United News of Bangladesh

Tom Cruise opened his highly anticipated CinemaCon appearance on Thursday with a moving tribute to his “Top Gun” co-star, Val Kilmer, who died Tuesday in Los Angeles. “He loved movies and he gave a lot to all of us with his performances and his films,” Cruise said to a room full of movie theatre owners. “I really can’t tell you how much I admired his work, how much I thought of him as a human being, and how grateful and honoured I was when he joined ‘Top Gun’ and then came back for ‘Top Gun: Maverick.’” Cruise called for a moment of silence, which stood in stark contrast to the otherwise action-packed presentation of Paramount Pictures’ upcoming movies. “Thank you, Val. I wish you well on your next journey,” he said to the silent room. ‘Batman’ star Val Kilmer dies at 65 Cruise was there to hype “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning,” the eighth instalment of the franchise set to hit theatres May 23. Given that the 62-year-old is one of the rare stars who is still a near-guarantee for box office success, Cruise is an unsurprising darling of the annual convention and trade show in Las Vegas, where studios hype up cinemas and seek to convince theatre owners they can lure audiences out of the house.

American authors Elizabeth Strout and Miranda July are among finalists announced Wednesday for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, alongside four debut novelists exploring the search for freedom in different countries and cultures. Pulitzer Prize winner Strout’s Maine-set mystery novel “Tell Me Everything” and writer'-filmmaker July’s “All Fours,” in which a “semi-famous artist” seeks a new life, are shortlisted for the 30,000 pound ($39,000) prize. It's open to female English-language writers from any country. The contenders also include Dutch writer Yael van der Wouden’s postwar story “The Safekeep” and German-born poet Aria Aber’s novel “Good Girl,” about a teenager exploring her dual German-Afghan heritage. Also on the list are Iran-born writer Sanam Mahloudji’s intergenerational family saga “The Persians,” and “Fundamentally” by Britain's Nussaibah Younis, about an academic trying to rehabilitate women caught up with the Islamic State group. ‘Batman’ star Val Kilmer dies at 65 Author Kit de Waal, who is chairing the panel of judges, said that the six books were “classics of the future” that explored “the importance of human connection.” “What is surprising and refreshing is to see so much humor, nuance and lightness employed by these novelists to shed light on challenging concepts,” she said. Previous winners of the fiction prize, founded in 1996, include Zadie Smith, Tayari Jones and Barbara Kingsolver. Last year, award organizers launched a companion Women’s Prize for Nonfiction to help rectify an imbalance in publishing. In 2022, only 26.5% of nonfiction books reviewed in Britain’s newspapers were by women, and male writers dominated established nonfiction writing prizes. Winners of both nonfiction and fiction prizes will be announced on June 12 at a ceremony in London.

