United News of Bangladesh

From Sherlock Holmes to modern thrillers, murder mysteries have fascinated readers and viewers for over a century. With the release of the latest Knives Out film, Wake Up Dead Man, on streaming platforms, fans of the genre can revisit classic and ingenious whodunnits that have stood the test of time. Some of the most notable include Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Adventure of the Speckled Band (1892), featuring Sherlock Holmes solving a locked-room murder, and GK Chesterton’s The Invisible Man (1911), in which Father Brown investigates a seemingly impossible crime. Agatha Christie’s debut Miss Marple story, The Murder at the Vicarage (1930), and John Dickson Carr’s The Hollow Man (1935), a landmark locked-room mystery, are also widely celebrated. Other classics highlighted are Sidney Gilliat’s film Green for Danger (1946), Boileau-Narcejac’s The Living and the Dead (1954), and Dario Argento’s Italian thriller The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970). PD James’s The Black Tower (1975) and Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s film Sleuth (1972) showcase meticulous plotting and psychological tension. More contemporary works, such as Fred Vargas’s Have Mercy on Us All (2001), blend Gothic elements with complex investigations. These ten stories, spanning literature and cinema, are recommended for fans seeking clever plots, unexpected twists, and masterful storytelling in the murder mystery genre.   With inputs from BBC

Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar, released on December 5, has surged past Rs 640 crore at the domestic box office within 20 days, racing toward the Rs 650 crore mark. Jio Studios, the film’s production banner, celebrated the milestone on Instagram Thursday, calling it a “phenomenon at full force” and noting the film’s strong performance worldwide. According to Jio Studios, Dhurandhar earned Rs 20.90 crore on its 20th day, taking its domestic net total to Rs 640.20 crore. The film has now entered the top ten highest-grossing Indian films in India, surpassing Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal, which earned Rs 553 crore, and claiming ninth place. The Aditya Dhar-directed action drama opened with Rs 103 crore in its first weekend and maintained momentum through the weekdays. The second weekend saw a significant surge, with the third weekend and weekdays contributing further to its total. By the 19th day, the film had already collected Rs 619.3 crore. Stranger Things finale nears as fans await answers Dhurandhar is also the highest-grossing Indian film worldwide in 2025, surpassing Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 and Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava. The film stars Ranveer Singh alongside Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi. Its sequel is scheduled for release on March 19, 2026. Source: NDTV 

Leaves and bodies fall in No Other Choice, a chilling and darkly comic satire from acclaimed South Korean director Park Chan-wook, who once again proves himself a master of elegant menace and moral provocation. The film opens with You Man-su (Lee Byung-hun), a seemingly content family man, welcoming autumn while grilling dinner for his wife, Miri (Son Ye-jin), and their two children. Living in a striking modern house surrounded by nature, Man-su confidently declares, “I’ve got it all.” Almost immediately, that illusion collapses. After 25 years at a paper mill, he is abruptly laid off, joining countless others discarded without ceremony. As financial pressure mounts, Man-su is forced to sell his beloved home, abandon his greenhouse and even cancel Netflix — small humiliations that signal deeper collapse. Rather than follow a conventional path of reinvention, the film takes a sharply sinister turn. Assessing the job market, Man-su concludes he ranks only fifth among potential candidates for similar positions. His solution: eliminate the competition. Based on Donald Westlake’s novel The Ax, previously adapted in 2005, No Other Choice feels tailor-made for Park, whose filmography includes Oldboy, The Handmaiden and Decision to Leave. Park transforms familiar material into a biting critique of capitalism, unemployment and modern desperation, crafting a thriller that is both absurdly funny and deeply unsettling. Nolan’s The Odyssey trailer unveils epic journey Lee Byung-hun delivers a standout performance, portraying Man-su as neither a natural killer nor a traditional villain, but a tragically misguided everyman. His descent into violence is framed with Park’s signature visual precision — reflections, trees and carefully composed frames heighten the satire and dread. Like Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite, the film skewers class anxiety, but Park’s vision is colder and more fatalistic. The final moments expand the story’s implications to automation, artificial intelligence and a future where loss is permanent. In No Other Choice, the leaves that fall do not return. A Neon release, No Other Choice is rated R for violence, language and some sexual content. In Korean with English subtitles. Running time: 139 minutes. ★★★★ out of four. Source: AP 

