United News of Bangladesh

A fresh week brings a diverse slate of films and web shows catering to every kind of viewer—from emotional family dramas and gripping thrillers to nostalgic comedies and hard-hitting documentaries. Here are the top 10 OTT and theatrical releases to watch out for this week: 1. Son of Sardaar 2 – In Theatres | July 25Ajay Devgn returns in the action-packed sequel to his 2012 hit. Directed by Vijay Kumar Arora, this film blends Punjab’s vibrant energy with fast-paced comedy and stunts. Mrunal Thakur plays the female lead. 2. Happy Gilmore 2 – Netflix | July 25Adam Sandler reprises his role as the fiery golfer in this long-awaited sequel. Set years later, Gilmore returns to the golf course to fund his daughter Vienna’s ballet dreams. 3. Justice on Trial – Prime Video | July 21Judge Judy leads this compelling docuseries exploring whether legal verdicts always align with justice. Her team re-examines real-life cases where outcomes were lawful but left moral questions unanswered. 4. The Steve Harvey Show – Netflix | July 21The beloved '90s sitcom makes a streaming comeback. Whether revisiting or discovering it for the first time, fans can enjoy the charm of Steve Hightower and his hilarious journey as a high school music teacher. 5. Shiny Happy People: A Teenage Holy War – Prime Video | July 23The new season focuses on Teen Mania, a once-popular youth ministry that used music and purity pledges to draw crowds. But behind its lively image was a troubling organization driven by a leader with far-reaching ambitions. 6. The Fantastic Four: First Steps – In Theatres | July 25Set in a stylish 1960s-inspired Manhattan, this reboot introduces Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the iconic superhero team. Facing new threats under the looming presence of Galactus, the film promises retro-futuristic action. CBS to cancel Stephen Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ in May 2026 7. Trigger – Netflix | July 25In a South Korea where guns are banned, illegal firearms are flooding the streets. A tenacious detective must confront a cunning arms dealer in this tense crime thriller featuring Kim Nam Gil, Kim Young Kwang, Woo Ji Hyun, and Kim Won Hae. 8. Trainwreck: P.I. Moms – Netflix | July 22This documentary revisits a chaotic 2000s reality show about mothers moonlighting as private investigators. What began as gripping TV spiraled into scandal when a drug controversy rocked the cast and crew. 9.  Letters From The Past (July 23) – Netflix When a young woman stumbles upon a hidden secret from her past, a stack of old letters becomes her only clue. To find the truth, she sets out to track down the people who wrote them.  10. The Warning Try (July 25) – Netflix After his career takes a hit, a former rugby star returns to his roots to coach his old school's team. Along the way, he helps the boys find their game and finds a second chance for himself too. With such a wide-ranging mix of genres and stories, viewers can find something to suit their taste on both streaming platforms and in theatres this week. #With inputs from NDTV

For the first time, a Nepali film is being released in theatres across Bangladesh, as ‘Missing: Keti Harayeko Suchana’ hits Star Cineplex and other screens on Friday. On the eve of its official release, Star Cineplex hosted a premiere screening of the film on Thursday evening at its Uttara Centerpoint branch in the capital. The event was graced by the film’s cast and crew, including lead actor Nazir Hussain, who is visiting Bangladesh to promote the film. Expressing his excitement, the actor said, “I am very happy to be here in Dhaka. ‘Missing: Keti Harayeko Suchana’ is releasing in Cineplex this Friday, and I’m thrilled that this is the first-ever Nepali film to get a theatrical release in Bangladesh.” The premiere was also attended by the film’s director Dipendra Gauchan, other cast and crew members, and the Ambassador of Nepal to Bangladesh, Ghanashyam Bhandari.  A group of Nepali students currently studying in Bangladesh also joined the screening. Speaking about the film, actor Nazir Hussain said, “The story revolves around a missing girl. What happened, how, and why—everything unfolds through the film. It released in Nepal a few months ago and received positive responses. The film is culturally rich, and Dipendra Gauchan has done a remarkable job with its direction. I hope Bangladeshi audiences will enjoy it too.” ‘Missing: Keti Harayeko Suchana’, which runs for 2 hours and 40 minutes, stars Shristi Shrestha alongside Nazir Hussain in lead roles. The film, set in Nepali language, explores themes of love between different communities, rooted in the country's indigenous culture. Short film ‘Sole Mate’ to compete at Antares Int’l Film Festival in Moscow Though Bangladesh previously engaged in co-productions with Nepal, this marks the first standalone Nepali film to be officially released in the country. The release has been facilitated under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement. Bangladeshi distributor Show Motion Limited has imported the film, while in return, Tanim Rahman Angshu’s ‘No Dorai’, starring Sariful Razz and Sunerah Binte Kamal, will be screened in Nepal.    

