United News of Bangladesh

New Delhi, Apr 12 (UNB)-Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore quietly battled cancer in 2023, a fact that only recently came to light, leaving fans surprised by how discreetly she faced the challenge. Her daughter, Soha Ali Khan, has now spoken about that difficult time in their lives, sharing personal insights into her mother's health. In a heartfelt interview with Nayandeep Rakshit on YouTube, Soha said, "I have had loss in my family. We have been through stressful situations, as everybody does." She added, "With my mother, she was one of the very few people to be diagnosed with lung cancer at stage zero, and no chemotherapy, nothing. It was cut out of her and she is, touchwood, fine." Speculation about Sharmila Tagore's health first surfaced during her appearance on Koffee with Karan in 2023, where she was joined by her son, Saif Ali Khan. During the episode, host Karan Johar revealed that he had initially approached Sharmila for a role in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani — the part eventually played by Shabana Azmi. "I'd offered Sharmilaji the part played by Shabanaji. She was my very first choice. But because of health reasons at that time, she couldn't say yes. It is a regret I have," he said. Sharmila responded, "It was at the height of COVID. They hadn't really grappled with it at that time, we were not vaccinated. After my cancer... they didn't want me to take that risk." Most recently, Sharmila Tagore stars in a Bengali film titled Puratwan, releasing today, where she shares the screen with Rituparna Sengupta. Her previous project, Gulmohar (2023), alongside Manoj Bajpayee, earned widespread praise and secured three National Awards, including Best Feature Film in Hindi and Best Screenplay (Dialogues). Source: NDTV

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

International cinema has long engaged with the deeply complex realities of Palestine. Over decades, filmmakers have chronicled the Palestine-Israel backdrop with striking honesty and resilience. These cinematic narratives have earned critical acclaim and prestigious awards across global platforms. Let’s explore ten of the greatest films ever made on Palestine that continue to echo far beyond the screen. Top 10 Award-winning Palestinian Movies & Documentaries . No Other Land / 2024 / IMDb: 8.3 / Rotten Tomatoes: 100% (Audience) Created by a Palestinian-Israeli activist collective, the film documents a community’s resistance in the occupied West Bank (2019–2023). It confronts forced displacement after their land was declared an Israeli "firing zone." The documentary boasts Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham, and Rachel Szor as its writers and directors in their directorial debut. Read more: Farewell to ACP Pradyuman: Tribute to Sony TV Crime Drama CID's Legendary Character This Yabayay Media and Antipode Films Production won Best Documentary Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards. Full Movie Link:https://www.bilibili.tv/en/video/4794982676436992?bstar_from=bstar-web.homepage.recommend.all Farha / 2021 / IMDb: 8.0 / Rotten Tomatoes: 87% (Audience) Directed and written by Darin J. Sallam, this historical drama film features Karam Taher in the titular role. The supporting cast includes Ashraf Barhom and Ali Suliman. Set during the 1948 Nakba, the film portrays a young Palestinian girl's coming-of-age. The screenplay was inspired by a real-life story of a girl named Radieh, which director Sallam heard in her childhood. Read more: Top 10 Netflix English Originals Releasing in May 2025 The produced credit goes to Deema Azar, William Johansson Kalen, and Ayah Jardaneh. Celebrated for its powerful storytelling, “Farha” seized the top youth feature title at the 2022 Asia Pacific Screen Awards. Instant Movie Stream: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8xmpas 5 Broken Cameras / 2011 / IMDb: 7.9 / Rotten Tomatoes: 88% (Audience) Capturing grassroots protests in Bil'in, this documentary unfolds through Emad Burnat’s lens, a Palestinian farmer who began filming in 2005; Israeli filmmaker Guy Davidi joined in 2009. The story revolves around the destruction of Burnat’s five cameras, tracing a family’s life across five years of unrest. This film’s award journey spans Sundance, the Golden Apricot in Yerevan, and a coveted International Emmy win. The crowning moment came with its Best Documentary nomination at the 2013 Oscars. Read more: April 2025 K-Drama Lineup: Top 10 Binge-worthy Premieres Direct Watch Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcTN3g-b0iA Omar / 2013 / IMDb: 7.5 / Rotten Tomatoes: 84% (Audience) Produced by David Gerson, Hany Abu-Assad, and Waleed Zuaiter, this drama film thrives with the writing and directing of Hany Abu-Assad. The plot centres on a young Palestinian fighter coerced into becoming an informant. He was being manipulated into admitting guilt following an Israeli soldier’s death. Adam Bakri embodies the title character, supported by Waleed Zuaiter and Leem Lubany. Read more: Pakistani Dramas Taking Over 2025: 10 Top Picks for Your Watchlist “Omar” took home accolades from Cannes and the Asia Pacific Screen Awards. Earning a spot among the 86th Oscar nominees for Best Foreign Language Film was its proudest distinction. Streaming Access: https://ww4.fmovies.co/film/omar-10224/ Paradise Now / 2005 / IMDb: 7.4 / Rotten Tomatoes: 87% (Audience) Bankrolled by Bero Beyer, this psychological drama flourishes under the direction of Hany Abu-Assad, who co-wrote it with Pierre Hodgson and Beyer. This intense drama traces the final hours of two childhood friends recruited for a suicide mission in Tel Aviv. Read more: April 2025 Hindi Films Lineup: Top 10 Most Hyped Bollywood Releases Kais Nashef, Ali Suliman, Lubna Azabal, and Hiam Abbass portray the main characters. The movie’s highest recognition arrived with a Golden Globe Award win and an Oscar nomination for the Best Foreign Language Film. Full Access Here: https://www.lookmovie2.to/movies/play/1689756712-paradise-now-2005