Saiyaara actress Aneet Padda sent warm birthday wishes to her co-star Ahaan Panday, calling him “selfless,” as he celebrated his birthday on December 23. The actor, who made his film debut with Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara, received a heartfelt tribute from Aneet, who shared a collection of charming photos and videos along with an emotional message highlighting their close bond. Aneet Padda’s birthday message for Ahaan Panday Aneet opened her post with the line, “I’ve seen the future,” before going on to describe Ahaan’s personality and the impact he has on people around him. She spoke about how strangers smile at his laughter, how he finds beauty in everyday moments, and how his creative thoughts reflect a rare and imaginative mind. She also praised his kindness, noting how deeply her parents trust him and how warmly they speak of him during video calls. Aneet mentioned the pride and emotion Ahaan’s mother feels when seeing him, as well as how even brief conversations with him can brighten a stranger’s day. Sharing more personal moments, she recalled how a security guard looks forward to their daily chats and how people are drawn to Ahaan even before recognizing his stardom. She reflected on how he was always destined for success, long before audiences discovered him on the big screen. Concluding the post, Aneet expressed her pride in the person Ahaan has become and thanked him for being who he is, wishing him a happy birthday with heartfelt affection. Ahaan responded with a touching reply, appreciating the gesture. About Saiyaara Directed by Mohit Suri, Saiyaara marked Ahaan Panday’s first film, with Aneet Padda playing the female lead. The movie performed well at the box office, and both actors earned praise for their chemistry and performances. Source NDTV

Radhika Apte, currently celebrating the success of her recently released OTT film Saali Mohabbat, recently shared a memorable encounter with Shah Rukh Khan. She recalled missing a call from the superstar, initially thinking it was a prank, before realizing it was genuine and returning the call. The actress revealed to Mashable India that Shah Rukh had called her to appreciate her performance in the 2018 film Andhadhun. “We were having a meal when I noticed a missed call. I thought, let’s check it. Then a message came from the same number: ‘Radhika, this is Shah Rukh Khan. Please call me back,’” she said. “Truly Honoured”: Janhvi Kapoor after winning Female Actor of the Year After confirming with her agent that the number was indeed SRK’s, she called him back. “He said, ‘I just wanted to tell you that I saw Andhadhun. I really loved your performance. I called only to say that,’” Radhika added. She also recalled meeting Shah Rukh at a party, describing the interaction as warm and genuine. “He came up to me because I usually don’t go and express, ‘I like you.’ He put his arm around me, and we talked for half an hour. He was so sweet—it was really lovely,” she said. About Saali MohabbatSaali Mohabbat is a drama-thriller set in a small-town backdrop, exploring how the life of a seemingly ordinary housewife turns chaotic as betrayal, secrets, and tension emerge following two unsettling deaths. The film features Radhika Apte alongside Sauraseni Maitra, Divyendu Sharma, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Anurag Kashyap, and is produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Dinesh Malhotra, Vipin Agnihotri, and Manish Malhotra. Source: NDTV

American rapper Wiz Khalifa has been sentenced to nine months in prison by a Romanian court for smoking cannabis during a live performance. The Constanța Court of Appeal ruled that Khalifa, whose real name is Thomaz Cameron Jibril, must serve the sentence in custody after overturning an earlier fine of 3,600 Romanian lei (£619; $829) for drug possession. The court described the act as “ostentatious” and said the rapper sent a message normalising illegal conduct, potentially encouraging drug use among young people. The incident occurred at the Beach, Please! festival in Costinesti last year, where Khalifa smoked a joint on stage. Police had briefly detained Jibril after the concert on July 13, 2024, and prosecutors charged him with possession of “risk drugs” for personal use. Investigators said he possessed more than 18 grams of cannabis and consumed some in front of the audience. Khalifa, who was sentenced in absentia, was performing in California earlier this week and shared clips from home on social media. He apologised for offending Romania and said he would avoid using cannabis on stage in future. Romanian criminologist Vlad Zaha told UNB that extradition from the US is unlikely, calling the sentence “unusually harsh” given Khalifa’s wealth and the legal status of cannabis in the United States. The rapper, known for hits like Black and Yellow and See You Again, also runs a marijuana brand launched in 2016. While cannabis is legal in some US states, it remains illegal under federal law.   With inputs from BBC

Prosecutors in Los Angeles have charged Nick Reiner with the murder of his parents, filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Reiner, two days after the couple were found dead in their home. District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the 32 year old faces two counts of first degree murder with a special circumstance alleging multiple murders. The charges also include an allegation that a knife was used in the killings. If convicted, Reiner could face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. Prosecutors said no final decision has yet been made on whether they will seek capital punishment. Authorities said Rob and Michele Reiner were discovered with multiple stab wounds at their Brentwood residence. Autopsies are pending to determine the exact cause, manner and time of death. Reiner is expected to be brought before a court to formally hear the charges and enter a plea after he is medically cleared by prison officials. His arraignment has been postponed to a later date. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell described the case as deeply personal and heartbreaking for the family and the city, and offered condolences to those affected. Rob Reiner was known for directing widely acclaimed films including This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally and A Few Good Men. Michele Reiner was an actress, photographer and producer, and the founder of a photography and production company. Tributes have poured in from friends and colleagues in the film industry, who remembered the couple as dedicated partners in both their creative work and public life.   With inputs from BBC