Val Kilmer, the brooding, versatile actor who played fan favourite Iceman in “Top Gun,” donned a voluminous cape as Batman in “Batman Forever” and portrayed Jim Morrison in “The Doors,” has died. He was 65. Kilmer died Tuesday night in Los Angeles, surrounded by family and friends, his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, said in an email to The Associated Press. The Times was the first to report his death on Tuesday. Val Kilmer died from pneumonia. He had recovered after a 2014 throat cancer diagnosis that required two tracheotomies. “I have behaved poorly. I have behaved bravely. I have behaved bizarrely to some. I deny none of this and have no regrets because I have lost and found parts of myself that I never knew existed,” he says toward the end of “Val,” the 2021 documentary on his career. “And I am blessed.” Kilmer, the youngest actor ever accepted to the prestigious Juilliard School at the time he attended, experienced the ups and downs of fame more dramatically than most. His break came in 1984’s spy spoof “Top Secret!” followed by the comedy “Real Genius” in 1985. Kilmer would later show his comedy chops again in films including “MacGruber” and “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.” Ryan Coogler keen to cast Denzel Washington in ‘Black Panther 3’ His movie career hit its zenith in the early 1990s as he made a name for himself as a dashing leading man, starring alongside Kurt Russell and Bill Paxton in 1993’s “Tombstone,” as Elvis’ ghost in “True Romance” and as a bank-robbing demolition expert in Michael Mann’s 1995 film “Heat” with Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. “While working with Val on ‘Heat’ I always marvelled at the range, the brilliant variability within the powerful current of Val’s possessing and expressing character," director Michael Mann said in a statement Tuesday night. Actor Josh Brolin, a friend of Kilmer, was among others paying tribute. “You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker,” Brolin wrote on Instagram. “There’s not a lot left of those.” Kilmer — who took part in the Method branch of Suzuki arts training — threw himself into parts. When he played Doc Holliday in “Tombstone,” he filled his bed with ice for the final scene to mimic the feeling of dying from tuberculosis. To play Morrison, he wore leather pants all the time, asked castmates and crew to only refer to him as Jim Morrison and blasted The Doors for a year. That intensity also gave Kilmer a reputation that he was difficult to work with, something he grudgingly agreed with later in life, but always defending himself by emphasizing art over commerce. “In an unflinching attempt to empower directors, actors and other collaborators to honor the truth and essence of each project, an attempt to breathe Suzukian life into a myriad of Hollywood moments, I had been deemed difficult and alienated the head of every major studio,” he wrote in his memoir, “I’m Your Huckleberry.” One of his more iconic roles — hotshot pilot Tom “Iceman” Kazansky opposite Tom Cruise — almost didn’t happen. Kilmer was courted by director Tony Scott for “Top Gun” but initially balked. “I didn’t want the part. I didn’t care about the film. The story didn’t interest me,” he wrote in his memoir. He agreed after being promised that his role would improve from the initial script. He would reprise the role in the film’s 2022 sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick.” One career nadir was playing Batman in Joel Schumacher’s goofy, garish “Batman Forever” with Nicole Kidman and opposite Chris O’Donnell‘s Robin — before George Clooney took up the mantle for 1997’s “Batman & Robin” and after Michael Keaton played the Dark Knight in 1989’s “Batman” and 1992’s “Batman Returns.”

The 2025 box office has been hit with a deficit. Can the James Gunn-dubbed “summer of ‘Superman’” save it? Warner Bros. showed off a diverse and starry slate of its upcoming films on Tuesday — but the night was carried on the shoulders of Clark Kent. “I really do believe in this movie. And I do believe that there is a lack of human kindness, or at least a degradation of human kindness,” Gunn said. "This is a movie that celebrates kindness and human love.” At the annual CinemaCon convention and trade show in Las Vegas, Gunn — the director and writer of the first film in the new iteration of the connected DC Universe — also brought out its stars, who gushed over their experience making the film. “It’s a great honor to play a role that exists so clearly in the public consciousness, to the point where everyone I think, even if you haven’t seen a film or read a comic, you sort of know what the Superman symbol means and you know what it stands for,” said David Corenswet, adding that he hopes to “illuminate something new about the character, or even just bring the beloved character to a new audience.” Corenswet was joined onstage by Rachel Brosnahan, who plays Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult, who plays Lex Luther. “James makes a family out of every set,” Brosnahan said. “The set is full of people who want to be there, who love making these movies. And it’s such a joy to come to work every day. As many of you have probably heard from other people, it’s not always like that.” The Beatles biopics cast revealed: Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, Joseph Quinn and Harris Dickinson Gunn was announced to direct the film in 2023 shortly after he and Peter Safran became co-chairmen and co-CEOs of DC Studios. “We appreciate and share your passion for this art form,” Safran told a room full of theater owners. “It’s the fulcrum of our ambitious DC Studios slate and it’s what inspired James to shoot all over the world and push filmmaking technology to its limits, to propel moviegoers out of their homes into your theaters.” The film will be released theatrically in July amid a summer of superhero titles, including “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” and “Thunderbolts(asterisk).” In addition to “Superman,” Warner Bros. teased some of its April releases on the convention’s main stage, like Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” and “A Minecraft Movie,” but they also looked further down the road for 2025. In a nod to cinephiles, the studio kicked off its presentation by bringing out the stars of Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another,” including Leonardo DiCaprio and Regina Hall. The film is set to hit theaters in September. “I’ve been wanting to work with Paul for over, gosh, almost 20 years now. He’s one of the most unique talents of our time,” DiCaprio said. “With this film, he’s tapped into something politically and culturally that is brewing beneath our psyche. But at the same time, it’s an incredibly epic movie and has such scope and scale.” Director Joseph Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer also treated the audience to an extended sneak peak of “F1,” Brad Pitt’s Formula One racing drama premiering in June. Salman Khan Greets Fans on Eid from Behind Bulletproof Glass Amid Security Concerns In addition to Hollywood studios and stars boasting their theatrical menus which they believe will lure audiences to cinemas, the annual convention is also a time to discuss current industry debates, like how long movies should stay in theaters and the extent to which studios should get into production with streaming companies.

