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'Sonic 3' bests 'Mufasa: The Lion King' at the box office
In the holiday season battle of big-budget family movies, Paramount Pictures’ “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” sped past the Walt Disney Co.’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” to take the top spot at the box office ahead of the lucrative Christmas corridor in theaters.
“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” debuted with $62 million in ticket sales over the weekend, according to studio estimates. With strong reviews (86% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) and a high score from audiences (an “A” on CinemaScore), “Sonic 3” is well positioned to be the top choice in cinemas during the busiest moviegoing period of the year.
It was telling of some wider trends that “Sonic 3” — made for $122 million — bested one of Disney’s top properties. Videogame adaptations, once among the most derided movie genres, have emerged as one of the most dependable box office forces in recent years. The two previous “Sonic” movies together grossed more $700 million worldwide and the third installment appears likely to do better than both of them. A fourth “Sonic” movie is already in development.
“Mufasa,” however, was humbled in its opening weekend, with its $35 million in domestic ticket sales coming in notably shy of expectations . The photorealistic “Lion King” prequel even opened wider than “Sonic 3,” launching on 4,100 theaters and gobbling up most IMAX screens, compared with 3,761 locations for “Sonic 3.”
Though “Mufasa's” reviews were poor (56% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes), audiences gave it an “A-” CinemaScore.
“Sonic 3” nearly doubled the haul for “Mufasa,” which cost more than $200 million to make. Disney could look to $87.2 million in international sales to help make up the difference. The third “Sonic” will rollout in most overseas markets in the coming weeks.
In director Jeff Fowler’s “Sonic 3,” Ben Schwartz returns as the voice of the hedgehog, alongside Tails the Fox (Colleen O’Shaughnessey), Knuckles the Echidna (Idris Elba) and Jim Carrey in scene-stealing dual roles as Dr. Robotnik and his grandfather.
“Moonlight” filmmaker Barry Jenkins directs “Mufasa’s” voice cast, including Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Donald Glover, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Mads Mikkelsen and Blue Ivy Carter. It follows Jon Favreau’s 2019 photorealistic “The Lion King” remake, which made $1.66 billion globally despite mixed reviews. “Mufasa” didn’t come close to that film’s huge $191 million opening weekend.
“We felt strongly that the marketplace could support both movies and we’re certainly holding up our side of the bargain,” said Chris Aronson, distribution chief for Paramount.
No major franchise movie is coming this Christmas. The most anticipated Dec. 25 release might be “A Complete Unknown,” with Timothee Chalamet as Bob Dylan. That means “Sonic 3" could be looking at several weeks in a row at No. 1.
“The family audience was 59% on ‘Sonic 2.' This time it's 46%. That 13% drop reflects the time of year we’re dealing with," said Aronson. "I think once the marketplace really cooks, ‘Sonic’ is going to be the dominant force."
Many of Disney’s live-action adaptations – including “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Jungle Book” – have been big hits. Others, such as “Dumbo,” “Mulan” and “The Little Mermaid,” have been less well received. More are on the way, including a new “Snow White” in March, “Lilo & Stitch” in May, and plans for “Moana” and “Tangled” to get the same live-action treatment.
Despite “Mufasa's” muted opening, Disney is still celebrating its strongest annual performance in years. The studio has accounted for more than $5 billion in ticket sales worldwide, including the year’s top two hits: “Inside Out 2” and “Deadpool and Wolverine.” The animated “Moana 2” could give Disney the top three movies of the year. In four weeks of release, it has collected $790.2 million globally, including $13.1 million in U.S. and Canadian theaters over this weekend.
Though Christmas often sees some of the biggest releases of the year, movies released around Thanksgiving really drove the box office this season. That includes “Moana 2” and Universal Pictures’ “Wicked,” which managed third place in its fifth weekend.
“Wicked,” the hit musical adaption starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, added $13.5 million in North American theaters to push its domestic total to $383.9 million.
Those films, among others, have led a Hollywood rebound in 2024. After a significant deficit earlier in the year, overall sales are drawing close to those of 2023. According to Comscore, the gap has narrowed to 4.4% behind last year's results. While that’s still significantly less than pre-pandemic years, it’s enough to flip the script on what once looked like a rough year for the movies.