As Korean films and television gain worldwide acclaim, a rising number of South Korean actors are setting their sights on Hollywood, encouraged by broader casting opportunities and fewer appearance-driven barriers than those often faced at home. Actor Amy Baik said her decision to look abroad followed a disheartening experience in South Korea, where her scenes were cut from a commercial not for her performance but because she did not fit local beauty standards. The incident prompted her to question her future in the domestic industry and explore international options. The global success of productions such as Parasite, Minari and Squid Game has increased demand for Korean performers in Western projects, while also fueling the growth of agencies and consultants that help actors navigate U.S. casting systems. Casting director Julia Kim said Hollywood is widely viewed as the ultimate career milestone, but many emerging Korean actors lack access to agents or industry networks. Pakistan to produce film on Lyari, cites Indian propaganda over Dhurandhar portrayal Agencies like Los Angeles-based Upstage Entertainment aim to bridge that gap. Its founders say Western producers are increasingly seeking roles written specifically for Korean characters, though stereotypes still persist. Actors also face practical challenges, from differences in audition formats and headshots to language, accent coaching and unfamiliar industry norms. Consultants stress that accents are not a disadvantage and encourage performers to retain their identity rather than adopt an artificial American style. Limited opportunities, market slowdowns and age restrictions in South Korea are also pushing actors overseas. Some report greater flexibility abroad, where age is less emphasized and casting focuses more on suitability than strict categories. Those who have made the leap say international work has brought creative freedom and more balanced working conditions, reinforcing their belief that Hollywood is becoming more open to diverse Korean talent. Source: AP 

Nick Reiner, the son of Hollywood director and actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Reiner, has been arrested in connection with the investigation into the deaths of his parents at their Los Angeles home, according to media reports citing law enforcement records. Records from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department show that Nick Reiner, 32, was taken into custody on Sunday night at about 9:15 pm local time. He was formally booked early Monday morning. His case is listed as a felony, with bail set at 4 million dollars. Authorities have not disclosed the specific charge and said the investigation is ongoing. Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Reiner, 70, were found dead at their residence on Chadbourne Avenue in Los Angeles. Law enforcement sources cited by US media reported that the couple had injuries consistent with stab wounds and that there were no immediate signs of forced entry. Police have not publicly confirmed further details. Emergency services were alerted after a call was made to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division responded and secured the scene while forensic teams conducted examinations. In a brief statement released Sunday night, a family spokesperson said Rob and Michele Reiner had died and requested privacy. No additional details were provided. Nick Reiner had earlier been identified by media as a person of interest in the case. He has previously spoken publicly about struggles with drug addiction and periods of homelessness and has undergone rehabilitation multiple times. His experiences later formed the basis of the 2015 film Being Charlie, which he co-wrote and which was directed by his father. Rob Reiner was a prominent figure in American cinema, directing more than 20 films over several decades. His credits include The Princess Bride, Misery, A Few Good Men, The American President and The Bucket List. Authorities said detectives continue to investigate the case and no conclusions have yet been announced. Further information is expected as the inquiry progresses.   With inputs from NDTV

Director and actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead Sunday at a Los Angeles home owned by Reiner, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the investigation. The official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the case publicly, said investigators believe the two suffered stab wounds and that a family member is being questioned. The Los Angeles Fire Department said it responded to a medical aid call shortly after 3:30 pm and found a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman dead inside the residence. Reiner turned 78 in March. Los Angeles Police Department Captain Mike Bland said detectives from the Robbery Homicide Division were investigating an apparent homicide at the home. Authorities have not publicly confirmed the identities of the deceased found at the property in the upscale Brentwood neighbourhood on the city’s west side. Reiner was a prominent figure in Hollywood for decades, directing and acting in several well-known films, including This Is Spinal Tap, A Few Good Men, When Harry Met Sally and The Princess Bride. He first rose to fame for his role as Meathead in the 1970s television series All in the Family, for which he won two Emmy Awards. Relatives of producer Norman Lear, who created All in the Family and died in 2023, said they were deeply affected by the news. In a statement, the Lear family described Reiner as someone Lear regarded as a son and highlighted Reiner and his wife’s work through art, activism and philanthropy. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Reiner’s death was a significant loss for the city, citing his contributions to American culture through his creative work and advocacy. Rob Reiner was the son of comedian and filmmaker Carl Reiner, who died in 2020 at age 98. He married photographer Michele Singer Reiner in 1989 after meeting her while directing When Harry Met Sally. They had three children together. Reiner was previously married to actor and director Penny Marshall from 1971 to 1981 and adopted her daughter, Tracy Reiner. Marshall died in 2018. Killings are uncommon in the Brentwood area. The home is located about a mile from the site where Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman were killed in 1994.