As Eid-Ul-Fitr is knocking at the door and the country gears up for Eid celebrations, cinema halls across Bangladesh are set to welcome moviegoers with a lineup of new releases. According to the Film Producers and Distributors Association, audiences will have a variety of films from a stellar line-up to choose from this festive season, including the Dhallywood megastar Shakib Khan’s 'Borbaad' and his previously made film 'Antoratta', Siam Ahmed starrer 'Jongli', Mosharraf Karim starrer 'Chokkor 302', and Sajal-Nusraat Faria’s 'Jinn-3' from Jazz Multimedia. Among these, the biggest attraction for both audiences and cinema owners appears to be Shakib Khan’s ‘Borbaad’. Industry insiders believe the film has the potential to dominate the box office, and after surpassing the initial hurdles about receiving the censor certificate due to some of its ‘objected’ scenes from the Certification Board, the film’s producer Producer Shahrin Sumi has recently confirmed to media that the film is all set to be released in more than 100 theatres across the country. The film stars an ensemble cast featuring Shakib Khan opposite his ‘Priyotoma’ actress, Kolkata’s Idhika Pal; while another popular West Bengal actress, Nusrat Jahan, has been featured in a special item song. West Bengal's popular and versatile actor Jisshu Sengupta is also in the film, alongside Fazlur Rahman Babu, Mamunur Rashid, Intekhab Dinar, Shahiduzzaman Selim, and Misha Sawdagor, to name a few from the stellar cast.  'Jongli' celebrates Siam's birthday with a 60-ft poster Directed by Mehedi Hasan Hridoy, ‘Borbaad’ marks his debut as a filmmaker, and the film has been the centre of discussion and attraction among Dhallywood fans. Posters, teasers, and songs have already captured public attention, raising anticipation for its release. Another much-talked-about film this Eid is ‘Daagi’, directed by Shihab Shaheen which marks the big-screen return of popular star Afran Nisho after his 2023 debut film ‘Surongo’. Returning to theatres after the commercial success of his maiden theatrical endeavour, fans are eagerly waiting for ‘Daagi’ - in which Nisho will be seen alongside actress Tama Mirza, his co-actress from ‘Surongo’. Sunerah Binte Kamal is also starring in the film in a prominent role alongside seasoned actors Gazi Rakayet, Monira Mithu and others, and recently the team of ‘Daagi’ surprised the netizens on the day of the movie’s press meet where Nisho was brought in the venue in a prisoner’s outfit as part of an innovative promotional strategy. Nisho has also made his debut as a playback singer for the film as he voiced the title track with music director and composer Arafat Mohsin Nidhi, and with all of its offerings, ‘Daagi’ has become a story of redemption, according to its acclaimed director Shihab Shaheen who is also making a comeback as a film director after several years. Shakib Khan's 'Taandob' announced for Eid-ul-Adha 2025 Among the notable releases is another film ‘Jongli’, directed by M Raahim featuring popular actor Siam Ahmed in the lead role. The film also stars Shabnam Bubly and Prarthana Fardin Dighi as the lead characters, and Siam Ahmed’s transformed new look in ‘Jongli’ has already caught widespread attention while the songs have also been well-received by fans. Many are