Bangladeshi short film ‘Sole Mate’ has been officially selected for competition at the Antares International Film Festival, a new film festival taking place in Moscow, Russia. Directed by debutant Adel Imam Anup, ‘Sole Mate’ will compete in the official documentary film competition segment of the festival, which will be held from August 6 to 10 in Moscow. The film has a runtime of four minutes and has already drawn praise for its unique narrative approach. The festival authorities confirmed the film’s selection via email, describing it as an “outstanding achievement” for the ‘Sole Mate’ team. They noted that more than 2,400 films were submitted from various countries, out of which 104 films from 29 countries were chosen for the final competition. ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ sees strong global performance without India release Speaking about the film, Anup said, “As an independent filmmaker, it’s truly an honour to have my first work selected for an international film festival. Honestly, it feels unbelievable.” “Filmmaking here is often challenging due to various limitations, but I’m deeply grateful to those who believed in me and supported the project,” he added. The film narrates the story of a pair of shoes — exploring what emotions they might express and what their journey would be if they could speak. Notably, no human faces appear in the film; instead, it was shot by showing only feet. Konok Khandakar participated in the filming, and the narrative was told through a voiceover delivered by Rezwan Kabir Kallol. 'Sole Mate’ has so far been screened twice, both times in Dhaka. Its premiere took place at the first season of the "Friendly Neighbourhood Filmmaker Fest (FNF)" held at the National Theatre Hall of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The story of ‘Sole Mate’ was co-written by Adel Imam Anup and Rezwan Kabir Kallol. The screenplay was done by Sheikh Qorashani, while the cinematography and editing were handled by Asaduzzaman Abir, with Fazle Rabbi assisting in cinematography.  

Sardaar Ji 3, starring popular Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh, was released globally—excluding India—on June 27, and has since stirred controversy over its casting and distribution strategy. Directed by Amar Hundal, the film came under fire after its trailer release, mainly for casting Pakistani actress Hania Amir. The backlash intensified following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting criticism of the film’s timing and casting choices. Despite the decision to withhold the film’s release in Indian cinemas, Sardaar Ji 3 has been performing exceptionally well in overseas markets. According to a report by entertainment portal KoiMoi, the film has grossed approximately Rs 55 crore at the international box office by the end of its third weekend, with Pakistan and Canada emerging as top markets. A recent Instagram post from Team Diljit Dosanjh hinted at the film’s “global rush,” highlighting that the horror-comedy had already earned Rs 52 crore within just two weeks of its release. Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra welcome baby girl: "Our world forever changed" Addressing the controversy in an interview with BBC Asian Network, Diljit Dosanjh clarified that when the film was shot in February 2025, the geopolitical situation was stable. “After that, many serious developments occurred, beyond our control. So the producers chose not to release it in India and opted for an international release instead,” he said. “They understand the financial loss involved in skipping an entire market, but I support their decision.” Director Kabir Khan, best known for the 2015 blockbuster Bajrangi Bhaijaan, which marked its 10th anniversary on July 17, also defended Diljit. He said it was “unfair to target” the actor, noting that external circumstances changed after the film’s production was completed. Bajrangi Bhaijaan itself centered around cross-border themes, telling the story of a mute Pakistani girl who is reunited with her family with the help of an Indian man. Sardaar Ji 3 is jointly produced by Gunbir Singh Sidhu, Manmord Sidhu, and Diljit Dosanjh. C #With inputsfrom NDTV

