United News of Bangladesh

Dhallywood’s one of the most successful directors in recent years Raihan Rafi, popular actor Siam Ahmed, and two celebrated band artists — Saidus Khaled Sumon, widely known as 'Bassbaba Sumon' of Aurthohin, and Cryptic Fate vocalist Chowdhury Fazle Shakib, also known as Shakib Chowdhury — are teaming up for a new horror film titled 'Andhar', set to be produced under the banner of 221B Films. According to the film’s newly unveiled poster, 'Andhar' is produced by Sarah Ali, Chowdhury Fazle Shakib, and Adnan Adib Khan, with a story by Chowdhury Fazle Shakib, Adnan Adib Khan, and Saidus Khaled Sumon. The screenplay and dialogues are penned by Chowdhury Fazle Shakib and Adnan Adib Khan, while Adnan also serves as a writer and producer. Known for their fascination with the paranormal, Sumon and Shakib have spent years exploring old houses, cremation grounds, and other sites steeped in ghost stories, once turning these experiences into the popular Radio Foorti show 'Bhoutist' with their friend Gibran. Shakib Khan marks 26 years in Dhallywood, continues to reign supreme Their long-held plan for a feature film was delayed due to busy schedules and Sumon’s illness, but has now been revived with 'Andhar'. In recent media interviews, Shakib described the project as a dream for both him and Sumon. “It started during ‘Bhoutist’ and we had planned it long ago. Now, we are finally making it happen,” he told the media. While the full cast has yet to be announced, production sources said Siam Ahmed is in talks for the lead role. Filming is expected to begin soon, with a press conference scheduled to reveal further details, Shakib Chowdhury told UNB on Tuesday. The poster’s imagery — a dimly lit, long dining table flanked by empty chairs, with a lone crow and glowing eyes in the shadows — hints at a gothic and suspenseful tone for the film. 'Andhar' will also mark the debut production of 221B Films, which plans several more projects alongside this horror feature.

Zach Cregger’s horror film Weapons dominated the weekend box office, opening with $42.5 million domestically from 3,202 theaters and $70 million internationally. The debut marks Warner Bros. Pictures’ seventh No. 1 opening this year, and its sixth consecutive film to launch above $40 million domestically. Disney’s Freakier Friday, a sequel to the 2003 hit Freaky Friday starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, took second place with $29 million from 3,975 North American theaters. Both films benefited from viral marketing and strong social media buzz, according to Comscore’s Paul Dergarabedian. Weapons, set in the small town of Maybrook where 17 children vanish at 2:17 a.m., earned a 95% Rotten Tomatoes score and follows Cregger’s breakout 2022 film Barbarian. Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps slipped to third with $15.5 million after a strong $118 million debut. Rounding out the top five were The Bad Guys 2 ($10.4 million) and The Naked Gun ($8.4 million). Jurassic World Rebirth, in seventh place, is expected to surpass $800 million globally by Monday. Bigg Boss 19: Wife of Pahalgam terror attack victim may join Salman Khan’s reality show Weekend’s Top 10 (domestic estimates): Weapons — $42.5MFreakier Friday — $29MThe Fantastic Four: First Steps — $15.5MThe Bad Guys 2 — $10.4MThe Naked Gun — $8.4MSuperman — $7.8MJurassic World Rebirth — $4.7MF1: The Movie — $2.9MTogether — $2.6MSketch — $2.5M Source: Agency 

Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara, which released on July 18, 2025, has become a cultural sensation and box office success, marking three weeks since its release. Featuring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, the film’s impressive performance has surprised many and redefined expectations for newcomer-led projects. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh, speaking to NDTV, commented on the film's potential to cross the ₹500 crore mark domestically. He said, “No, I think this is the maximum. But even this is a massive achievement for a film with newcomers.” He further praised the film’s performance, stating, “Saiyaara has broken all records for a debut-cast film. It’s the biggest opener and highest-grossing film ever for newcomers, surpassing ₹300 crore — a first of its kind. It’s now competing with films starring major stars, which is extraordinary.” On August 4, Saiyaara crossed the ₹300 crore mark in India, outperforming big-star releases like Son of Sardaar 2 (Ajay Devgn) and Dhadak 2 (Triptii Dimri, Siddhant Chaturvedi), both of which released on August 1. Global Success Adarsh also highlighted the film’s international success, saying, “It has worked not only in India but globally, showing the film’s universal appeal. It’s a massive blockbuster.” Globally, Saiyaara has already crossed ₹500 crore at the box office. Latest Box Office Figures As of August 7, Saiyaara earned ₹1.85 crore that day, bringing its domestic total to ₹308.45 crore, according to Sacnilk. In comparison, Dhadak 2 earned ₹1 crore, and Son of Sardaar 2 made ₹1.40 crore on the same day. Both films continue to trail behind Saiyaara, despite releasing two weeks later. Saiyaara emerged as the second-highest-grossing film of the year after Vicky Kaushal's Chhaava. The film also set the record for being one of the highest-grossing opening weekends of the year. Except for Mahavtar Narsimha, neither Dharma Productions' Dhadak 2 nor Ajay Devgn's Son Of Sardaar 2 seems to pose any threat to Saiyaara's box office numbers. In A Nutshell Taran Adarsh shares his views on Saiyaara crossing the Rs 500 crore mark in India. The film has surpassed the same in its global box office collection.   Source NDTV

Leading mobile network operator Robi has launched a special offer for its users — allowing them to watch two newly released films on the popular OTT platform Chorki at just Tk 18 under its ‘1 Ticket 2 Movies’ campaign. For the first time, Robi is offering this kind of entertainment service, enabling subscribers to enjoy ‘Utshob’ and ‘Taandob’, two films released on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha 2025, through a 30-day subscription package. The offer went live on August 7 and will continue for two months. To avail the offer, Robi subscribers can purchase the movie pack via multiple platforms including the My Robi App, mobile recharge, MFS channels (such as bKash and Nagad), and USSD codes. Upon purchasing, users will receive access to watch both films at their convenience within the next 30 days. The purchase link is: cutt.ly/Taandob_Utshob. 'Utshob' and 'Taandob' were released on August 7, just after midnight, on Chorki. While regular Chorki subscribers can access the films through standard methods, non-subscribers can also watch them through the special Robi movie pack. 'Austachole Rabi’: BSA commemorates 84th death anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore To mark the launch, a signing ceremony between Robi and Chorki was held at the Chorki headquarters. Robi officials present at the event included Mohammad Showkat Kader Chowdhury, Head of Robi Marketing; Md. Sanjid Hossain, Associate Director, Commercial Partnership; and Tarek Mohammed Enamul Hoque, Senior General Manager, Internet and Streaming ATL. From Chorki’s side, the event was attended by Redoan Rony, CEO; Masudul Amin Rintu, Head of Content Operation and Commercial; Faisal Rahman, Head of Marketing and Growth; and Jabed Sultan Pias, Chief Digital Business Officer of Prothom Alo. Speaking on the occasion, Robi's Head of Marketing, Mohammad Showkat Kader Chowdhury said, “Robi has always aimed to deliver premium services to its customers. This initiative is part of our commitment to offer affordable, high-quality digital entertainment to users across the country. We thank Chorki for partnering with us on this journey, and we believe the audience will thoroughly enjoy 'Utshob' and 'Taandob'.” Singapore Raffles Music College invites Pooja Sengupta as visiting fellow Redoan Rony, CEO of Chorki, said, “Audiences have shared their appreciation for 'Utshob' and 'Taandob'. While many have seen the films in city theatres, viewers in district towns and semi-urban areas often miss out. Through this partnership with Robi, these films will now be accessible directly in the hands of Bengali content lovers across the country; and we hope viewers will be captivated by both films.” Presented by BRAC Bank and powered by Edison Real Estate, 'Utshob' is directed by Tanim Noor and features an ensemble cast including Zahid Hasan, Soumya Jyoti, Sadia Ayman, Jaya Ahsan, Aupee Karim, Chanchal Chowdhury, Afsana Mimi, Tariq Anam Khan, Azad Abul Kalam, Intekhab Dinar, Sunerah Binte Kamal and more. On the other hand, 'Taandob', directed by Raihan Rafi, is produced by SVF Alpha-i Entertainment Limited in collaboration with Chorki and Deepto, and presented by Sensation Condom. Drone show stuns crowd marking July Uprising Day The stellar cast of 'Taandob' stars Dhallywood megastar Shakib Khan, alongside renowned actors Afzal Hossain, Tariq Anam Khan, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Salauddin Lavlu, Gazi Rakayet, Shahiduzzaman Selim, Ashok Bepari, Dr Ejaj, Rosie Siddiqui, Suman Anwar, A K Azad Setu, FS Nayeem, Shiba Shanu, among others.