expecting the movie to bring fresh excitement, particularly as audiences are eager to see Siam’s comeback in an action-packed role. The film has already become talk-of-the-town with its promotional campaigns, and the team left no stone untouched to reach audiences with its thrilling theatrical offerings. For those looking for a different genre, Jaaz Multimedia’s horror film ‘Jinn 3’ from its popular spooky ‘Jinn’ series is set to offer a supernatural experience for the audiences. Directed by Kamruzzaman Roman, the film stars popular actor Abdun Noor Sajal and actress Nusraat Faria in lead roles. With horror films being a relatively rare genre in the Bangladeshi film industry, ‘Jinn 3’ has generated considerable interest. One of its songs, “Konna” by Imran and Kona, has already created a buzz among audiences, and the film is expected to attract viewers looking for something beyond traditional action and romance. ‘Chokkor 302’ is another interesting entry in this Eid’s lineup, directed by actor-filmmaker Sharaf Ahmed Jibon. The film, which received a government grant, stars acclaimed actor Mosharraf Karim as the lead character playing the role of a detective. The teaser of the film has sparked conversations among film enthusiasts, alongside its tantalizing rendition of the folk song “Kauwa Komola Khaite Jane Naa” by Matal Razzak Dewan. The film’s storyline and Mosharraf Karim’s powerful performance are expected to draw in audiences who appreciate meaningful cinema. Afran Nisho appears as a prisoner to promote ‘Daagi’ A very delayed release is finally hitting theaters this year which came as a surprise to many, as the Shakib Khan starrer film ‘Antoratta’ has officially joined the Eid release race. Directed by Wajed Ali Sumon, the film has been in the making since 2021. Even though neither Shakib Khan nor others are promoting the film, the trailer of ‘Antoratta’ has already received praise, adding to the film’s anticipation. West Bengal actress Darshana Banik played the female lead opposite Shakib, and given the Dhallywood Megastar’s screen power and the extended wait for this film’s release, industry insiders believe ‘Antoratta’ might perform well at the box office. “With such a diverse range of films hitting theaters this Eid, competition at the box office is expected to be intense. It is believed that while ‘Borbaad’ appears to be the frontrunner, films like ‘Daagi’, ‘Jongli’, and ‘Jinn 3’ have the potential to perform strongly while ‘Chokkor 302’ and ‘Antoratta’ will also find their desired audiences,” popular film reviewer, actor and critic Syed Nazmus Sakib told UNB, evaluating this year’s Eid-Ul-Fitr releases. “However, there is a concern. We have seen recent incidents of attacks and vandalism in theatres, and the government, as well as law and enforcement officials, need to ensure that the screenings do not get hampered by any mishap or chaos because not only the filmmakers but also cinema hall owners are eager to recover from the setbacks. That being said, I, alongside many of our Dhallywood fans, are hopeful that these Eid releases will bring audiences back to theatres in large numbers,” Sakib told UNB. The coming weeks will reveal which films succeed in winning the hearts of moviegoers and making significant marks in Bangladesh’s film industry.

Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor delighted fans with a nostalgic throwback picture featuring her husband, Saif Ali Khan. In the candid snapshot, the couple can be seen looking away from the camera, with Saif dressed casually and Kareena exuding glamour in a leather jacket. Sharing the picture on Instagram, Kareena captioned it, "Throwback Thursday Part 2" and added a red heart emoji. Kareena Kapoor and Gillian Anderson on Sex in Cinema A few days ago, Kareena Kapoor engaged in a conversation with Sex Education star Gillian Anderson about the portrayal of sex on screen and the cultural differences between the East and the West. During their discussion, Gillian Anderson expressed her comfort with intimate scenes, acknowledging the demands of her profession. 'Snow White' opens with a sleepy $43 million at box office When asked about her personal boundaries, Kareena stated that she is not comfortable performing such scenes. "Personally, I feel like sex scenes are not essential to take a story forward. It’s not something I believe is necessary. I am not comfortable doing them on screen," she said. Highlighting the differences in mindset, Kareena added, "We don't view sexuality or sex as a natural human experience. Before depicting it on screen, we need to start respecting sex more. In India, we are not as open about these topics as in the West, where female desire is tackled more openly." Kareena’s Recent Work On the professional front, Kareena Kapoor turned heads with her dazzling appearances at the IIFA 2025. She also paid tribute to her legendary grandfather, Raj Kapoor, by performing to some of his iconic songs on stage. 'Borbaad' gets clearance from Certification Board after revisions Kareena was last seen in Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again, which was released last year. Source: With input from NDTV

“Shobar Agey Bangladesh Foundation” will host the 'Swadhinata Concert' on April 11 across four divisional cities, including Dhaka.  The foundation’s president, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, who is also BNP's joint secretary general, announced this at a press conference at Uday Tower, Gulshan on Thursday. He said, “Independence Day was yesterday… Ramadan is ongoing. The programme by 'Shobar Agey Bangladesh Foundation' will be held on April 11 after Eid, under the name 'Swadhinata Concert' simultaneously at four venues: Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka, MA Aziz Stadium in Chattogram, Khulna Stadium, and Bogura. We are currently considering two venues for Bogura: Altafunnessa Playground and Azizul Haque College Ground, and will decide which one to choose today.” Star-studded ‘Shobar Agey Bangladesh’ concert draws massive crowd at Manik Mia Avenue “We have designed the programme to highlight Bangladeshi songs, heritage, and culture. For smooth execution, we seek cooperation from journalists, media, social media activists, the administration, law enforcement, city corporations, and all stakeholders,” Annie added. The concert will run from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Last December, in preparation for Victory Day, the foundation organised the 'Bijoy Concert' at Manik Mia Avenue. The Dhaka concert will feature James, Feedback, Shironaamhin, Power Surge, Affic, Aftermath, Pritom, Zephyr, Porshi, Ferdous Wahid, Mila, Agun, Haider Hossain, Animesh Roy, Sohan Ali, Abrar Shahriar, Mahtim Shakib, Selim Chowdhury, Aleya Begum, and Mifta Zaman. In Chattogram, performances will include Miles, Souls, Ark, Lalon, Ashes, Subconscious, Bay of Bengal, Teerondaj, Metrical, Kiran Das, Natai, Emran, Konal, Chishti Baul, Tasnim Anika, Salma, Raihan, Shuvro, Moushumi, Ethun Babu, and Ritu Raj. Bogura’s lineup will feature Artcell, Avoid Rafa, Different Touch, Mizan, MNB, Vikings, Bagdhara, Hridoy Khan, Baby Nazneen, Khurshid Alam, Konokchapa, Alam Ara Minu, Komia, Yamik, Luipa, KZ Rabbi, Muttaki Hasib, Rajib, and Mahin. Neha Kakkar faces backlash for arriving late at Melbourne Concert, Breaks down on stage The Khulna concert will include Warfaze, Arbovirus, Shonar Bangla Circus, Carnival, Bangla Five, Kagul, Kure Ghor, Biborton, Asif Akbar, Balam, Tahsan Khan, Munir Khan, Kona, Nasir, Joy Shahriar, Tuntun Babul, Rukhsar Rahman, Liza, and Palash. Regional songs, poetry recitations, and comedy will also be featured. Annie reiterated, “There is a cultural aggression against Bangladesh… We are resisting this and ensuring that Indian and Pakistani songs do not dominate our culture.” He emphasized the foundation’s broader mission, stating, “We envision a bright future for Bangladesh, engaging the younger generation in upholding our heritage and history.” He further noted, “BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has been instrumental in the foundation’s creation and its initiatives, including this concert.”

