United News of Bangladesh

Hollywood writer-director Carl Erik Rinsch, best known for directing 47 Ronin, was arrested Tuesday on charges of wire fraud and money laundering after allegedly defrauding Netflix of $11 million for a sci-fi series that never aired. According to federal prosecutors, Netflix initially paid $44 million for Rinsch’s unfinished show, White Horse. He later requested an additional $11 million, claiming it was needed to complete production. Instead, prosecutors say Rinsch diverted the funds into a personal brokerage account, where he made risky investments, losing about half within two months. Tom Hardy faces his past in Netflix’s crime thriller ‘Havoc’ trailer The remaining funds were funneled into cryptocurrency, yielding profits that Rinsch later transferred to a personal bank account. Prosecutors allege he then went on a lavish spending spree, purchasing: $2.4 million worth of Rolls-Royces (five) and a Ferrari$3.8 million on furniture and antiques$652,000 on luxury watches and clothing$1.8 million to pay off credit card bills$1 million in legal fees—ironically, to sue Netflix for more moneyRinsch, 47, was arrested in West Hollywood and appeared in a Los Angeles federal court wearing a turtleneck sweater and jeans, shackled at the arms and legs. He did not enter a plea but confirmed he understood the charges. U.S. Magistrate Judge Pedro V. Castillo approved his release on a $100,000 bond, requiring him to appear in New York, where his indictment was filed. His court date has yet to be set. Top 10 Netflix English Originals to Watch in April 2025: Movies, Series, and Shows His attorney, Annie Carney, declined to comment but noted the allegations were “purely financial.” Netflix has not responded to requests for comment. Source: With input from agency

Renowned Pakistani singer Atif Aslam has once again captivated audiences with his latest spiritual release, Ya Nabi Salam Alaika. Known for his heartfelt renditions of religious poetry, Atif continues to inspire listeners with his soulful performances.  In this new recitation, he collaborates with esteemed artists Ahsan Parvaiz Mehdi and Kumail Jaffery, delivering a moving tribute to the essence of Ramadan, according to dunyanews. Set against a breathtaking natural backdrop, the rendition exudes tranquility and devotion, enhancing the spiritual ambiance of the holy month.  Will Smith to release first album in 20 years Atif Aslam, who enjoys a massive international following, has consistently expressed his deep appreciation for religious recitals, considering them among his most meaningful works. His spiritual releases have strengthened his bond with listeners, offering them solace and a sense of connection.  Since its release, Ya Nabi Salam Alaika has garnered widespread acclaim on social media, with fans praising its sincerity and calming arrangement. Many have expressed gratitude for Atif’s contribution to the spiritual beauty of Ramadan, calling it a cherished addition to this year’s celebrations.  With each release, Atif continues to bridge the gap between music and spirituality, leaving a lasting impression on his audience.

Disney’s latest animated sequel, Moana 2, has recorded an impressive 27.3 million views on Disney+ within its first five days, making it the third most successful Disney Animation theatrical release on the streaming platform.  The film sees Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprising their roles as Moana and Maui, respectively. It has achieved the biggest Disney Animation debut on Disney+ since Encanto.  The original Moana, released in 2016, remains the platform’s most-watched film, accumulating 1.4 billion hours of streaming since Disney+ launched in 2019, Variety reports.  Will Smith to release first album in 20 years Initially planned as a television series, Moana 2 premiered in cinemas on November 28 and surpassed $1 billion in global box office earnings. The sequel was directed by Dana Ledoux Miller, David G Derrick Jr, and Jason Hand. Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear composed the soundtrack, taking over from Lin-Manuel Miranda, who created the music for the first film. The cast also includes Nicole Scherzinger, Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, Rose Matafeo, Temuera Morrison, David Fane, and Hualālai Chung.  Co-director Miller reflected on the cultural significance of Moana, saying she had never experienced a major cinema screening where the voices of her people were represented. Top 10 Netflix English Originals to Watch in April 2025: Movies, Series, and Shows “I had never walked into a Regal Cinema and heard the voices of my people before. And to have one of them be a Disney princess changes everything. It says, ‘It’s OK to be Polynesian and be strong and adventurous and funny.’ You see yourself reflected on screen and that’s powerful.”