The enduring charm of Hindi cinema continues to shape the pulse of the Bollywood movie industry. August brings a compelling blend of drama, action, romance, thrillers, and comedy to theatres. With fresh talents stepping in beside fan-favourite stars, the slate promises to engage audiences nationwide. Let’s delve into the top 10 Bollywood releases that are set to release in August 2025, ablaze with storytelling brilliance. 10 Must-see Hindi Films Releasing this August . Dhadak 2 / Romance Thriller / August 1, 2025 Directed by Shazia Iqbal, this stirring tale blends romance with realism. The screenplay, co-written with Rahul Badwelkar, picks up the thread from Dhadak (2018) but walks a more confronting path. The first instalment reimagined the 2018 Tamil movie ‘Pariyerum Perumal’ through a contemporary lens. This time, the narrative roots are in caste, love, and survival in modern India. Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri headline the romantic saga with quiet intensity. Saurabh Sachdeva and Zakir Hussain lend depth to the supporting roles. Read more: ‘Maalik’ sees box office boost on Day 2, earns Rs 9 crore in total The soundtrack features a diverse lineup, including Shreyas Puranik, Rochak Kohli, Javed-Mohsin, and Tanishk Bagchi. Zee Studios, Cloud 9 Pictures, and Dharma Productions jointly back the project. Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi / Political Drama / August 1, 2025 Produced by Ritu Mengi under the Samrat Cinematics banner, this political biopic boasts Ravindra Gautam as the director. The script, penned by Dilip Bachchan Jha and Priyank Dubey, draws directly from ‘The Monk Who Became Chief Minister’. Anant Joshi takes on the challenging role of Yogi Adityanath with measured restraint. The ensemble, Paresh Rawal, Dinesh Lal Yadav, Pavan Malhotra, Garima Vikrant, Rajesh Khattar, and Sarwar Ahuja, brings layered performances. Read more: Amazon Prime Originals Streaming Slate For August 2025: Exclusive Films and Series It maps the extraordinary rise of a boy from the hills to political power. Moments of solitude, spiritual awakening, and ideological clarity shape his path. The narrative explores the making of a public figure who reshaped governance in India’s most populous state. Andaaz 2 / Romantic Drama / August 1, 2025 Veteran filmmaker Suneel Darshan makes a graceful comeback with a family-centric drama. Alongside Dipan Bhatt and Parasnath Gupta, he shapes a story built on emotion and timeless values. The cast features fresh faces Aayush Kumar, Natasha Fernandez, and Akaisha Vats, backed by seasoned names like Jeetu Verma and Dolly Bindra. The story revolves around a triangular love story, layered with sensitivity and human connection. Set in today’s world, the film balances youthful romance with an old-school soul. Read more: Top 10 Netflix Originals Releasing in August 2025 Nadeem and Sameer deliver a music album steeped in melody and meaning. The project is produced under Shree Krishna International. Toofan Ek Nasha / Mystery / August 2, 2025 A gripping tale of six lives consumed by drug addiction, each drawn in by pain, desperation, or fleeting joy. But their downfall doesn’t end with them; it shatters the lives of those who love them. Director Prem Dhiraal handles the theme with raw honesty and also steers the score of the movie. Rahul Pahade's writing gives each character a unique, haunting reason for their downfall. Prem Dhiraal leads a cast that includes Avinash Arora, Shakti Veer Dhiraal, Ashwin Thakur, and Dhanashree Gadge. Read more: Top 10 Hindi Films Releasing in Bollywood in July 2025 The production credit goes to Dhanraj Harde under Dhiraal Entertainment. Heer Express / Romantic Drama / August 8, 2025 Umesh Shukla directs this heartfelt journey with writing support from Sanjay Grover and Divyanshu Rawat. At its centre is Heer, a young chef with big dreams and bold flavours. She leaves India behind to carve her path in London’s high-pressure kitchens. But chasing ambition in a foreign land brings more heat than expected. Prit Kamani and Divita Juneja lead the ensemble, joined by Gulshan Grover and Ashutosh Rana. Meghna Malik and Sanjay Mishra add weight to this flavourful story. Read more: Best 10 Korean Dramas Releasing in July 2025 With a soundtrack crafted by Tanishk Bagchi, this drama is set to stream on Netflix. Backed by Creative Strokes, Divisa, Indo-UK Film Co., and Merry Go Round Studios spearhead the film production.

