United News of Bangladesh

Bilal Lashari is the director and writer of the 2022 Pakistani Punjabi action drama movie The Legend of Maula Jatt. It is a remake of the cult favorite Pakistani movie Maula Jatt from 1979. Ammara Hikmat and Dr. Asad Jamil Khan have made the film under the production banner of Lashari Films and Encyclomedia. Scriptwriter Nasir Adeeb has defined the stories and characters in this movie.  Fawad Khan plays the title role in the movie. The other casts include Hamza Ali Abbasi, Humaima Malik, and Mahira Khan.  Read More: After string of blockbusters, Mim envisions another ‘sold out’ experience with ‘Damal’ In the movie, Maula Jatt, a local heroine, battles Noori Natt, the violent clan's leader. The story begins with Jeeva Natt and his clan attacking Sardar Jatt's Haveli. Even though they are more numerous, they are defeated, and Sardar Jatt and his wife are slaughtered.  Maula, the only survivor of the assault and the son of Sardar Jatt, is brought up by a woman by the name of Daani. One day, Mooda, the biological son of Daani, brings Maula to his coach's wrestling class. Maula impresses Mooda's coach, who offers to train him. As the storyline advances Maula grows up and became a popular wrestler. Later, he kills Noori and becomes the hero of the village. Read More: Makers, lead performer of 'Hawa' served legal notice for 'breaching tobacco control law' As of October 28, 2022, The Legend of Maula Jatt had made PKR 33cr ($1.5M) in Pakistan and PKR 82cr ($3.7M) in other nations, for a total of PKR 115cr ($5.2M) globally. This movie smashed a number of box office records, including being the third-highest-grossing Pakistani movie of all time.

Bidya Sinha Mim has, of late, established herself as one of the most successful and busiest actresses in the Bangladeshi film industry. Although Mim has multiple commercially successful films to her name, she has earned special accolades from moviegoers for her brilliant performance in the film ‘Poran'. On Friday, the popular actress is appearing on the big screen yet again with her new film ‘Damal', another Raihan Rafi directorial, based on the story of the Swadhin Bangla Football Team. Written by eminent cultural personality Faridur Reza Sagar, ‘Damal’ is showcasing an ensemble cast of acclaimed artistes, including Siam Ahmed, Shariful Razz, Intekhab Dinar and Shahnaz Sumi, alongside the female lead Mim. While speaking to UNB, Mim, visibly excited about her new film, shared her journey with ‘Damal’ and said that each new movie adds a different experience to her portfolio. “My newest film ‘Damal’ portrays the story of a football team during the Liberation War of Bangladesh, and I appeared as a simple yet flamboyant village girl named Hasna. The experience was challenging like my every other film, and the audience will be the one to demonstrate whether my efforts were praiseworthy or not,” Mim said. Speaking on ‘Poran’s overwhelming response, Mim said that she thinks the movie has brought her closer to the audience. Read: Bidya Sinha Mim appointed UNICEF National Ambassador in Bangladesh “The unbelievable amount of praise I received for ‘Poran’ from our beloved audience, has inspired me and increased my courage. The experience of houseful shows and ‘sold-out’ responses were totally new experiences. “People even called me for the tickets of both ‘Poran’ and now ‘Damal,’ and these are really noteworthy for me as an actress, and I would request the audience to buy tickets in advance as tickets may run out this time as well,” Mim said. About Damal, Mim said that the film will continue proving the fact that the current filmmakers are thinking differently and bringing a refreshingly new era to the country’s cinema industry. Advance ticket sale of Damal has begun at many places in the country, including Dhaka. The number of regular shows has also increased in multiplexes. Produced by Impress Telefilms, ‘Damal’ will be showcased on single screens and multiplexes across the country. All five branches of Star Cineplex in the capital are scheduled to run 16 shows on the first day, while a total of 17 shows are slated from second day onwards.