Oscar-winning actor Will Smith is set to make his long-awaited return to music, announcing that his latest album will be released on March 28 – marking his first in two decades.  The actor, rapper, and producer shared the news via Instagram on Sunday, revealing the title ‘Based on a True Story’ and urging fans to pre-save the album, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s OFFICIAL!! My new album, Based on a True Story, drops on 28 March. TWO WEEKS!! Hit that presave. Been working on this project for a minute and I’m itchin’ to get it out to y’all,” he wrote to his 69.5 million followers.  The 14-track record will see Smith reunite with longtime collaborator DJ Jazzy Jeff and include features from Teyana Taylor and Jac Ross. In January, he released Beautiful Scars, a single featuring Big Sean and Obangain.  Smith first rose to fame as a rapper in the late 1980s as part of DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, producing hits such as ‘Parents Just Don’t Understand’ and ‘Girls Ain’t Nothing but Trouble’, both of which gained significant airplay on MTV. Metallica launches immersive concert on Apple Vision Pro His musical career flourished alongside his acting, particularly after starring in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He later produced title tracks for films such as ‘Men in Black’ and ‘Wild Wild West’, reaching his peak with 1997’s ‘Big Willie Style’ before releasing three more albums.  Despite his success, Smith is still rebuilding his public image following the 2022 Oscars controversy, where he slapped comedian Chris Rock on stage over a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith. The incident led to a 10-year ban from the Academy Awards, casting a shadow over his otherwise illustrious career.  Now, Smith appears eager to reclaim his musical legacy with his latest project. Top 10 Netflix English Originals to Watch in April 2025: Movies, Series, and Shows

Philanthropist Melinda French Gates shared her desire for people to see her "thriving" after her divorce from Microsoft Co-founder Bill Gates. In an interview with Elle, Melinda discussed how her life has transformed since the separation and expressed that while divorces are “painful,” it is not something she would “wish on any family.” When asked about a part of her book discussing the months before her divorce, Melinda recalled a trip to Santa Fe with Bill, where she realized that the house they had rented once belonged to a couple who had separated. Intrigued, she searched online to learn what had become of them. She was then asked what she would want someone to discover about her if they found themselves in her former home years later. Her response was, “She is thriving on the other side of a divorce… Just thriving.” Regarding dating after her divorce, Melinda noted that it is not her current priority. While she has previously been linked to entrepreneur Philip Vaughn, she emphasized that she knew she would be okay on her own after the divorce, calling that independence the most important aspect. Melinda and Bill Gates first met in 1987 and married in 1994 after seven years of dating. Their divorce was announced in May 2021 and finalized in August. Reflecting on her life post-divorce, Melinda mentioned feeling “unencumbered” for the first time, now having the freedom to manage her own finances and companies. She expressed that a woman should have her “full voice” and decision-making authority, adding that she now enjoys making decisions without seeking permission from anyone. Belgian actor Émilie Dequenne dies at 43 from cancer As she embraces life beyond 60, Melinda has become less concerned about others' opinions, describing herself as a “recovering perfectionist.” She focuses on staying active, enjoying activities like skiing, kayaking, walking with friends, and attending spiritual group meetings, all while seeking moments of “discovery” in her daily life. Source: Hindustan Times