Rising actor Aneet Padda, who won hearts with her powerful performance in Mohit Suri’s latest film Saiyaara, has thanked fans for their overwhelming response and shared an emotional note reflecting on her journey. In an Instagram post on Thursday, Padda expressed gratitude for the love she has received since the film’s release, admitting that the outpouring of affection has left her both moved and a little anxious about what lies ahead. “The daze is wearing off and all I want to say is that I love you… I don't know what to do except give it back,” she wrote. “I’m scared of what’s next, scared I won’t be enough, but whatever I have… I’ll put it out there.” Ajay Devgn's Son of Sardaar 2 battles for screens amid Saiyaara and Mahavatar Narsimha box office surge The actor, who portrays Vaani Batra—a young aspiring writer diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s—also shared a series of previously unseen stills from the film, produced by Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani. Released on July 18, Saiyaara also stars Ahaan Panday and has been well received by critics and audiences alike. The film has grossed over Rs 306 crore in India and is set to complete three successful weeks at the box office on Friday. Director Mohit Suri, speaking about the casting process, revealed it took several months to find someone who could authentically play Vaani. “I needed someone who hadn’t altered themselves cosmetically… someone real,” said Suri. “Aneet had done some work before and was brilliant. She fit right in.” He added, “We often misjudge what small-town India is like—they’re more open than we think. Aneet had more to share with me than I had with her.” Padda’s portrayal of vulnerability and depth has earned her critical acclaim, establishing her as a promising new face in the industry.   Source: NDTV

Rumors are swirling that actors Dhanush and Mrunal Thakur might be dating, following a series of public appearances together. Speculation began when Dhanush attended Mrunal's birthday party on August 1. Prior to that, Dhanush traveled to Mumbai for a special screening of Son of Sardaar 2, which stars Mrunal Thakur and Ajay Devgn. The film premiered on the same day, and a video of Dhanush and Mrunal chatting at the event was shared on X (formerly Twitter). In the clip, the two appear to have a close and private conversation, sparking dating buzz online. The video was captioned, “Dhanush and Mrunal Thakur are dating?” Fans quickly weighed in with mixed reactions. One commented, “Unconfirmed, but there are some hints,” while another said, “I think they’re just friends.” Others expressed disbelief at the possibility of them being a couple. Back in July, Mrunal also joined a party hosted by Kanika Dhillon to celebrate Dhanush’s upcoming film, Tere Ishk Mein, which also stars Kriti Sanon and is directed by Aanand L. Rai. Kanika shared photos from the event on Instagram, including a smiling shot of Dhanush and Mrunal posing together. Her caption read, “Our hearts are full! Our OG Raanjhanaa in the house Dhanush – we love you! With friends old and new – big smiles, bigger hearts! Grateful for the memories.” So far, neither Dhanush nor Mrunal Thakur has addressed or confirmed the dating rumors. Dhanush was previously married to Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth, daughter of superstar Rajinikanth. The couple ended their 18-year marriage in 2022. They had first met during the release of Dhanush’s 2003 film Kadhal Kondaen. On the professional front, Tere Ishk Mein is slated to release on November 28, while Son of Sardaar 2, starring Mrunal and Ajay Devgn, hit theaters on August 1. Source: NDTV