Will Smith could have allowed the fallout from his infamous Oscars incident to overshadow his career, with his reputation in decline and his personal life under scrutiny. However, rather than withdrawing from the spotlight, he turned inwards, embarking on a journey of self-reflection, AP reports. Through this process, Smith rediscovered a creative outlet he had long set aside—music. After years of prioritising his dominance in Hollywood, he turned to songwriting as a means of expressing his thoughts. “I’ve spent the last couple of years diving deep into myself, questioning aspects of my identity with real honesty,” said Smith, an Oscar and Grammy winner. On Friday, he releases his fifth studio album, Based on a True Story, marking his first music project in two decades since Lost and Found. “This album is the outcome of my introspection,” he explained. “Every track represents a part of myself I wanted to explore or share. It is my most complete musical project to date.” Smith’s latest work features collaborations with Big Sean, Teyana Taylor, DJ Jazzy Jeff, his son Jaden Smith, Jac Ross, and Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir. While gospel influences are woven throughout, he stops short of calling it a gospel album, despite the success of You Can Make It, which recently topped the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart. Faith played a significant role in shaping the album’s creative direction. Smith plans to release three albums this year, describing them as distinct seasons. The first, Rave in the Wasteland, unfolds across Based on a True Story’s 14 tracks, reflecting his willingness to learn from life’s challenges. 'Snow White' opens with a sleepy $43 million at box office “I have reached some profound realisations,” he said. “About God, about reality.” Embracing hardship as creative fuel Although Smith, 56, remains a global star, regaining public trust has been an uphill battle. The backlash following his 2022 Oscars altercation with Chris Rock and his subsequent 10-year Academy ban added to the challenges. Criticism came from many in the entertainment industry, including Zoë Kravitz, Wanda Sykes, and Rob Reiner. Jim Carrey was especially outspoken, stating that Smith had been “living beyond his bandwidth.” Smith acknowledged this but said it was necessary to take a step back to better understand himself. “My small self has limits,” he said. “But when I take a step back, there’s an infinite space where I can grow. I’ve learnt not to restrict myself to a narrow existence but to embrace a broader truth.” DiCaprio’s film delayed as Warner Bros reshuffles releases Rock’s comedy special and Jada Pinkett Smith’s memoir, Worthy, further reignited public scrutiny. Yet, rather than shy away, Smith used adversity as inspiration. “There’s a resilience you develop by facing difficulties rather than avoiding them,” he said. He credited his late grandmother, Nelson Mandela, and Tibetan Buddhist Pema Chödrön’s philosophy of “leaning into sharp points” for guiding him. A new creative era Surprisingly, Smith is preparing for his first headline tour this summer. The concerts will reflect different phases of his career: one dedicated to his early days with DJ Jazzy Jeff, another to his film and television career, and a third exploring his new creative vision. The tour begins on 25 June at the Mawazine Festival in Morocco and concludes in early September in Paris, with stops in the UK, France, and Germany. Additionally, Smith has multiple films in pre-production, including Fast and Loose, Hancock 2, I Am Legend 2, and a remake of Planes, Trains and Automobiles. “This is the most exciting creative phase of my career,” he said. “What I’m about to do in music and cinema is keeping me up at night with anticipation.”