Dhallywood actor-businessman Ananta Jalil has sent a legal notice to his film "Din: The Day" director – Iranian filmmaker Morteza Atashzamzam – following a suave exchange of verbal blows between them surrounding the real budget of the movie. The notice from Ahammad Jonaed and Partners, on behalf of Ananta, was sent to Morteza on September 4, the actor-producer wrote on social media Saturday night. Earlier, Morteza had threatened to sue Ananta for inflating the budget of the movie saying it was worth Tk100 crore. In August, the Iranian filmmaker accused Ananta of breaching the conditions of the movie's agreement through a post on his Instagram. Later, through another Instagram post, he revealed that the budget of Din: The Day was $500,000, which amounts to about Tk4 crore. However, Ananta brushed it aside. Recently, Din: The Day was released in Malaysia in September and Ananta announced that the film would be released in Singapore in January next year. After that, Morteza took to Instagram on Saturday writing: "Mr Ananta, you have released the film in Malaysia after Bangladesh without my permission as the producer and director of the film. And now you have announced plans to release it in Singapore." "Fortunately, soon your fraud will be exposed in the court of Iran, and then I will collect my dues from you through the honourable court of Bangladesh." The director also shared photos from the official signing ceremony between Ananta and him and wrote: "During your second visit to Tehran, the agreement for the film between you and me was written and signed in front of the national flags of the two countries. According to Iranian policy, the agreement was written in the mother languages of both parties (Bangla and Persian)." In response, Ananta wrote on his Facebook: "Backed by miscreants and anti-national groups in Bangladesh, Iranian director Morteza Atashzamzam of Din: The Day recently presented incorrect and fabricated information regarding the making of our film, which was published in some of our media." "For these reasons and also for defaming me, I sent a notice to him on September 4. He has not yet responded to me personally." "Morteza will have to answer to the International Court of Justice for these lies, and the Bangladeshi miscreants involved in it will not be spared."

‘Black Adam,’ one of the most anticipated Hollywood movies in 2022 starring popular actor Dwayne Johnson, hit US theatres on Friday (October 21, 2022) as well as Star Cineplex in Bangladesh. The superhero movie is a spin-off of Shazam! (2019), the 11th movie in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), and the first movie in the franchise's Phase One, based on the same-named DC Comics character. A ‘Shazam!’ spin-off produced by Warner Brothers and New Line Cinema, ‘Brack Adam’ first debuted in DC Comics in the 1940s as a villain; however, in 2000, it was re-introduced as an anti-hero. Read Star Cineplex's Awesome Autumn gives moviegoers chance to win trip to Maldives. The character of Black Adam, portrayed by wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, possessed divine abilities from the Egyptian gods. After being freed from the earth for approximately five thousand years, he returned to the modern world to take part in an exciting conflict over justice and retaliation, crossing the path with the Justice Society of America (JAS). Dwayne Johnson, the main draw as the title character, is appearing in a DC Comics movie for the first time with this film. In addition to this, Pierce Brosnan, the former James Bond actor, is also playing a special character in the film. Moviegoers and DCEU fans in Bangladesh have been eagerly waiting to see the powerful anti-hero in the theatres. Marking the release, Star Cineplex arranged a gala press premiere on Thursday (October 20, 2022) night at its SKS Tower branch in the capital which was joined by journalists from different media outlets alongside popular celebrities and social media influencers. Read New Releases: Top 10 South Indian Movies to Watch in October 2022 “Previously, it was unthinkable for moviegoers in our country to watch the most eagerly awaited Hollywood productions on the day of their international premiere. Star Cineplex brought that opportunity to its fans and now we are premiering the biggest Hollywood films on the same day of their global releases, and we will continue this trend for our moviegoers,” Star Cineplex parent company ShowMotion Limited Chairman Mahboob Rahman Ruhel said at the event. He also informed that the Cineplex is bringing two of the next most-anticipated Hollywood films in the upcoming months - the celebrated Marvel Comics superhero ‘Black Panther’ sequel ‘Wakanda Forever’ in November, and ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ in December, the second installation of the groundbreaking American epic science-fiction film ‘Avatar’ (2009), directed by James Cameron. Star Cineplex is now showing the film ‘Black Adam’ across all of its five branches in the capital - Bashundhara City in Panthapath, Shimanto Shambhar in Dhanmondi, Sony Square in Mirpur, SKS Tower, Mohakhali and Bangabandhu Military Museum in Bijoy Sarani. Read Star Cineplex's Awesome Autumn gives moviegoers chance to win trip to Maldives.