Family films like “Inside Out 2,” “Moana 2” and “Sonic 3” have played a major role. Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore, noted animated movies have accounted for 26.5% of this year's box office.
“The box office year was saved by the family audience being drawn to the multiplex,” said Dergarabedian.
“Homestead,” the latest release from Christian-themed Angel Studios, the distributor of “Sound of Freedom,” opened with $6.1 million. It follows a group of Doomsday preparers who take shelter in a self-sufficient compound after a nuclear attack in California.
Brady Corbet's “The Brutalist,” one of the year's top Oscar contenders, launched on four screens in New York and Los Angeles. Its $66,698 per-screen average was one of the highest of 2024. The post-World War II epic runs three-and-a-half hours, posing obvious theatrical challenges. A24 is trying to turn the film starring Adrien Brody and Guy Pearce into an arthouse event. It was nominated for seven Golden Globes.
Final domestic box office figures will be released Monday. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore:
1. “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” $62 million.
2. “Mufasa: The Lion King,” $35 million.
3. “Wicked,” $13.5 million.
4. “Moana 2,” $13.1 million.
5. “Homestead,” $6.1 million.
6. “Gladiator II,” $4.5 million.
7. “Kraven the Hunter,” $3.1 million.
8. “Red One,” $1.4 million.
9. “Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,” $1.3 million.
10. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” $825,000.
1 year ago
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan offers his services to cultural development of Bangladesh
Popular singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has expressed his desire to contribute to the cultural development of Bangladesh.
He shared his interest during a meeting with Md. Nahid Islam, Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, at the Secretariat on Sunday.
"Bangladesh, Ami Tomake Bhalobashi" Rahat Fateh Ali mesmerises at 'Echoes of Revolution'
Khan also thanked the interim government of Bangladesh for inviting him to the country.
Adviser Nahid Islam praised Rahat Fateh Ali Khan as a talented artist, acknowledging him as a treasure not only for Pakistan but for the entire music world, including the subcontinent.
He highlighted Khan's large fanbase in Bangladesh and expressed gratitude for the singer’s recent concert at the Army Stadium in Dhaka on Saturday.
1 year ago
"Bangladesh, Ami Tomake Bhalobashi" Rahat Fateh Ali mesmerises at 'Echoes of Revolution'
Expressing heartfelt admiration for his millions of fans in Bangladesh, popular singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan enamoured the music lovers at the 'Echoes of Revolution' concert on Saturday night at the capital’s Army Stadium.
Organised by the Spirits of July platform to support the victims and their families of the July uprising, the concert featured popular local bands and artists including Artcell, Chirkutt, Aftermath, members of the Silsila Qawwali group, and July Uprising-famed rappers Shezan and Hannan.
After observing a minute's silence in memory of the injured and martyred in the July uprising, the singer started his performances at 9:50 pm with the Bollywood track 'Aas Paas Hain Khuda', a popular song from the Ranbir Kapoor-Priyanka Chopra starrer-film 'Anjaana Anjaani'.
Prior to that, the concert began with Silsila's soulful performances and went on becoming a majestic joyride for the audiences with steller presentations of rappers Shezan and Hannan, Aftermath, Chirkutt and Artcell. All of the abovementioned performers expressed their heartfelt messages in between the performances for the revolutionary heroes, martyrs and their families.
Before the soulful performances of the eminent artist and highlight of the night Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, three Advisers of the interim government - Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter,
Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan and Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin, graced the stage along with Syed Ahmed Maroof, the Ambassador of Pakistan in Dhaka.
1 year ago
Paul and Ringo get back together at London gig
Sir Paul McCartney has reunited with his former Beatles bandmate Sir Ringo Starr during a gig at London's O2 Arena.
The drummer was brought on stage to thunderous applause before the pair launched into classics Helter Skelter and Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.
"I've had a great night and I love you all," Sir Ringo said later as he walked offstage.
Thursday's performance was the last in Sir Paul's Got Back tour, which saw the 82-year-old play in France, Spain and Brazil.
Sir Ringo was not the only musical guest appearance on Thursday night. Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood joined Sir Paul for a rendition of Get Back, during which the latter played his original Hofner 500/1 bass guitar for the first time in more than 50 years.