The Walt Disney Co.’s live-action, controversy-bedeviled “Snow White” opened in theaters with a sleepy $43 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday. With a budget above $250 million, “Snow White” had set out with higher ambitions, particularly since it returns Disney to its very origins. The 1937 original “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” was the company’s first animated feature, and paid for its Burbank studio lot. But this “Snow White” struggled to find anything like a fairy tale ending. The runup to release was plagued by controversies over the film’s handling of the dwarfs, who are rendered in CGI, and backlashes over comments by its star, Rachel Zegler. The PR headaches prompted Disney to pull back on its premiere. Also working against the film, directed by Marc Webb: poor reviews. Critics were largely not impressed with Disney’s latest live-action remake, with reviews coming in just 43% “fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes. There’s been a wide variance between the box-office performance of other “live-action” Disney remakes, but “Snow White” might mark a new nadir. Jon Favreau’s photorealistic “The Lion King” (2019) didn’t have great reviews, either, but grossed more than $1.6 billion worldwide. “Snow White” opened worse than “Dumbo” (a $46 million opening in 2019) and well shy of “Cinderella” territory ($67.9 million in 2015). Overseas, “Snow White” added $44.3 million for a global launch of $87.3 million. But going into the weekend, “Snow White” had been eyeing a worldwide total closer to $100 million – and a few weeks back, expectations were significantly higher. The result will surely add to questions over Disney’s long-term strategy of mining its vault for live-action remakes. In the pipeline are upcoming new versions of “Moana" and “Tangled." A live-action “Lilo & Stitch” launches in May. Efforts to modernize “Snow White," though, quickly ran afoul. In 2022, actor Peter Dinklage criticized the remake plans as “backward.” Disney ultimately opted to drop “and the Seven Dwarfs” from the original's title, and animate the dwarfs. Some right-wing commentators targeted “Snow White” and Zegler's casting as an overly “woke” production. Delays and reshoots also ran up costs. Disney, though, has recently steered a handful of films from modest starts to enviable final hauls. The Barry Jenkins-directed “Mufasa: The Lion King” opened with $35.4 million domestically, but ultimately surpassed $717 million worldwide. “Snow White” will face little direct competition in the coming weeks. Audiences gave it a “B+” CinemaScore. Warner Bros.’ “Alto Knights,” a period gangster film starring Robert De Niro in both lead roles, was a total misfire. The Barry Levinson-directed film, which cost about $45 million to make, opened with just $3.2 million from 2,651 theaters. The flop of “Alto Knights” followed another misfire for Warner Bros. with Bong Joon Ho’s big-budget sci-fi “Mickey 17.” In three weeks, it’s tallied $40.2 million domestically against a $118 million budget. “Magazine Dreams,” starring Jonathan Majors as a disturbed aspiring bodybuilder, opened with $700,000 for Briarcliff Entertainment in 815 locations. The film was dropped by Searchlight Pictures after Majors was convicted of two misdemeanor counts of assault and harassment against Grace Jabbari, his ex-girlfriend. Majors avoided jail time but was given a year of probation. The disappointment-filled weekend added to a rough 2025 so far for Hollywood. The box office is down 6.9% from last year, according to data firm Comscore, and 38.6% from 2019. Top 10 movies by domestic box office With final domestic figures releasing Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. 1. “Snow White,” $43 million. 2. “Black Bag," $4.4 million 3. “Captain America: Brave New World,” $4.1 million. 4. “Mickey 17," $3.9 million. 5. “Novocaine,” $3.8 million. 6. “The Alto Knights,” $3.2 million. 7. “The Day the Earth Blew Up,” $1.8 million. 8. “The Monkey,” $1.5 million. 9. “Dog Man,” $1.5 million. 10. “The Last Supper,” $1.3 million.