Metallica has taken their live concert experience to a new level by releasing an immersive show for Apple's cutting-edge Vision Pro headset. The exclusive experience, launched on Friday, allows fans to get closer than ever to the band, virtually stepping onto the stage and witnessing performances from unique perspectives.  The concert, filmed during Metallica’s M72 tour in Mexico City last year, utilises advanced footage captured by Apple. Fans can position themselves within the crowd, hover above the stage, or even stand behind drummer Lars Ulrich’s kit, observing every detail up close—including tiny specks of dust settling on the cymbals, reports The Hollywood Reporter.  Amazon Prime to stream Trump's 'The Apprentice' reality show To mark the launch, Metallica’s bassist Robert Trujillo made a surprise appearance at the Apple Store in The Grove, Los Angeles, where fans were trying out the experience. Unbeknownst to them, he sat beside them as they watched a six-minute demo. Once they finished, Trujillo greeted them, adding a personal touch to the event.  Trujillo praised the technology’s ability to recreate the energy of a live concert. “You can really feel the music and the interaction between the fans and the band,” he said. “You can look into the fans’ eyes—it’s like you can almost touch it.”  Metallica’s release is the latest in Apple’s series of immersive music experiences for the Vision Pro, following similar projects with Alicia Keys, Raye, and The Weeknd. Their concert lasts about 25 minutes, featuring three of their most iconic songs: Whiplash, One, and Enter Sandman.  Early reactions suggest the experience is highly immersive, providing a unique way to engage with a live performance. However, with the Vision Pro’s hefty price tag of $3,500, widespread access remains limited. For those unable to purchase the headset, Apple Stores are offering demos featuring Whiplash. 

  A variety of fresh movies, TV shows, music, and games are arriving on streaming platforms. Among the highlights are Moana 2, one of 2024’s top-grossing films, and Amanda Seyfried’s role as a Philadelphia police officer tackling the opioid crisis in Peacock’s Long Bright River. The Associated Press entertainment team has also spotlighted other must-watch releases: a rediscovered Tom Petty documentary, comedian John Mulaney’s new live talk show on Netflix, and a six-part series, Confessions of Octomom, revisiting Nadya Suleman’s dramatic life. New Movies to Stream (March 10-16) Moana 2 was initially planned as a streaming series but landed on Disney+ following a $1 billion global box office run. Set three years after the 2016 original, Moana (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho) embarks on another oceanic adventure to unite Pacific Island communities. Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui. While the film captures the spirit of Polynesian culture and adventure, critics note it lacks the humor and catchy songs of its predecessor. The Electric State, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo (Avengers: Endgame), is now on Netflix. Based on Simon Stalenhag’s illustrated novel, this sci-fi story follows a teenager (Millie Bobby Brown) searching for her missing brother in a retro-futuristic America, accompanied by a robot (voiced by Anthony Mackie) and a drifter (Chris Pratt). All We Imagine as Light, a highly praised 2024 film by Payal Kapadia, is now streaming on the Criterion Channel. The film follows three Mumbai hospital workers facing personal struggles. When they visit a coastal town, their experiences shift into a dreamlike exploration of what their lives could be. New Music Releases (March 10-16) K-pop sensation LE SSERAFIM returns with a new EP, HOT, featuring a mix of rock and disco influences centered around themes of love. A long-lost 1983 documentary, Tom Petty: Heartbreakers Beach Party, has been restored and is now available on Paramount+. The film, originally aired only once on MTV, offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at Petty’s Long After Dark tour. New Shows to Stream (March 10-16) Confessions of Octomom, a six-part Lifetime series (now streaming on Hulu), revisits the media frenzy around Nadya Suleman, who became infamous in 2009 for giving birth to octuplets while already raising six children. The show explores how she and her 14 kids navigated financial struggles, public scrutiny, and personal setbacks. Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney, a new Netflix talk show, brings the comedian back to live television with celebrity interviews and a signature unpredictable style. Richard Kind joins as the sidekick. Long Bright River stars Amanda Seyfried as a Philadelphia cop investigating a string of murders while searching for her missing, drug-addicted sister. The eight-episode thriller, based on Liz Moore’s novel, is streaming on Peacock. Dope Thief, a Ridley Scott-produced Apple TV+ series, follows two friends (Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura) who impersonate DEA agents to steal drugs and cash—until they target the wrong people. Streaming begins Friday. New Video Games to Play Wanderstop, a new indie game from The Stanley Parable creator Davey Wreden, follows a former warrior who runs a tea shop in a magical forest. While it appears cozy, the game may hold unexpected twists. Now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, and PC. 