The instrument was stolen in 1972 but Sir Paul was reunited with it earlier this year.
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Sir Paul and Sir Ringo, who are the last surviving core members of The Beatles, have played together a number of times since the band broke up in 1969.
That includes at Sir Ringo's 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and on Sir Paul's last tour, Freshen Up, in 2019.
Sir Paul is known for treating his fans to jumbo performances packed with hits from his lengthy musical career, which also includes the band Wings and several solo albums.
Thursday night was no difference, with him playing nearly 40 songs on various instruments.
Other highlights from Thursday's gig included a performance of In Spite of All the Danger, the first song recorded by the Sir Paul's first band, The Quarrymen, of which the late John Lennon and George Harrison were also members.
He was also joined by a children's choir to sing his festive favourite Wonderful Christmastime.
Source: With inputs from BBC
1 year ago
Amazon Prime Video Originals’ List for January 2025: Most Hyped Films, Series, and Shows
Amazon Prime Video is set to start January 2025 with a lineup of highly anticipated originals, offering a mix of comedies, crime thrillers, documentaries, and reality shows. From fresh releases to returning fan-favorite series and films, the platform promises an exciting start to the new year. Here’s a detailed look at the most hyped Amazon Prime Video originals coming your way this January.
9 Must-watch Amazon Prime Video Originals Premiering this January
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The Rig (Season 2) | Supernatural Thriller | January 02, 2025
Under the production of Wild Mercury Productions, this sci-fi thriller flourishes with David Macpherson its creator. Besides him, the episode writing team includes Matthew Jacobs Morgan and Meg Salter. The executive production is spearheaded by Derek Wax, David Macpherson, and John Strickland who also directed the series with Alex Holmes.
The mystery series unfolds on a remote Scottish oil rig, where workers preparing to return home are engulfed by an eerie fog, awakening supernatural forces that unravel their reality.
Read more: January 2025 Netflix English Originals Lineup
In the aftermath of the Kinloch Bravo's destruction by a catastrophic tsunami, season two transports the survivors to the Stac. This is a hidden offshore facility amidst the Arctic Circle's stunning yet perilous landscapes.
The thriller welcomes back the beloved stars Iain Glenn, Martin Compston, Emily Hampshire, and Owen Teale. New faces are Ross Anderson, Phil McKee, Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, Johannes Roaldsen Furst, and Alice Krige.
On Call | Crime Action | January 09, 2025
Bankrolled by ATTN, Wolf Entertainment, and Universal Television, the procedural drama series has been created by Tim Walsh and Elliot Wolf, who also executive produced it. The executive production group also comprises Dick Wolf, Eriq LaSalle, Arthur Forney, and Peter Jankowski.
Set against the gritty backdrop of Long Beach, California, this crime drama chronicles veteran officer Traci Harmon and rookie Alex Diaz. They tackle high-stakes emergencies while grappling with the profound impact of a colleague's death.
Read more: Top 10 Must-Watch K-Dramas Premiering in December 2024
This eight-half-hour episode series stars Troian Bellisario, Brandon Larracuente, Eriq La Salle, Rich Ting, Rich Ceraulo Ko, Crispin Alapag, and Mac Brandt.
LOL: Last One Laughing Quebec (Season 3) | Comedy Reality Show | January 10, 2025
Hosted by acclaimed Quebec actor Patrick Huard, this French adaptation brings a fresh twist to the Japanese documentary-style format (2016) presented by comedian Hitoshi Matsumoto.
This season ups the ante, challenging comedians to outwit their peers with laughter while maintaining their composure, all for a chance to win USD 100,000 for a charity.
This time the comedians are Jean-Michel Anctil, Real Beland, Anne-Elisabeth Bosse, Jo Cormier, Korine Cote, Mona de Grenoble, Erich Preach, Melanie Maynard, Dominic Paquet, and Maude Landry.
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Nicolas Boucher, Ginette Gauthier, and Marie-Elaine Nadeau serve as executive producers.
Unstoppable | Sports Biography | January 16, 2025
Highlighting the extraordinary life of American wrestler Anthony Robles, this biopic marks the feature directorial debut of Oscar-winning editor William Goldenberg. Penned by John Hindman, Alex Harris, and Eric Champnella, this docudrama draws from the 2012 book of the same title co-authored by Robles himself and Austin Murphy.