Robbie Coltrane, the baby-faced comedian and character actor whose hundreds of roles included a crime-solving psychologist on the TV series “Cracker” and the gentle half-giant Hagrid in the “Harry Potter” movies, has died. He was 72. Coltrane’s agent Belinda Wright said he died Friday at a hospital in his native Scotland, and did not immediately offer other details. She called him “forensically intelligent” and “brilliantly witty” in just one of many tributes made to him. “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling, who decades ago had said Coltrane was her first choice to play Hagrid, tweeted Friday that he was “an incredible talent, a complete one off.” “I was beyond fortunate to know him, work with him and laugh my head off with him,” she wrote. Born Anthony Robert McMillan in Rutherglen, Scotland, Coltrane was in his early 20s when he began pursuing an acting career and renamed himself in honor of jazz musician John Coltrane. He already had a notable screen career, with credits including “Mona Lisa,” “Nuns on the Run” and Kenneth Branagh’s adaptation of “Henry V” when he broke through on his own as a hard-bitten detective in “Cracker,” the 1990s TV series for which he won best actor at the British Academy Television Awards three years running. He went on to appear in all eight “Harry Potter” movie as the young wizard’s mentor and had a wide variety of other parts, including a Russian crime boss in the James Bond thrillers “GoldenEye” and “The World is Not Enough” and Pip’s guardian Mr. Jaggers in a 2012 adaptation of Dickens’ “Great Expectations.” More recently, he received rave reviews for playing a beloved TV star who may harbor a dark secret in the 2016 miniseries “National Treasure.” On Friday, his “Nuns on the Run” co-star Eric Idle tweeted that he had been talking about Coltrane, “wondering where he was,” when he learned of his death. “Such a bright and brilliant man. A consummate actor, an extraordinarily funny comedian and an amazing actor. He was also a very good friend,” Idle wrote. Wright said Coltrane is survived by his sister Annie Rae, his ex-wife Rhona Gemmell and his children Spencer and Alice.

Bangladeshi short documentary film ‘Dream Run’ has been nominated for the Joel Sotolongo Micro Film Award at The 2022 Treasure Coast International Film, Music, & Art Festival in Florida. The film has been directed by Mohammed Tawhidul Ahsan, who worked with many foreign filmmakers before making his directorial debut. Team 'Dream Run' also includes Ashraf Uddin Ahmed Joy as director of photography, Joao Ramos as the editor and Meghna Agnihotri as the producer. Read: Roni Bhowmik’s New Short Film ‘Chakrakar’ released by Vivo The film is based on the lost rickshaw art of Bangladesh. The film portrays the history and struggles of the artists who paint and decorate rickshaws. Prior to 'Dream Run', Ahsan worked in the short film ‘Human’ directed by Yann Arthus-Bertrand. The film premiered at the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York in 2014. In 2018, Ahsan worked in a television movie, titled ‘Uncivil Servant’, directed by Dawn Natalia, which won the Florida Film Gem Award at the Treasure Coast Film Festival in 2020. Read “Moviegoers and media friends helped save Star Cineplex’s original branch” Ahsan has also worked as an artistic director and 360-degree filming director for the Virtual Reality Implementation project of the prestigious Bangabandhu Military Museum. Bangladeshi documentary movie 'Dream Run' is scheduled to be screened at Regal Cinema 14, Jensen Beach, Florida, US, on Friday.