Two of Dhaka’s oldest single-screen theatres — Geet and Sangeet — have once again shut down operations due to the ongoing crisis in the Bangladeshi film industry, marked by a lack of quality new releases and a sharp decline in audience turnout. Located on the Dholairpar-Jurain Road beside the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway, the twin cinemas had been screening Bangladeshi films on a regular basis. However, with little to attract moviegoers in recent months, the halls have gone dark for an indefinite period. The last film screened before the closure was 'Togor', starring Ador Azad and Puja Cherry, on Saturday. The hall authorities said that while the shutdown is indefinite, there remains a possibility of reopening during next year’s Eid season if the situation improves. This is not the first time the halls have faced such a fate. In December last year, Geet and Sangeet were also closed due to mounting business losses stemming from a shortage of quality local films and an overall downturn in the country’s cinema-going culture. The halls had reopened ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr in 2025 in hopes of a recovery, but the momentum proved short-lived. The closure of these historic cinema halls reflects a broader concern within the country's film exhibition sector, as single-screen theatres continue to struggle in the absence of compelling content and consistent audiences.

Among the most anticipated titles of the season, ‘Dhadak 2’ has finally landed in cinemas, stirring conversation across Bollywood circles. Released on August 1, 2025, this romantic thriller blends emotional intensity with suspense. With Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi at the forefront, expectations have soared. Let’s dive into the movie review, early earnings, and hints about its OTT release. Key Cast and Creative Team Behind the Screen Directed by Shazia Iqbal, who wrote it with Rahul Badwelkar, the film is brought to life by Cloud 9 Pictures, Dharma Productions, and Zee Studios. Siddhant Chaturvedi embodies Neelesh, and Triptii Dimri portrays Vidhi, the protagonists of the movie. Hesham Abdul Wahab, Rochak Kohli, Javed-Mohsin, Shreyas Puranik, and Tanishk Bagchi steer the music composition. Siddharth-Garima, Rashmi Virag, Ozil Dalal, and Gurpreet Saini crafted the lyrics. Read more: Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Season 2: Return of Star Plus's Popular Soap Opera Review of Dhadak 2 Movie A remake of the 2018 Tamil film ‘Pariyerum Perumal’, ‘Dhadak 2’ also stands as a spiritual sequel to the original ‘Dhadak’. What sets this instalment apart is how closely several moments align with the emotional weight of the characters. One moment that stands out is the ‘fake father’ setup. Originally portrayed with semi-comic flair in ‘Jawani Diwani’ (1972). Here it takes on a new tone, humorous, but with deeper emotional undercurrents. Equally notable is the portrayal of Neelesh’s father, portrayed by Vipin Sharma. A folk dancer in drag, his character quietly embraces social constraints while displaying unflinching pride in his art. There's a faint echo of a key figure from Karan Johar’s (one of this film’s producers) ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’. A particularly powerful scene features the principal pushing Neelesh toward agency, not surrender. In contrast, the graphic murder of a dog adds shock value, yet it transitions into a meaningful follow-up sequence that doesn't feel misplaced. Read more: New Korean Drama Lineup for August 2025 : 10 Binge-worthy Releases The character of the contract killer intrigues with his eerie commitment. Claiming he’s on a divine mission, not a crime spree, he stages deaths as accidents or suicides. Vidhi’s fierce response during the final standoff avoids melodrama and delivers impact. Other emotionally charged scenes, like her earlier eruption at home or the tense quiz with her sister’s would-be in-law, land with quiet strength. The dialogues stay sharp and sparse, powerfully avoiding moral lectures. In the lead cast, Siddhant Chaturvedi completely disappears into the role of Neelesh. His expressive eyes and grounded presence capture the inner fire of an underdog chasing justice for both himself and his community. Rather than drifting into campus politics, Neelesh clings to his dream of becoming a lawyer. Triptii Dimri is no mere glam presence here. As Vidhi, she brings both spark and depth, portraying a young woman suffocated by regressive norms with striking honesty. Read more: South Indian Movies Launching in August 2025: 12 Must-watch Films Hitting Screens Vipin Sharma delivers strongly as Neelesh’s father, especially in scenes of humiliation. Anubha Fatehpura and Harish Khanna offer quiet strength as the parents, while Saurabh Sachdeva adds menace as Shankar. Among the younger cast, Priyank Tiwari and Aditya Thakare shine with sincerity. But it’s Zakir Hussain as the principal who lingers, effortlessly balancing wit and weight in every scene. Shazia Iqbal proves herself a director of rare balance, merging emotion and entertainment without losing grip on either. ‘Dhadak 2’ feels more focused and evolved than its 2018 predecessor. Her command over tone, whether in moments of sorrow, wit, or conflict, marks her as a filmmaker with serious promise. The music does its part, though most tracks lack staying power. Still, ‘Bas Ek Dhadak’, ‘Preet Re’, and ‘Duniya Alag’ impress with their lyrical depth. The clever inclusion of the 1987 ‘Muqaddar Ka Faisla’ number and ‘Hum Jo Kaam Karte Hain’ adds seamless resonance to the narrative. Read more: August 2025 Bollywood Movies: Top 10 Must-watch Hindi Film Releases Box Office Earnings The movie opened to a modest start, earning Rs 2.48 crore on its first day across India. This, despite the pre-release buzz around its intense storyline and fresh lead pair. Much now depends on word-of-mouth. The next few days will reveal whether it gains momentum or stays steady. Dhadak 2 OTT Release After a 60-day theatrical run, the movie is slated for its digital debut in early October 2025. And, the streaming home will be none other than Netflix India. Endnote Dhadak 2, led by Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, delivers a romantic thriller with powerful performances. The film balances emotion, drama, and social commentary with finesse. Despite a slow start at the box office, it holds promise through word of mouth. Its digital release on Netflix India could provide a significant boost. Read more: Amazon Prime Originals Streaming Slate For August 2025: Exclusive Films and Series