Actor Sunny Deol expressed his willingness to work with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan again, decades after their iconic collaboration in the 1993 thriller Darr. The two actors had shared screen space in the film, where Deol played the heroic lead, while Khan took on the role of the villain, a portrayal that earned him widespread acclaim and propelled him to stardom. Deol shared his thoughts on the possibility of reuniting with Shah Rukh for a new project. He said, "I would love to do it. I had done one film with Shah Rukh, so maybe we can do another one. It would be nice because that was a different period, and now it’s a different period, so definitely." Jaya Ahsan condemns killing of medics in Gaza, urges global conscience to awaken Deol’s openness to revisiting the past with Khan highlights the evolving nature of their professional relationship, one that started on a somewhat strained note. The two actors reportedly had a falling out after Darr, with Deol feeling overshadowed by Khan’s portrayal of the obsessive lover, a role that garnered him immense praise. In fact, Deol had previously expressed discomfort over the way the film glorified the villainous character, something that was not originally anticipated. In a conversation with India TV, Deol revealed, “At the end of the day, people loved me in the film. They loved Shah Rukh Khan as well. My only issue with the film was that I did not know they would glorify the villain.” Despite their differences, Deol seems to have moved past the tensions and is now ready for a fresh collaboration. He reflected on how the film industry has changed over the years, especially regarding the dynamics between actors and directors. "Initially, the directors had control over the whole thing. These days, directors don't have much say, and we are not making the kind of stories which would justify the images of the actors. That is very important," he remarked, highlighting his views on the industry's shifting landscape. On the professional front, Deol is eagerly awaiting the release of his upcoming action film Jaat, which is set to hit cinemas on April 10. Directed by Gopichand Malineni, the film also stars Viineet Kumar Singh, Saiyami Kher, and Regina Cassandra in key roles. Fans of Deol can expect an intense and gripping performance as he once again takes on a challenging role in this high-octane action thriller. While fans await Jaat, the prospect of a reunion between Sunny Deol and Shah Rukh Khan on the big screen is an exciting one. Their reunion, should it happen, will undoubtedly spark nostalgia among moviegoers who fondly remember their unforgettable performances in Darr. Will Deol and Khan once again reignite the magic they created in the 90s? Only time will tell, but for now, Deol’s openness to the idea has certainly piqued the interest of fans. Source: Pinkvilla  

