiny’ stars Jason Statham as Cole Reed, a former New York police officer and special forces operative who later works as a private security professional. Directed by Jean-François Richet, the action thriller follows Reed after his employer, a wealthy industrialist, is murdered in front of him. Reed is framed for the killing and forced to go on the run in search of the real culprit. His investigation takes him aboard a cargo ship, where he discovers that the murder is part of a wider international conspiracy. Surrounded by mercenaries and criminals and cut off from outside help, Reed must rely on his training and experience to survive. Annabelle Wallis, Roland Møller, Adrian Lester, Jason Wong and Arnas Fedaravičius also star in the film. Set largely aboard the cargo vessel, ‘Mutiny’ combines hand-to-hand combat, gunfights, chases and explosions with a fast-paced thriller narrative. Both films will open at Star Cineplex in Bangladesh on Sep 25.

Actress Keerthy Suresh has reunited with her Dasara co-stars for a special dance number in Nani's upcoming film The Paradise. Keerthy, who shares a close friendship with Nani, posted several behind-the-scenes photos from the song ahead of the film's release. Sharing a glimpse of her chemistry with Nani, she wrote, “Just a few hours to get into the world of The Paradise!” She also congratulated Nani and director Srikanth Odela for their work on the film. “Wishing only the best to my buddies @nameisnani and @srikanthodela__ for all the hard work you guys have put in to bring Jadal's world to the audience,” she wrote. Keerthy said she was happy to work with the Dasara team again. “Super glad to have had the chance to reunite with my Dasara family for this special one,” she added. Keerthy and Nani have previously worked together in the 2017 Telugu film Nenu Local and the 2023 film Dasara. Dasara is a Telugu action drama directed by Odela and produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri. The film features Nani, Dheekshith Shetty, Keerthy Suresh, Shine Tom Chacko, Samuthirakani, P. Sai Kumar and Shamna Kasim in key roles. Source: NDTV

Hanuman Ansh, directed by Vishal Chaturvedi, has continued its strong run at the box office, showing little sign of slowing down even 46 days after its release. The film, which opened with a collection of Rs 10 lakh, has earned Rs 276 crore in net collections in India during its first 46 days. Breaking down the numbers According to Sacnilk, Hanuman Ansh earned a net Rs 4.15 crore on Day 46 from 7,629 shows. With this, the film's total gross collection in India has reached Rs 325.95 crore, while its net collection stands at Rs 276.03 crore. The film also earned Rs 0.50 crore overseas on Day 46, taking its total overseas gross collection to Rs 26.50 crore. As a result, Hanuman Ansh has now recorded a worldwide gross collection of Rs 352.45 crore. Box office performance in the initial days Sacnilk data shows that the film earned Rs 1.08 crore during its first week. Its second-week collection was only Rs 40 lakh, leaving the film with a total of Rs 1.48 crore after 14 days. The film's fortunes then changed significantly. It earned Rs 10.4 crore in its third week, with Day 17 alone contributing Rs 2.2 crore and Day 19 adding another Rs 2.35 crore. The fourth week saw an even sharper rise in collections. The film earned Rs 6.25 crore on Day 22, followed by Rs 9.25 crore on Day 23 and Rs 12.75 crore on Day 24. Notably, Hanuman Ansh earned more on Day 24 alone than it had collected during its entire first two weeks combined. #From NDTV

Daisy Edgar-Jones says she identifies strongly with Elinor Dashwood, the sensible elder sister she plays in the latest adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, particularly when it comes to matters of the heart. “I lead a lot with my head and try and push aside, bury my emotion,” Edgar-Jones told the BBC, describing herself as more like Elinor than her younger and more romantic sister Marianne. However, she said one of the pleasures of the film is watching Elinor discover and embrace a more passionate side of herself. “And I feel like I learnt to do that too,” the 28-year-old actress said. Best known for her breakout role opposite Paul Mescal in the hit series Normal People, Edgar-Jones now leads the latest screen adaptation of Austen’s classic novel. Directed by Georgia Oakley, the film follows the Dashwood sisters as they deal with love, loss and social expectations after their father’s death. Unlike some modern adaptations, the new film remains firmly rooted in the period in which Austen wrote. Edgar-Jones said she admired the film’s traditional setting but felt its filmmaking brought a fresh quality to the story. She stars alongside Esmé Creed-Miles, 26, who plays Marianne. The actresses had previously worked together as teenagers on the 2018 film Pond Life, which helped them develop a natural on-screen sisterly bond. Creed-Miles said they had fun working together on the earlier film, recalling that they often had sleepovers and watched Love Island. Edgar-Jones said the theme of sisterhood has remained particularly meaningful to her, despite being an only child. “I’ve heard a lot of people say that after watching the film, it either makes them want a sister or to ring up their sister and say, ‘Hey, I love you,’ and I think that’s really special,” she said. Sense and Sensibility has been adapted for the screen several times, including the acclaimed 1995 film starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet. Edgar-Jones said she loves that version but believes Austen’s stories continue to offer new possibilities. “She has an incredible way of articulating the female experience,” she said, pointing to Austen’s writing about love, romance, family relationships and social dynamics. Edgar-Jones also believes Austen’s themes remain relevant to younger audiences. She noted that emotions surrounding love, heartbreak and first relationships have changed little in 200 years. “We still have the same human heart as we did 200 years ago,” she said. Creed-Miles agreed, saying the characters could help viewers feel less alone in experiences they are going through. Edgar-Jones also addressed reports that Mescal could be considered for the role of James Bond. While she did not confirm whether he was in the running, she praised her former co-star. “I don’t know, but I think there’s nothing Paul can’t do,” she said.Check the copy for factual consistencyTighten the story to standard wire length Source: BBC

Director Atlee's upcoming sci-fi action drama Raaka, starring Allu Arjun and featuring Deepika Padukone and Rashmika Mandanna, has generated fresh excitement with a cryptic promotional teaser released by the makers. The teaser revealed little about the film but carried the message, "Get ready to witness a global triumph." Another tagline read, "Beyond what seemed possible. We dared to imagine. We dared to achieve. Raaka: A global triumph." The makers have so far kept details about the film's story, shooting locations and scale of production under wraps, adding to the anticipation surrounding the project. About RaakaAllu Arjun is reportedly set to play four different roles in Raaka — a grandfather, a father and two sons, according to reports. There is also speculation that the film may explore the idea of two parallel universes. However, the filmmakers have not officially confirmed these details. The cast also includes Janhvi Kapoor and Mrunal Thakur in key roles, alongside Deepika Padukone and Rashmika Mandanna. Produced by Sun Pictures, Raaka is described as a sci-fi action drama. The film marks the first collaboration between Allu Arjun and Atlee. NDTV