Introducing Bangladeshi audience to world-class movie experience in 2004, Star Cineplex, the first multiplex chain in Bangladesh, celebrated its 18th anniversary yesterday. The multiplex brand started its journey on October 8, 2004 with its maiden branch in the Dhaka’s Bashundhara City Shopping Mall. To celebrate 18th anniversary, Star Cineplex organised a gala event on Saturday night at its SKS Tower branch in Mohakhali, which was joined by an ensemble cast of celebrities and media personalities. Popular actors and directors including Chanchal Chowdhury, Azmeri Haque Badhan, Saimon Sadik, Sumon Anowar, Chayanika Chowdhury; the entire team of the upcoming film ‘Damal’ featuring Siam Ahmed, Bidya Sinha Saha Mim, Shariful Razz, Rashed Mamun Apu, director Raihan Rafi; the team of ‘Operation Sundarban’ including Roshan, director Dipankar Dipon; Star Cineplex produced and National Award-winning film ‘No Dorai’ famed actress Sunehra Binte Kamal and others joined the celebration with Star Cineplex.  “We started our journey 18 years ago with a dream that has now become a reality — that audiences will return to the theatres. Our first two years were spent making people realise what we are offering: the Dolby Atmos surround system, the high definition screens and more. Eventually, the moviegoers gave us their support and we are amazed to observe the love we got from our audiences, filmmakers, artists, journalists and other associates over these years,” Star Cineplex parent company ShowMotion Limited Chairman Mahboob Rahman Ruhel said at the event. Sharing his gratitude, he told UNB that Star Cineplex is forever indebted to movie lovers, associates and the local media for a particular reason. "We struggled from the very beginning but things got out of control during the COVID-19 lockdown. Our halls were closed for such a long time, we could not pay our rent to the Bashundhara City authority and as a result, we announced the closing of that branch as we received an eviction notice. The way our beloved moviegoers and media friends helped us at the time, it was unbelievable and that eventually saved the original branch," Ruhel told UNB. At the event, he announced that the Cineplex authority is already coming up with new branches in major cities and after the commercial and critical success of ‘No Dorai’, Star Cineplex is set to produce 4 new films. “We initially had a dream that within 18 years, we would have 100 screens — but due to circumstances, we could not open more than 18 screens. That is going to be changed in the coming days, as we are opening new screens almost all over the country. We are very thankful to the government as new theatre entrepreneurs have become eligible to get low-interest loans, which will eventually help the industry grow more,” Star Cineplex chairman said. Cineplex authority congratulated the teams of ‘Poran’ and ‘Hawa’ at the event. The latter has broken Cineplex’s highest-grossing record of all time, according to Ruhel. The ceremony ended with cutting cake with the stars, celebrating the 18th birthday of the first Bangladeshi multiplex chain. This was followed by the screenings of two Hollywood films at Star Cineplex — ‘The Woman King’ and ‘The Free Fall.’  

After holding “Emancipation” in limbo following Will Smith's slap of Chris Rock at the Academy Awards in March, Apple will release the actor's next big project this December. In the fallout of Smith's smack of the comedian, the fate of “Emancipation” — a $120 million runaway slave thriller directed by Antoine Fuqua — had been uncertain. One of Apple's most high-profile productions yet, the film had once been expected to be an Oscar contender this year. But an awards-season rollout of a film headlined by Smith, whom the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences banned from attending the Oscars for 10 years, has obvious complications. Nevertheless, Apple TV+ said Monday that it will debut “Emancipation” on Dec. 2 in theaters and begin streaming it Dec. 9. Over the weekend, Apple and the NAACP held the first screening of the film in Washington as part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Legislative Conference. Smith attended the screening and spoke on stage. The release of “Emancipation” will pose the biggest test yet of how eager moviegoers are for a movie headlined by Smith, an actor who has generated more than $6.5 billion in worldwide box office. Still, the brief exclusive run in theaters will also mean “Emancipation," like Apple's best picture-winning “CODA,” will be seen primarily in homes. Regardless, the streamer isn't shying away from its star. A black-and-white profile of Smith's face, with a chain around his neck, adorns the movie poster.  In the film, Smith plays a man named Peter who escapes from slavery in Louisiana. It was inspired by the 1863 photos of a man known as “Whipped Peter" that first appeared in Harper's Weekly showing a Union Army medical exam of a mutilated man. The film had originally been planned to shoot in Georgia before Fuqua and Smith moved the production to New Orleans in response to Georgia's then-newly enacted laws restricting voting access. “Emancipation” was shot in the summer of 2021. Until the slap, its release had been expected in 2022. Smith resigned before he could be banned by the academy, but remains eligible for an Oscar nomination. "My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable,” he said. Since his, Smith has largely stayed out the public eye. In late July, he gave his most extensive comments about the incident in a video posted to social media in which he apologized to Rock, who had made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, Smith's wife.