When Dhadak premiered in July 2018, it was widely seen as a glossy, sanitized remake of the Marathi classic Sairat, mostly remembered for launching star kids Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter. But five years on, with Dhadak 2 on the horizon, the film is earning a second look—not as a flawless work, but as a bold one. Karan Johar’s Dhadak, directed by Shashank Khaitan, cloaked its caste-based love story in chiffon, lake views, and catchy music. But beneath the polish was a narrative about casteism, honour killings, and societal rot that rarely makes its way into mainstream Bollywood romance. In doing so, it became something of a Trojan horse, quietly confronting audiences in multiplexes with themes typically confined to parallel cinema. While the film softened the raw, grounded realism of Sairat, its unflinching ending—a young couple murdered in the name of honour—left viewers stunned. For many, it was their first encounter with the reality of caste violence. That abrupt, bloody conclusion pushed Dhadak out of the realm of glossy romance and into something far more urgent. Critics at the time faulted the film for skirting around caste terminology and romanticizing tragedy. Yet it introduced difficult conversations to audiences who may have otherwise avoided them. In that sense, Dhadak quietly changed the conversation. Karan Johar, known for opulent love stories and elite settings, took an unexpected risk in adapting a story so deeply rooted in India’s caste hierarchy. While the edges were dulled, the essence remained—and that matters. Priyanka Chopra responds to trolls over Hot Dog vs Vada Pav Debate As for Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter, the film allowed them to prove they were more than just products of privilege. Ishaan brought nervous sincerity to his role; Janhvi’s performance, though tentative, carried emotional weight. Today, as Dhadak 2 promises to delve deeper into issues of identity and power, it’s worth acknowledging what the original achieved. It may not have matched Sairat in raw power, but it opened a space for caste-driven narratives in mainstream Hindi cinema. Dhadak walked, so others could run. Source: NDTV

Leading Bangladeshi OTT platform Chorki stepped into its fourth anniversary on Saturday, marking four years of consistent original content production and impactful contributions to the country’s digital content industry. Since its launch on July 12, 2021, Chorki has become a popular name among Bengali-speaking audiences at home and abroad. With a focus on original series, films, documentaries, and co-produced cinema, Chorki has emerged as a trusted platform for quality Bangla entertainment. In a press release issued to mark the occasion, Chorki announced some impressive milestones: over 1 billion hours of content have been watched on the platform, and it now boasts more than 30 million registered users. In its four-year journey, the platform has released over 100 original productions, averaging more than two releases per month. Expressing gratitude to viewers, Chorki CEO Redoan Rony said, “Chorki has come this far because of the trust and love of our viewers. We are proud to see that when people think of watching Bangla content on OTT, they often turn to Chorki first.” Afran Nisho to join Chanchal Chowdhury in Redoan Rony's comeback film 'Domm' Highlighting Chorki’s diverse offerings, Rony noted that the platform has consistently released original series, movies, travel, cooking and comedy shows, along with curated foreign content. He added that Chorki has become the leading OTT producer of Bangladeshi films — with titles like Surongo, Toofan, Daagi, and Taandob becoming major hits. In addition to commercial blockbusters, Chorki has supported story-driven films appealing to family and middle-class audiences, including 36-24-36 and Priyo Maloti. Rony mentioned this year’s Eid-ul-Azha release Utshob as an example of content made with viewers and cinema’s broader interest in mind, despite commercial risks. “We believe there’s a need for both thrilling mainstream films like Taandob and emotionally rich family dramas like Utshob. Audiences have embraced both,” Rony said. Known for innovation, Chorki has brought fresh ideas to Bangla content. From the psychological thriller Allen Swapan Season 2 to the horror series Dui Shaw, the historical narrative Feu, and the dark film Amalnama, Chorki’s original content has earned strong audience feedback. Chorki’s content has also gained recognition at prestigious international film festivals. Its co-produced film Priyo Maloti, directed by Shankha Dashgupta, was officially selected for the World Cinema category at the Cairo International Film Festival and screened at the International Film Festival of India; and also won the Best Film Award at the Dhaka International Film Festival. Additionally, Nuhash Humayun’s horror series Dui Shaw has been officially selected at renowned festivals including Fantasia, Raindance, Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival, and SXSW. Looking ahead, Chorki said that it is aiming to expand its reach beyond 350 million Bangla-speaking viewers to global audiences. On the occasion of its fourth anniversary, CEO Redoan Rony thanked all the viewers, creators, artists, and supporters for being part of Chorki’s journey. He also teased an upcoming special offer that will go live at 12:01 am on July 13, urging fans to stay tuned to Chorki’s verified Facebook page for the announcement. “Expect more films, more fun, and more excitement,” Rony said, regarding the platform's fourth anniversary and upcoming projects.