The story traces Robles’ inspiring journey from his birth with one leg to clinching a national wrestling championship in 2011 while representing Arizona State University.
The sports film stars Jharrel Jerome as the main character with Robles as the stunt double. The supporting cast includes Jennifer Lopez, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Pena, and Don Cheadle.
Read more: Top 10 Bollywood Movies to Watch in December 2024
Robles also serves as the producer alongside Ben Affleck, on behalf of Artists Equity, and Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, through Nuyorican Productions.
The Calendar Killer | Crime Thriller | January 16, 2025
Klara’s life hinges on an unthinkable choice: kill her husband or face death herself. Her desperate call reaches Jules during his safety helpline shift. In the meantime, a vicious killer transforms a quiet night into a chilling race against time.
With this plot, ‘The Calendar Killer’ thrives with Sebastian Fitzek and Susanne Schneider as its writers and Adolfo J. Kolmerer as the director.
The crime movie stars Luise Heyer, Rainer Bock, Sabin Tambrea, Andreas Dohler, Dennenesch Zoude, and Friedrich Mucke.
Read more: December 2024 Amazon Prime Originals Streaming Lineup: Binge-worthy Watchlist
The credits for producing this film go to Tillman Geithe, Susa Kusche, Philip Pratt, Verena Schilling, Barbara Thielen, and Regina Ziegler.
1 year ago
Faced with criticism, Mehazabien apologised and tore the poster of 'Priyo Maloti' at TSC
Popular small-screen actress Mehazabien Chowdhury will make her silver screen debut on December 20 with the Shankha Dasgupta film 'Priyo Maloti'.
While the actress and the entire team are now busy promoting the movie, they created a sudden controversy by placing a poster over graffiti at the Student-Teacher Center (TSC) of Dhaka University (DU) of Sohagi Jahan Tonu on Wednesday.
One of the most talked-about rape incidents in the country, Sohagi Jahan Tonu, the victim, was a student of Cumilla Victoria College and a member of Victoria College Theatre who was gang-raped and found dead at Cumilla Moynamati Cantonment in March 2016.
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As the poster placement stirred huge criticism on social media from the netizens, Mehazabien finally went to TSC on Wednesday evening and tore up the poster which she previously placed over Sohagi Jahan Tonu's graffiti.
Earlier on the day, the actress went to TSC to promote the movie and put up the posters of 'Priyo Maloti' on various walls with her own hands. The controversy sparked after a video went viral on social media in which Mehazabien was seen putting up posters over the graffiti of Tonu and also some of the other July movement graffiti on the walls.
The actress came under fire over the matter and some of the netizens raised the question of how a star like her could promote her movie by putting the posters on the graffiti of Tonu or July movement. Rifat Rashid, one of the coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement They demanded Mehazabien apologise to the netizens in a Facebook status.
"Mehazabien doesn't know my martyred sister Tonu? How dare you put your poster over the graffiti? We will not tear this poster in TSC, Mehazabien Chowdhury. You will come and tear this poster yourself,” Rifat wrote in the Facebook post.
Mehazabien set to debut on silver screen with ‘Priyo Maloti’
Shortly after that, Mehazabien appeared at TSC and removed the poster of her debut film 'Priyo Maloti' with her own hands. She also apologised in a post from her verified Facebook ID on Wednesday night.
In that post, Mehazabien wrote, “Our team went to TSC today (December 18) for the promotion of the film 'Priyo Maloti'. Many joined us in promoting the film, and due to the heavy rush, the campaign had to end quickly. A poster was placed over the graffiti of the late Sohagi Jahan Tonu by mistake and unintentional misplacement. We all know Tonu's tragedy and the fight for justice for her murder is still going on.''
She added, “What happened regarding the postering was a completely unintentional mistake. We immediately removed the posters and observed a minute's silence. We hope you will forgive our unintentional mismanagement.:
However, many netizens are calling out the incident as a negative promotional and marketing strategy, and labelling the incident as a fabricated and intentional one.
‘Priyo Maloti’ stars Mehazabien Chowdhury in the title role, Maloti Rani Das, as a lower-middle-class woman depicting social struggles. The film marks her first-ever appearance on the big screen after a 15-year career primarily on television and other digital platforms.