Salman Khan’s much-anticipated Eid release Sikandar is struggling at the box office. Following a strong opening, the film saw a sharp decline in earnings after the Eid holiday. On Wednesday (April 2), the Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna-starrer witnessed a 50% drop, collecting Rs 9.75 crore, according to Sacnilk. Released on March 30, Sikandar earned Rs 26 crore on its opening day. The film saw a boost on Eid, collecting Rs 29 crore, followed by Rs 19.5 crore on Tuesday (April 1). After four days, its total domestic earnings stand at Rs 84.25 crore (net), while the production cost is estimated at Rs 200 crore. The underperformance of big-budget Bollywood films has reignited discussions about the industry's struggles. Sikandar’s box office performance is expected to add to the ongoing debate. In comparison, Pushpa 2, which dominated the box office in December 2024, earned Rs 85 crore (net) in Hindi on its fourth day (December 8). The film also brings the South vs Hindi cinema debate into focus once again. Sikandar marks Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna’s first on-screen collaboration. It also marks the actor’s first project with AR Murugadoss, who previously directed Aamir Khan in the 2008 blockbuster Ghajini. Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala’s Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, Sikandar outperformed Salman Khan’s previous Eid release Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, which earned Rs 15 crore on its opening day. However, it fell short of Tiger Zinda Hai, which had a stronger start with Rs 33 crore on its first day. Source: NDTV

Hollywood studio executives are making their case for theatergoing with a little help from John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr — along with the newly announced stars set to play them. Sony Pictures kicked off the annual CinemaCon convention and trade show in Las Vegas on Monday by touting their four upcoming biopics told from the perspective of each member of The Beatles. At their presentation on the main stage at Caesars Palace, the studio confirmed and brought out the long-rumored leads for each film — Paul Mescal as McCartney, Joseph Quinn as Harrison, Barry Keoghan as Starr and Harris Dickinson as Lennon. Director Sam Mendes said all four films will premiere April 2028, calling it the “first binge-able theatrical experience.” “I’ve been trying to make a story about The Beatles for years,” Mendes said. The convention draws thousands of movie theater employees from around the world each year, as the major Hollywood studios make big presentations packed with film clips, trailers and stars to make the case that their upcoming slate will lure audiences to theaters. Ryan Coogler keen to cast Denzel Washington in ‘Black Panther 3’ Sony also brought out Oscar-winning filmmaker Danny Boyle to debut the new trailer for “28 Years Later,” his long-awaited zombie apocalypse sequel to “28 Days Later” hitting theaters in June, as well as the team behind “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse” to tease their third film in the Spider-Verse trilogy. Sony CEO Tom Rothman encouraged movie theater owners to get creative with weekday discounts, and Sony executive Adam Bergerman made the case for keeping films in cinemas for longer. The convention comes fresh off an Oscars rallying cry for seeing movies in theaters. Although a fuller release schedule is expected this year compared to 2024’s depleted calendar thanks to dual historic strikes, Hollywood marked the first quarter of 2025 with a sizable box office deficit. Sales are down 11% from the same point in 2024, and nearly 40% from 2019, according to media analytics company Comscore.

To celebrate popular actor Siam Ahmed's birthday, the team of his upcoming Eid-Ul-Fitr film 'Jongli' put up a 60-foot billboard adorned with the movie's poster on Bailey Road in the capital on Saturday. The announcement was made through a video on the official Facebook page of the upcoming movie 'Jongli', where the team referred to the billboard as a "small gift" for the actor on his special day. "Even if it’s not Burj Khalifa, we have our Bailey Road!" — the team announced the place of the poster on their official Facebook post caption while calling the gesture a "small gift" for the actor on his special day. "Happy Birthday, Siam Ahmed," the post read, alongside a thrilling contest for fans. Amused after this gesture, Siam shared the video of the arrangement with the caption: “This is not just a team.... this is family. Thank you, Team Jongli.” Shakib Khan's 'Taandob' announced for Eid-ul-Adha 2025 Fans are encouraged to visit the billboard poster, take selfies in front of it, and upload the photos on their profiles with the hashtag #SelfieWithJongli. Through a random selection process, 10 lucky participants will win tickets to the movie 'Jongli'.  The post further hinted that the winners might also get a chance to meet the cast and crew of the film. 'Jongli' is one of the highly anticipated movies of the year, with Siam Ahmed in the lead role. The billboard initiative and contest have already created a buzz among fans on social media.