One of the most successful Bangladeshi films in recent years, 'Utshob' is being lauded for its subtle storytelling, intelligent dialogue, and overall presentation with its stellar cast. The film has been the surprise hit of 2025—wooing theatre audiences and wowing critics with its refusal to bow to conventions. At a time when almost every film slated for commercial release features several songs that form its original soundtrack (OST) and appear in the film as song-and-dance routines, including an almost mandatory item track to satisfy multiplex audiences, essentially turning them into musicals. 'Utshob' completely circumvents that prescription. Even as it serves up an OST featuring two milestones from Bangladesh's popular band music scene — and both in service of its storytelling. Given that the film’s story is a trip through Nineties nostalgia in a distinctly Bangladeshi cultural context - a period generally regarded as the zenith of the band music movement - achieving this was essential to projecting the story as written (an Eid adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’) on a cinema screen. The first track is “Tumi”, written and sung by Aiedid Rashid of the band Level Five, one of the most popular alternative rock bands in recent times. Known for their moody melodies, introspective lyrics, and emotionally rich sound, Level Five’s music—including the hit “Tumi” (originally released as a standalone single in 2022, separate from the 'Utshob' soundtrack)—blends indie and post-rock influences, offering a fresh, heartfelt voice in the local rock scene. The second is an even more precious, well-known song among Bangladeshi band music fans: "Dhusor Shomoy" by the progressive rock icons Artcell. First released on April 1, 2006, as part of their second studio album 'Oniket Prantor', it became one of the band’s most beloved tracks among its legions of fans. A cult-favorite that became a progressive rock anthem, “Dhusor Shomoy” is celebrated for its poetic depth and emotional intensity. Its inclusion in Utshob added a powerful layer of nostalgia and resonance, perfectly complementing the film’s themes of memory, loss, and emotional complexity.

Baahubali: The Beginning stormed into cinemas and rewrote the rules of Indian filmmaking a decade ago, on July 10, 2015. Directed by SS Rajamouli and co-written by his father V Vijayendra Prasad, the film introduced audiences to the mythical kingdom of Mahishmati, earning over Rs 600 crore at the global box office and transforming its stars into household names. From Prabhas’s portrayal of Amarendra and Mahendra Baahubali to Rana Daggubati’s menacing Bhallaladeva, the film’s sweeping narrative and cutting-edge visuals captivated audiences across the world. But long before Baahubali became a cultural phenomenon, its roots began with a single character. ‘Night at the Museum’ reboot in development at 20th century studios In a 2015 interview with Forbes, Rajamouli revealed, “It all started with the character of Sivagami. One day about 9 or 10 years back my father told me about this character. The first scene of the film is what he [Rajamouli's father V Vijayendra Prasad] narrated to me, where Sivagami saves the child and she dies, that was very emotional.” “But he just told me about that character, there was no story or anything. But the character was there, then a few years later he told me about the character Kattappa, the loyal slave. And later he told me about the character of Bhallala Deva.” So then about 4 or 5 years back we said why don’t we bring all these characters together to make a story. And then things started falling into place, he added. Rajamouli said, “Most of the time the creator doesn’t know where he gets his inspiration from. It just gets into your mind, gets churned up with a hundred other stories, and when the output comes you don’t know where the actual source is from.” The film’s legacy only grew with Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, solidifying the saga as one of Indian cinema’s greatest triumphs.

The museum is reopening its doors, with a fresh chapter of “Night at the Museum” officially in the works. 20th Century Studios and 21 Laps Entertainment are developing a reimagining of the beloved franchise, with Tripper Clancy on board to write the script. Plot details are still under wraps, but the upcoming film is expected to feature a brand-new story set in the museum, introducing a fresh cast of characters. According to Variety, longtime franchise collaborators Shawn Levy and Dan Levine will produce the project under their 21 Laps banner, with Emily Morris overseeing for the company. Clancy’s previous writing credits include Stuber, I Am Not Okay With This, Die Hart, and Die Hart 2: Die Harter. New ‘Superman’ film aims to inspire hope in a cynical world The Night at the Museum series began in 2006 with Levy directing the original trilogy: Night at the Museum (2006), Battle of the Smithsonian (2009), and Secret of the Tomb (2014). An animated sequel, Kahmunrah Rises Again, directed by Matt Danner, premiered in 2022 on Disney+. Ben Stiller led the first three films as Larry Daley, a night guard who discovers the museum’s exhibits come to life after dark. The franchise featured an ensemble cast including Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Ricky Gervais, and Rami Malek. The live-action trilogy earned over $1.3 billion globally.