Set to hit cinemas on December 20, ‘Priyo Maloti’ received a ‘U’ rating (appropriate for audiences of all ages) from the Certification Board, and it has already earned international recognition from different festivals across the world. The film, produced by Frame Per Second in collaboration with the streaming platform Chorki, also marks its writer-director Shankha Dasgupta’s debut in feature film direction.
1 year ago
Star-studded ‘Shobar Agey Bangladesh’ concert draws massive crowd at Manik Mia Avenue
The largest outdoor concert of the year, titled ‘Shobar Agey Bangladesh’ (Bangladesh First), took place on Victory Day on Monday under the sponsorship and initiative of the BNP at the capital's Manik Mia Avenue.
Several of the country’s popular artists and bands performed in the mega concert, sharing the joy of Victory Day in the grandest musical rendezvous of the year.
The concert began with eminent playback singer Khurshid Alam’s solo performance. After a group song by the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, Nasir, a well-known performer from the 1990s, took the stage.
The main concert started at 2:15 pm with popular music artist Pritom Hasan's performance of his fan-favourite songs 'Khoka', 'Deora', and 'Laage Uradhura'. Then music director Ethun Babu and singer Moushumi Chowdhury performed protest songs written about the dictatorial activities of the former Awami League government.
After that, popular playback artist Alam Ara Minu took the stage and performed 'Je Matir Buke', and 'Sona Dana’, two of her most popular tracks. Then popular singer Monir Khan, who suffered in the previous regime due to his political stance, greeted the crowd and performed 'Chithi Likheche Bou Amar' and 'Premer Tajmahal'.
Kanak Chanpa, one of the country’s most popular playback singers known for her songs for many commercially successful Dhallywood films, came on stage and performed two of her popular songs - 'Tomay Dekhle Mone Hoy' and 'Sagorika'.
After the performance of these popular artists, Baul music took over the concert as singers Putul and Golapi performed 'Milon Hobe Koto Diney'. Renowned Baul artists Aleya Begum and her son Shovon performed the Coke Studio Bangla-famed fan-favourite track 'Kotha Koiyo Na', and eminent Baul singer Chishti Baul performed his popular songs 'Behaya Monta Loiya' and 'Jodi Thake Nosibe'.
Imran Mahmudul and Dilshad Nahar Kona took the stage at around 4:30 pm. Imran performed 'Bolte Cheye' and 'Dil Dil', while Kona performed 'Ohey Shyam' and her 2024 chartbuster track 'Dushtu Kokil'.
By 5:30 pm, the entire Manik Mia Avenue was packed and the crowd went crazy when renowned singer Asif Akbar came on stage. He started with ‘Shobujer Buke Laal' and went on performing his famous songs 'O Priya', and 'Shabash Bangladesh'.
One of the major attractions of the day was the National Award-winning artiste Baby Naznin, who had not performed in the country for a long time due to her affiliation with BNP. She took the stage and performed a new song titled 'Our Bangladesh', followed by 'Surjodoye Tumi, Surjaasteo Tumi' and 'O Bondhu Tui Koi'.
The band performance part of the concert started later in the evening with the famous 90s’ band Different Touch, which performed several songs, including its tantalisingly popular track, ‘Sraboner Meghgulo’. Rock artist Xefer then took the stage and performed some of her popular songs including ‘Jhumka’.
The band performances then continued as Sonar Bangla Circus came out next, followed by the mesmerising performances of the bands - Shironamhin, Ark, Souls, and AvoidRafa. Unfortunately, one of the bands scheduled to perform, the crowd favourite Artcell, could not perform due to security measures, which the band addressed in a social media post following the event while lauding the fans and organizers.
1 year ago
Family confirms death of tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain
Ustad Zakir Hussain, the legendary Indian tabla virtuoso, passed away on Monday in San Francisco, United States, at the age of 73.
Hussain’s family confirmed his death in a statement, attributing it to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He had been hospitalized for two weeks and was moved to the intensive care unit (ICU) after his condition worsened, according to Hindustan Times.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest tabla players of all time, Ustad Zakir Hussain was also a celebrated composer, percussionist, music producer, and film actor.