In recent years, a bunch of South Indian films have outshined Bollywood's big-budget mainstream Hindi movies in both ratings and earnings. The Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam film industries are enthralling the cinema world with great films in terms of unique story-telling, eye-catching visuals, and superb acting performance. Holding this legacy, South Indian film industries are releasing quality films every month. Let's take a look at the upcoming South Indian movies in October 2022. 10 Most anticipated South Indian Movies releasing in October 2022 Swathi Muthyam | Telugu Romantic Comedy Varsha Bollamma and Ganesh Bellamkonda are the main stars of this Lakshman K Krishna-directed film. The movie tells a young man's story about celebrating life, falling in love, and his growing views on marriage. He is naive and pure at heart. Surya Teja Musunuru did the cinematography, while Mahathi Swara Sagar created the music. The film editing was done by Navin Nooli. Suryadevara Naga Vamsi produces the film under the banner of Sithara Entertainments. The movie will premiere on October 5, 2022. Read Star Cineplex's Awesome Autumn gives moviegoers chance to win trip to Maldives GOD Father | Telugu Political Action It is a remake of the 2019 Malayalam film Lucifer, which is being helmed by Mohan Raja. Salman Khan, Nayantara, Puri Jagannadh, Satyadev Kancharana, and Chiranjeevi will star different roles in the movie.  S. Thaman composed the music, and Nirav Shah was in charge of the filming. Ram Charan, R. B. Choudary, and N. V. Prasad produced the movie under Konidela Production Company and Super Good Films. The movie Godfather is slated for release on October 5, 2022, which also happens to be Vijayadashami. Read Misha Sawdagor makes his OTT debut with ‘Jodi Ami Beche Firi’ Borrder | Tamil Spy Thriller This movie was directed by Arivazhagan Venkatachalam and produced by Vijaya Raghavendra under the name All in Pictures. Arun Vijay, Regina Cassandra, and Stefy Patel are all featured in the movie. The theme of the movie is patriotism, and it has a military setting. Rajasekar handled the cinematography, and Sam CS composed the soundtrack. The movie was supposed to open in theaters on November 19, 2021. However, the release date has been postponed because of the flooding in Chennai. The current release date is October 5, 2022. Read This is what Nuhash’s Hulu project is about The Ghost – Killing Machine | Telugu For his forthcoming film The Ghost, King Nagarjuna is back again in the fierce action. The movie portrays an extremely skilled and lethal agent who can turn into an unstoppable "Killing Machine" when he becomes enraged. Sonal Chauhan, who plays an Interpol agent, will appear in the movie alongside Nagarjuna. Furthermore, Gul Panag and Anikha Surendran have glorified the major casts of the movie. The Ghost's screenplay and direction are both by Praveen Sattaru. The movie was made by Suniel Narang, Puskur Ram Mohan Rao, and Sharrath Marar under the auspices of Northstar Entertainment and Sree Venkateswara Cinemas LLP.  For the movie, Saurabh and Bharatt composed the soundtrack. The film's release date, which is set for October 5, 2020, has already been announced by the producers. Read “RAB freed Sundarbans from robbers and inspired a quality film” Kasethan Kadavulada | Tamil Heist Comedy The movie title means ‘Only money is god’. R. Kannan is the film's producer and director. It is a remake of the 1972 Tamil film which was in the same name. The movie stars Priya Anand and Shiva. Other actors include Yogi Babu, Manobala, Urvashi, Karunakaran, Thalaivasal Vijay, Sivaangi Krishnakumar, and Pugazh. The storyline of the film centers a man who is planning to steal money from his stepmother with the help of two other individuals. Raj Pratap composed the music, and Prasanna Kumar handled the photography. The movie is slated to hit theaters on October 7, 2022. Read 'Beauty Circus’ & ‘Operation Sundarban’ set the ball rolling for Bangladesh film industry Sardar | Tamil Spy Action This movie is being written, produced, and directed by P. S. Mithran. S. Lakshman Kumar has produced the film under Prince Pictures banner. The movie stars Karthi in a dual role as the title character. Other significant roles have been played by Raashii Khanna, Munishkanth, Rajisha Vijayan, Laila, Chunky Panday, and Murali Sharma.   