Ryan Coogler, director of the ‘Black Panther’ films, has expressed strong interest in working with Hollywood legend Denzel Washington on the highly anticipated third instalment of the Marvel franchise. Speaking on the Nightcap podcast with Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Coogler confirmed he is eager to cast Washington in the upcoming sequel, Variety reports.  “I’ve been wanting to work with Denzel for a long time,” Coogler shared. “I fully intend to make it happen. As long as he’s interested, it’s going to happen. He’s an icon and a mentor to so many of us.”  When asked about the timeline for Black Panther 3, Coogler assured fans it would not be too far off, saying, “Not long.”  Washington had previously mentioned in an interview with Australia’s Today programme that Coogler was writing a role for him in the film. CBFC blocks ‘Santosh’ theatrical release in India, Shahana Goswami disheartened However, Marvel Studios has yet to officially announce the project, with only two Avengers films and Spider-Man 4 confirmed beyond 2025. Given the franchise’s immense success—grossing over $2 billion worldwide—a third instalment is highly likely.  Washington later revealed to Variety that he apologised to Coogler for discussing the film publicly. “I called him to apologise, and his lovely wife was sitting right there. Ryan is still the same—humble and brimming with ideas. Whatever he writes, I’ll read,” he said.  Meanwhile, Coogler’s latest project, Sinners, an R-rated thriller starring Michael B. Jordan, is set for release on April 18.

Shariful Islam Shehzad, who has been in the spotlight since January for allegedly attacking actor Saif Ali Khan during a robbery attempt at his Bandra residence, has applied for bail in the Mumbai Sessions Court. The application, filed by his lawyer Ajay Gawali, argues that Islam is innocent and the charges against him are fabricated. The plea states that the FIR is entirely false, claiming that a baseless case has been lodged against him. It emphasizes that Islam has fully cooperated with the investigation. His lawyer also points out that crucial evidence, such as CCTV footage and call records, has already been gathered by the prosecution, and there is no risk of him tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses. Islam is accused of breaking into Khan's house on January 16, 2024, with the intent to rob, during which he allegedly attacked the actor and his staff member, Gita, with a wooden weapon and a hexa blade. Khan suffered severe injuries, with part of the weapon lodged in his back, requiring multiple surgeries. He was hospitalized for five days before being discharged on January 21. Mumbai Police arrest Saif Ali Khan’s attacker using facial recognition technology The case was filed by Khan's staff member, Elima Philip, and is currently being heard in Bandra Magistrate Court. Once the Bandra Police files the chargesheet, the case will be transferred to the Mumbai Sessions Court for trial. The bail application further argues that continuing Islam's detention serves no purpose other than pre-trial punishment. "The applicant has cooperated with the investigation. Thus, further detention will serve no useful purpose except pre-trial punishment," the plea asserts. The Bandra Police have not yet filed the chargesheet, and the court is expected to hear Islam's bail request soon. Source: India Today

Megastar Shakib Khan's much anticipated next project was finally revealed with the first look poster of 'Taandob', revealed on the birthday of Shakib Khan on Friday (March 28). Set to be directed by acclaimed filmmaker Raihan Rafi as their second collaboration after the record-breaking success of 'Toofan' (2024), the new film is scheduled for release on Eid-ul-Adha 2025, promising an intense cinematic experience for audiences. Shakib himself, alongside production houses Alpha-i and SVF, shared the announcement image on Facebook on Friday night, sparking excitement among fans. This comes at a time when fans are eagerly awaiting his upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr 2025 film 'Borbaad'. Both Director Raihan Rafi and Alpha-i Managing Director Shahriar Shakil also shared the poster on Facebook on Friday night, writing: "Happy Birthday to the Megastar Shakib Khan! Hold your breath, Taandob is coming!" Shakib Khan’s ‘Borbaad’ faces objections from Certification Board, putting doubts over Eid release Produced by Alpha-i and SWF, the gripping poster features Shakib Khan in a rugged avatar, showing intensity with a gun in hand, surrounded by flames - symbolizing the fiery narrative that awaits to be showcased on silver screens. The tagline and visual elements suggest a high-octane storyline that aims to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Shakib Khan, often referred to as the 'Megastar' of Bangladeshi cinema, has consistently delivered blockbuster hits, and 'Taandob' is expected to add another feather to his cap. This second collaboration between Shakib, Rafi and the producers has been a talk of the Dhallywood town in recent times. With the release date set for Eid-ul-Adha 2025, the film is poised to be one of the major highlights of the festive season. Further details regarding the plot and supporting cast are yet to be revealed.