Korean dramas have earned global recognition for their unique storytelling, powerful acting performances, and deeply emotional connections with audiences. Like every month, the April 2025 releases are going to showcase an exciting blend of romance, fantasy, comedy, crime, thriller, and musical genres. With unparalleled plotlines and life-centric themes, these K-dramas promise to hook viewers worldwide, including Bangladesh. Let's take a look at 10 must-watch K-dramas that are set to premiere in April 2025. 10 Most Hyped Korean Dramas Debuting this April . Way Back Love/Fantasy Romance/April 3, 2025 The romantic drama Way Back Love is inspired by the 2018 novel ‘Naega Jookki Iljooil Jeon’ written by Seo Eun-Chae. This drama is also titled ‘A Week Before I Die'.  Choi Ha-Na takes on the director’s seat, and Jang In Jeong and Song Hyun Ju serve as screenwriters. Gong Myung and Kim Min-Ha assume the protagonist roles. Read more: Pakistani Dramas Taking Over 2025: 10 Top Picks for Your Watchlist The fantasy series follows a young woman who has lost the will to live, only to be confronted by a figure from her past who forces her to reconsider her final days. As they navigate unspoken emotions, a bittersweet journey unfolds in the space between life and death. Karma / Crime Thriller / April 4, 2025 Scheduled to air on Netflix, the crime series Karma reimagines Choi Hee-Sun’s webcomic ‘Akyeon’ (2019-2020). Alternatively titled ‘Ill-Fated Relationship’, this thriller drama thrives under the screenwriting and direction of Lee Il-Hyeong. The thriller series follows six individuals whose lives become entangled by fateful choices, past traumas, and desperate ambitions. As they navigate a web of secrets, debts, and unexpected encounters, their destinies collide in an irreversible chain of events. Park Hae-Soo, Shin Min-A, Lee Hee-Jun, Kim Sung-Kyun, Lee Kwang-Soo, and Gong Seung-Yeon portray the key characters. Read more: April 2025 Hindi Films Lineup: Top 10 Most Hyped Bollywood Releases Crushology 101/Romantic Comedy, April 4, 2025 Based on Ni Eun’s webcomic ‘Bunnywa Obbadeul’ (2019–2023), the romantic drama Crushology 101 is also known as ‘Bunny and Her Brothers’. Kim Ji-Hoon’s directing and Sung So Eun and Lee Seul’s screenwriting elevate the series. At the heart of this drama is a gifted sculptor whose past heartbreak reshapes her views on love and self-worth. When two strikingly different yet equally captivating men enter her life, she finds herself caught between desire, doubt, and the search for genuine connection. The main cast includes Roh Jeong-Eui, Lee Chae-Min, and Jo Joon-Young. Read more: April 2025 South Indian Film Slate: 12 most hyped releases Catch Your Luck / Crime Drama / April 7, 2025 The crime series Catch Your Luck boasts Lee Hae-Woo and Park Man-Young as the directors. Son Ji-Hye is the writer of this series, which also goes by the title ‘Good Luck'.  This story centres on a miserly landlord whose relentless pursuit of wealth comes at the cost of relationships and morality. As fate tests his greed through old friendships and unexpected hardships, he faces a reckoning that forces him to question what truly holds value in life. Son Chang-Min, Sun Woo Jae Duk, and Park Sang-Myeon embody the lead roles. New Recruit 3/Black Comedy/April 7, 2025 Adapted from Studio JBBJ’s hit YouTube animation, the dark comedy New Recruit 3 offers a sharp and satirical look at the lives of young soldiers in their 20s. It unravels the culture, hidden dynamics, and absurd realities of South Korea’s military service. Director Min Jin Gi returns to the directorial role for season 3. Read more: Amazon Prime Video Original Lineup for April 2025: Most Hyped Web Series and Films Their original roles are reprised by Kim Min Ho, Lee Sang Jin, Nam Tae Woo, Jo Jin Se, Kim Hyun Kyu, Lee Chung Goo, Lee Jung Hyun, Lee Soo Ji, and Jeon Seung Hoon. Joining them are new faces like Kim Dong Jun, Kim Yo Han, and Oh Dae Hwan. In Season 3, Park Min-Seok’s journey toward his promotion to corporal takes an unexpected turn as he faces mounting challenges. The reappearance of Kim Hyun-Kyu, a formidable figure from Season 1, sets the stage for new conflicts and chaos.