Born on March 9, 1951, to legendary tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha Qureshi, Zakir Hussain exhibited prodigious musical talent from an early age. By the age of seven, he was performing alongside his father, showcasing the virtuosity that would later define his career. He attended St. Michael's High School in Mahim and graduated from St. Xavier's College in Mumbai.
Ustad Zakir Hussain in critical condition, family urges prayers
Hussain’s collaborations with Indian classical legends such as Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan brought him global acclaim. He also revolutionized Indian classical music by fusing it with other genres, most notably as the co-founder of the fusion band Shakti with guitarist John McLaughlin. His work elevated the tabla to international prominence, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Zakir Hussain’s contributions to music earned him some of India’s highest civilian honors, including the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.
Internationally, he garnered numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award in 2009 for the collaborative album “Global Drum Project”. He received a total of seven Grammy nominations throughout his career, with four wins, the latest being three Grammy awards in February 2024.
In the United States, he was honored with the National Endowment for the Arts' National Heritage Fellowship, the highest award for traditional artists and musicians.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on X, writing, "Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary tabla maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain Ji. He will be remembered as a true genius who revolutionized the world of Indian classical music." Modi added, "He also brought the tabla to the global stage, captivating millions with his unparalleled rhythm. Through this, he seamlessly blended Indian classical traditions with global music, thus becoming an icon of cultural unity."
Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman also paid tribute, writing on X: "Zakir Bhai was an inspiration, a towering personality who elevated the tabla to global acclaim. His loss is immeasurable for all of us. I regret not being able to collaborate with him as much as we did decades ago, though we had planned an album together."
The passing of Ustad Zakir Hussain has left a profound void in the cultural and musical world. His unparalleled contributions to music and his ability to transcend boundaries have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest musicians of the modern era.
1 year ago
D's Bistro marks its first anniversary with vibrant celebration
D's Bistro, a casual dining destination, celebrated its first anniversary with three nights of unforgettable events from December 12-14, that brought together art, music, culture, and culinary excellence.
The evenings featured various renowned musical artists (Band Caramel, Limon, Rafi Alam), with electrifying musical performances by various artists (DJ Ethereon, DJ Aks, Omar Faruk), as well as stand-up comedy by Sami Doha, creating an atmosphere of joy and entertainment for the attendees.
D's Bistro owner Sababa Sabnin said, "When we started this journey, our vision was simple: to create a space where great food, culture, and people come together. At D's Bistro, we’re proud to serve authentic flavors and memorable experiences. Whether you're here for our signature seafood dishes, our Vietnamese Pho, or just a cozy corner to relax, we aim to make every visit special."
She also looked back fondly on their journey over the last 12 months.
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1 year ago
Indian actor Allu Arjun freed on bail after spending night in jail
Popular actor in southern India Allu Arjun was released from jail on bail on Saturday, a day after he was arrested by police in connection with a stampede that led to the death of a woman at the premiere of his movie earlier this month.
A 35-year-old woman died and her 8-year-old son was critically injured in the stampede, which occurred during the screening of Arjun’s release for “Pushpa 2: The Rule” in southern Telangana state's Hyderabad city on Dec. 4.
Arjun was arrested after the woman’s husband filed a case against him, his security team and the theater's management for not informing police of the actor’s plan to attend the screening, which resulted in a larger-than-expected crowd.
Police charged the actor, his security team and the theater’s management staff with culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Police have already arrested the theater’s owner and two of his employees in connection with the case.
Allu Arjun arrested over woman’s death at 'Pushpa 2' Screening
A local court on Friday ordered the actor to spend 14 days in jail, but within hours the Telangana High Court granted him bail. However, the actor had to spend the night in jail because prison authorities did not receive a copy of the bail until late Friday, the Press Trust of India reported.
The accident happened after the 41-year-old actor made a surprise appearance at a local theater where the movie was being screened. As his fans surged toward the venue, the theater’s main gate collapsed, resulting in the stampede.
The actor did not comment on the police charges or his arrest. But shortly after the accident, Arjun wrote on the social platform X that he was “heartbroken by the tragic incident.” He later announced financial assistance of $29,000 for the woman’s family and promised to take care of the medical expenses for her injured son.
1 year ago