On his 60th birthday, Bollywood star Aamir Khan made headlines not just for the milestone but for introducing his partner, Gauri Spratt, to the public. At a pre-birthday gathering in Mumbai, Aamir spoke candidly about their relationship and future plans.  Speaking to the media at a Mumbai hotel, Aamir shared that he and Gauri first met 25 years ago but lost touch, reconnecting two years ago. "I was looking for someone who brings me peace, and I found that in her," he said. He explained that they had reached a point in their relationship where they felt secure enough to make it public. "Now, I won’t have to hide things. If we go for coffee, you can join us too," he joked.  Having been married twice before—to Reena Dutta and Kiran Rao—Aamir has three children. He revealed that Gauri had met them and that they liked her. When asked about marriage, he laughed, saying, "We are fully committed. But at 60, marriage may not suit me. Let’s see."  Rashmika Mandanna: The box office queen who surpassed Deepika, Alia Gauri, originally from Bangalore, is the daughter of Rita Spratt, who owned a salon in the city. According to her LinkedIn profile, she currently manages a BBlunt salon in Mumbai. She has a six-year-old child and has been dating Aamir for the past 18 months.  While Aamir remains uncertain about another marriage, his openness about the relationship signals a new chapter in his life. With inputs from Indian media

As a leading OTT (Over-The-Top) platform, Amazon Prime Video continues to expand its diverse catalog with fresh content and returning favorites. The April 2025 lineup spans animation, action, crime, thriller, and comedy. The collection features fresh premieres, eagerly awaited returns, and hidden gems, promising to take over your watchlist. Let’s take a closer look at the must-watch titles set to dominate conversations this month. 10 Must-watch Original Shows on Amazon Prime Video this April . The Bondsman / Action Horror / April 03, 2025 Featuring Kevin Bacon in the lead role, this action drama thrives with Erik Oleson as the showrunner and Grainger David as its creator. The writing credit also goes to Satinder Kaur, Satinder Kaur, and Nina Kim. This supernatural horror follows Hub Halloran, a resurrected bounty hunter granted an unexpected second chance at life. As he revels in love and a long-dormant musical career, he soon discovers that his old profession now comes with a sinister twist. Read more: Top 10 Netflix English Originals to Watch in April 2025: Movies, Series, and Shows The supporting cast includes Jennifer Nettles, Beth Grant, Damon Herriman, Maxwell Jenkins, and Jolene Purdy. The episodes' directors are Sanaa Hamri, Lauren Wolkstein, and Thor Freudenthal. Oleson, Bacon, and David executive produced this series along with Jason Blum, Chris McCumber, Jeremy Gold, Chris Dickie, and Paul Shapiro. Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX / Sci-fi Anime / April 08, 2025 Created by Yoshiyuki Tomino and Hajime Yatate, this Japanese series is the 16th main entry in the Gundam franchise. Continuing the trend set by The Witch from Mercury (2022–2023), this marks the second consecutive series to feature a female protagonist. This time it shares the spotlight with both female and male co-leads. Read more: March 2025 K-Drama Fever: 10 Most-hyped Shows Worth Binge-Watching Written by Hideaki Anno and Yoji Enokido, this Sunrise and Studio Khara production is the second Gundam TV series to premiere in Japan's Reiwa era. This military science fiction follows a space colony teenager whose life takes a drastic turn after befriending a refugee and entering the world of underground mecha duels. Her reality is further upended by the arrival of a mysterious Gundam and its young pilot- both hunted by the authorities. Under the direction of Kazuya Tsurumaki, this action-adventure showcases the voice cast that includes Tomoyo Kurosawa, Yui Ishikawa, Shimba Tsuchiya, and Yuuki Shin. Bhool Chuk Maaf / Sci-fi Comedy / April 10, 2025 Backed by Dinesh Vijan under the banner of Maddock Films, this Bollywood