Yuvan Shankar Raja, who had previously been Mithran's go-to composer, is replaced as the music composer for the movie by G. V. Prakash Kumar. George C. Williams serves as the film's cinematographer. Ruben made the edits, and Dhilip Subbarayan choreographed the stunts. The film will premiere in theaters on October 24, 2020. Read ‘Illegal immigrants’ stealing jobs in India's Bollywood? Champion | Kannada Thriller The movie’s premiere is set for October 14, 2022. Shahuraja Sindhe is directing the film. Its storyline tells the story of a small-town child who overcame all of life's challenges to become successful. Shivam Productions, Shivanand S. Neelannavar, and Lahari Music are the producers of this suspenseful movie. Sachin Dhanpal, Aditi Prabhudeva, Sunny Leone, and Suman will star in this film. Pradeep Rawat is another well-known actor who was brought on board for Champion.  Read “Many thought my decision to quit job for acting was a mistake” Shabari Searching For Ravana | Kannada The movie's screenplay was written by Chetan Keshav. Naveen Shetty and Viday Sagar Chinta directed the film. In spite of a few small romance and emotional storylines, this movie is mostly a suspense thriller with a heroine-centric theme. The lead actresses in the film are Rachita Ram and Archana Kottige. Anoop Seelin was the music composer, Vishal Kumar Gowda shot the film, and Naveen Shetty made the edits. The movie was produced by Kiran Kumar under the production companies KK Production, and ATM Studios. The film's premiere is scheduled on October 2, 2022. Read UNESCO Mondiacult 2022: Bangladesh lauded for creating Bangabandhu International Award Rorschach | Malayalam Psychological Thriller This film was written by Sameer Abdul and directed by Nisam Basheer. The main character in the movie is Mammootty. Sharafudeen, Grace Antony, Kottayam Nazeer, Jagadish, Sanju Sivram, and Bindu Panicker round out the film's ensemble cast. The film was made by Mammootty himself under the name of Mammootty Kampany.  Midhun Mukundan took care of the music composition of the film music, while Nimish Ravi was the head of cinematography. The release date for Rorschach is October 13, 2022. Read Shehzad Khan Bir is their son, confirm Shakib Khan & Bubly Marthanda Varma | Malayalam Historical ‘Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma-The King of Travancore’ is the full title of the film. The famous Bahubali antagonist star Rana Daggubati is coming back with this historical drama in the titular role. This project is his debutant work in the Bollywood industry. The movie will prominently feature the grandeur of Marthanda Varma, a well-known king of Travancore who lived in the 18th century A.D. Peter Hein coordinated the stunts for the movie, which was directed by K. Madhu. The movie's sound will be handled by Oscar winner Resul Pookutty. M M Keeravani, best known for his work on the Bahubali series, will write the soundtrack. The movie is going to hit the theater on 25 October 2022. Read Nuhash Humayun: I want to experiment, make mistakes Bottom Line So far, we have discussed 10 South Indian movies expected to release in October 2022. It can be expected that some of these latest South Indian Films can join the ranks of the past blockbusters from the same industry. As the South Indian cinemas are entertaining the film enthusiasts worldwide quite successfully, it's only a matter of time to dominate the entire Asian glamor world.

Star Cineplex has brought an autumn offer for the moviegoers, giving them a chance to win Dhaka-Maldives-Dhaka travel tickets. Those who will watch movies at Star Cineplex from October 1-31 will get Dhaka-Maldives-Dhaka travel tickets through a raffle draw, the multiplex chain said in a media statement Thursday. Private carrier US Bangla Airlines will provide the tickets. However, Star Cineplex will not arrange accommodation for the winners. Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, Senior Manager (Media and Marketing) of Star Cineplex said: "We often hold various events and announce seasonal offers to encourage the audience to watch movies. Last June, we announced the winners of our 'Crazy Summer Offer' and the first prize winner got a chance to stay at Sayeman Beach Resort in Cox's Bazar for one night with return air tickets." "We have many such events throughout the year and this trend will continue in the future." Star Cineplex started its journey in 2004 at Bashundhara City Shopping Mall in the capital's Panthapath. Now it has branches at Shimanto Shimanto Shambhar in Dhanmondi, Sony Square in Mirpur, SKS Tower in Mohakhali and Bangabandhu Military Museum in Bijoy Sarani in the capital. Two more branches are under construction outside Dhaka in Chittogram and Bogura.