Mohit Suri’s musical drama Saiyaara has seen a slight dip in collections during its second week, following a blockbuster debut. However, the film remains steady at the domestic box office, amassing a total of Rs 273.50 crore within just 13 days of release. Box Office PerformanceOn Wednesday alone, the film earned Rs 7 crore, bringing the total domestic collection to Rs 273.50 crore. Earlier in the week, it raked in Rs 9.25 crore on Monday and Rs 10 crore on Tuesday. In its first week, Saiyaara recorded an impressive Rs 172.75 crore, establishing itself as the second highest-grossing Hindi film of the year, following Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava. Globally, Ahaan Panday’s debut venture has surpassed the Rs 400 crore mark. This achievement puts it ahead of Shahid Kapoor’s Kabir Singh (Rs 379 crore) and Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par (Rs 264 crore) in worldwide earnings. The film has also set a historic benchmark by becoming the highest-grossing Hindi film led by two debutants. Additionally, Saiyaara enjoyed one of the biggest opening weekends of the year. Ajay Devgn's Son of Sardaar 2 battles for screens amid Saiyaara and Mahavatar Narsimha box office surge Upcoming CompetitionAfter enjoying an uninterrupted two-week theatrical run, Saiyaara will now face box office competition with the release of Dhadak 2, produced by Dharma Productions, and Ajay Devgn’s Son Of Sardaar 2, both slated to hit cinemas on August 1. These upcoming titles could challenge Saiyaara’s continuing success. About the FilmProduced by Yash Raj Films, Saiyaara explores themes of love, loss, and heartbreak through a poignant narrative. The film stars newcomer Ahaan Panday as Krish Kapoor, a struggling musician, and Aneet Padda as Vaani Batra, a young writer battling early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. SummaryDespite a slowdown in its second week, Saiyaara remains a box office juggernaut, maintaining a strong domestic performance with Rs 273.50 crore collected in 13 days. With global earnings surpassing Rs 400 crore, the film continues to make history in Indian cinema.   #Source: NDTV