movie flourishes with Karan Sharma as its director and writer. In this sci-fi tale, a groom-to-be eagerly awaits his wedding, now just a day away. However, the Haldi ceremony inexplicably repeats itself in an endless time loop, turning his excitement into confusion and despair. Read more: 12 Most Anticipated South Indian Movies Releasing in March 2025 The romantic comedy stars Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, supported by Kumud Mishra, Sadia Khateeb, Revathi, and Sharib Hashmi. G20 / Action Thriller / April 10, 2025 Story by Logan Miller and Noah Miller, this action film takes shape courtesy of screenplay writers Caitlin Parrish, Logan Miller, Noah Miller, and Erica Weiss. The story follows U.S. President Danielle Sutton as she fights to protect her family, world leaders, and global stability when terrorists seize the G20 summit in Cape Town, South Africa. Directed by Patricia Riggen, this thriller emerges under the production of Amazon MGM Studios, JuVee Productions, Mad Chance Productions, and MRC. Read more: March 2025 Bollywood Movie Releases: Top 10 Most-Anticipated Hindi Films to Watch Viola Davis, Clark Gregg, Marsai Martin, Anthony Anderson, Ramon Rodriguez, Elizabeth Marvel, Douglas Hodge, Antony Starr, and Sabrina Impacciatore assume the key characters. Godfather of Harlem (Season 4) / Crime Drama / April 13, 2025 Created by Paul Eckstein and Chris Brancato, this Primetime Emmy Award Winning series boasts production by Chris Brancato Inc., Significant Productions, and 20th Television. This gangster saga follows crime boss Bumpy Johnson, who returns from prison in the 1960s to reclaim Harlem from the Italian mob. It forges a risky alliance with Malcolm X amid rising political and criminal turmoil. Season 4 is penned by Stephen Schiff, Benjamin Cavell, Tanya Barfield, Salvatore Stabile, Michael Panes, Kyle Hamilton, and Angelica Cheri, along with Chris Brancato. Read more: Top Amazon Prime Originals to Binge-Watch in March 2025 In the new season, Bumpy will battle the Mafia and newcomer Frank Lucas, Malcolm X’s assassination forces him to confront his daughter’s ties to the Black Panthers. The gangster series stars Forest Whitaker, Lucy Fry, Ilfenesh Hadera, Antoinette Crowe-Legacy, Arthur J. Nascarella, Erik LaRay Harvey, Richard D'Alessandro, and Evander Duck Jr. New faces appearing in the crime series are Rome Flynn, Susannah Rogers, Liv Symone, Michael Benjamin Washington, and Willie C. Carpenter.

Actor Ayo Edebiri has criticised billionaire Elon Musk for amplifying false claims about her being cast in a Pirates of the Caribbean reboot. The Bear star revealed she received an overwhelming number of death threats and racial slurs due to the misinformation spread by Musk.  The rumour originated from a right-wing account on X (formerly Twitter), which falsely claimed that Edebiri would replace Johnny Depp in the popular franchise. Musk reshared the post, commenting, “Disney sucks.” His endorsement of the unverified claim led to widespread backlash against the actor.  Edebiri responded by sharing Musk’s tweet on her Instagram Stories, calling him a “fascist” and an “idiot” for promoting fake news that subjected her to severe harassment. Amazon Prime to stream Trump's 'The Apprentice' reality show “Just remembering when I got some of the most insane death threats and racial slurs of my life (maybe not the #1 moment, but definitely top 3) for a fake reboot of a movie I had never even heard of because of this man. LMAO. So not only is he double s**g h**l-ing [sieg heil-ing] fascist, he’s an idiot. But anyway,” she wrote.  The rumour had not been reported by any credible Hollywood outlet or confirmed by the franchise’s producers.  Pirates of the Caribbean Reboot Update  The Pirates of the Caribbean series, featuring Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow, grossed over $5 billion globally. While producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed plans for a reboot in 2024, no official casting or production details have been announced. With inputs from HT