United News of Bangladesh

It’s August, and horror and humor came to play. In a month that’s long been known to let edgier movies thrive, Zach Cregger’s highly anticipated horror film “Weapons” did not disappoint, topping the box office during its debut weekend with $42.5 million domestically from 3,202 theaters. It made $70 million internationally. The film’s success also handed its distributor, Warner Bros. Pictures, the seventh No. 1 opening of the year, and became the studio’s sixth film in a row to debut with over $40 million domestically. “Freakier Friday,” Disney’s chaotic sequel to the 2003 classic, “Freaky Friday,” took the second spot during its premiere weekend, earning $29 million in 3,975 North American theaters. Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis return, this time for a double body-swapping between the mother-daughter duo and Lohan’s teen daughter and soon-to-be stepdaughter. Viral marketing tactics, coupled with strong social media word-of-mouth, boded well for both films’ success, said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for the data firm Comscore. “The top two films could not be more different, and that’s what makes this weekend so appealing for moviegoers,” Dergarabedian said. “Both are perfectly tailored for their audiences to react in real time over the weekend to these films and then post on social media.” “Weapons” transports audiences to the small town of Maybrook, where 17 kids up and leave their homes at 2:17 a.m., leaving bewildered parents in their wake. The town is left to navigate the lingering effects of trauma through horror, paranoia and a touch of existential humor. The film is Cregger’s follow-up to his solo directorial debut with the 2022 genre-bending horror, “Barbarian.” That critically-acclaimed film had a slower start and smaller budget, but still topped the charts during its premiere with $10 million domestically and made a splash in the genre. “Weapons” generated a lot of buzz for its strong reviews (95% on Rotten Tomatoes). “The Internet’s exploding right now between Friday and today. You just see that people are having a great time with it,” said Jeffrey Goldstein, president of Global Distribution for Warner Bros. “It starts with an exceptional movie, an exceptional marketing campaign, and the date was exceptional too.” The success of the comedy-horror double premiere meant “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” surrendered its two-week run in the top spot and landed in the third position, bringing in $15.5 million domestically. The superhero movie enjoyed a strong $118 million debut, but stumbled in its second weekend. “The Bad Guys 2,” which got a healthy start at the No. 2 spot during its premiere weekend, came in fourth place, earning $10.4 million domestically. “The Naked Gun” had a similar fate, reaching the fifth position with $8.4 million in North American theaters. “Jurassic World Rebirth,” which came in seventh this week, is expected to hit $800 million globally by Monday, according to NBC Universal, following a successful run in theaters. Warner Bros. started off slow this year, but made a comeback with the box-office hit, “A Minecraft Movie,” which opened with $157 million domestically. Since then, movies like “Sinners,” “Superman” and now, “Weapons,” have found success. The studio set “a blueprint to how to create a perfect summer lineup,” Dergarabedian said. “Weapons ”also joins a stream of successful horror movies this year, its opening numbers coming in just behind “Final Destination: Bloodlines” and “Sinners.” Top 10 movies by domestic box officeWith final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore: 1. “Weapons,” $42.5 million. 2. “Freakier Friday,” $29 million. 3. “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” $15.5 million. 4. “The Bad Guys 2,” $10.4 million. 5. “The Naked Gun,” $8.4 million. 6. “Superman,” $7.8 million. 7. “Jurassic World Rebirth,” $4.7 million. 8. “F1: The Movie,” $2.9 million. 9. “Together,” $2.6 million. 10. “Sketch,” $2.5 million.

The Russian House in Dhaka has recently held a special screening of the 10th International Folk Song Festival "Dobrovidenie," dedicated to the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland and the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The event introduced Bangladeshi youth to the rich traditions of Russian folk music, cultural values and spiritual heritage.  

Rumours about a romantic relationship between Asha Bhosle’s granddaughter Zanai Bhosle and Indian cricketer Mohammed Siraj sparked after a photo from Zanai’s 23rd birthday went viral on social media. What happened?On Raksha Bandhan, Zanai and Siraj put the speculation to rest. Zanai posted a video on Instagram showing her tying a Rakhi on Siraj’s wrist. Her caption read, “Happy Rakhi. Ek hazaron mein... Couldn’t have asked for better.” Social media reactionsUsers responded with humour, posting comments like, “We thought she was sister-in-law, but she’s sister,” and “This went out of syllabus.” Due to the growing attention, Zanai and Siraj disabled comments on the post. BackgroundThe viral birthday photo showed Zanai in a black sequined dress and Siraj in black casual wear, which triggered assumptions of a dating relationship. Taran Adarsh on Saiyaara’s potential to cross ₹500 crore in India Zanai is gearing up for her Bollywood debut in the upcoming film The Pride Of Bharat - Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, playing Rani Sai Bhonsale, wife of the Maratha king. Besides acting, she is trained in singing and dancing. She comes from a celebrated musical lineage as the granddaughter of legendary singer Asha Bhosle. Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj has been making headlines for his cricket achievements, notably during India’s Test series win in England, where his nine wickets at the Oval boosted him to a career-best 15th in the ICC Test rankings. Former great Wasim Akram praised him as now leading India’s bowling attack. Earlier, in November 2024, Siraj was linked romantically to Bigg Boss star Mahira Sharma, sparking rumours after he liked her Instagram posts. Reports suggested a budding relationship, though neither confirmed it publicly. Source: NDTV 

The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC), under the aegis of the High Commission of India in Dhaka, organised a special Rabindra Sangeet evening on Thursday titled 'Rabindra Sandhya' to commemorate the 84th death anniversary of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Held at the Indian Cultural Centre in the capital’s Gulshan, the event featured performances by noted Tagore artistes Tanjina Toma and Debolina Sur, who presented several of Tagore’s most cherished songs, reflecting the spiritual depth and emotive richness of his work. Director of IGCC, Ann Mary George, paid tribute to the Bard of Bengal, calling the evening “a celebration of the life and legacy of a visionary whose words and melodies continue to echo across generations and borders.” “Tagore was not only a literary genius but also a profound thinker, educator, and cultural reformer. In many ways, he remains a living bridge between our two nations,” she said, referring to Tagore's compositions ‘Amar Sonar Bangla’ and ‘Jana Gana Mana’, the national anthems of Bangladesh and India respectively.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) organised a commemorative discussion and cultural programme titled ‘Austachole Rabi’ (The Sun Sets with Rabi) on Thursday evening, marking the 84th death anniversary of the polymath, Nobel Laureate and Bard of Bengal – Rabindranath Tagore. The event took place at the National Art Gallery Auditorium of BSA at 7 pm, arranged by the academy’s Music, Dance and Recitation Department. Mohammad Wares Hossain, Secretary and Acting Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, presided over the programme, while Mehjabeen Rahman, Director of the department, delivered the welcome speech. Speaking on the occasion, Mohammad Wares Hossain said, “Rabi Thakur – Rabindranath Tagore – was a man of many talents; his genius spanned literature, music, visual art and more. We remember his contributions with deep reverence." "A significant portion of his work is deeply rooted in Bangladesh – its nature, its people, and its culture. These connections helped elevate his work to unparalleled popularity," he added.

Bangladesh’s first-ever manga Kinsa Khyong has celebrated its 9th anniversary with an important legal milestone as the Bangladesh Copyright Office recognised it as the country’s first manga and its creators Shantona Shantuma as the first manga artists of the country. Originally published in the October 2016 issue of Kishore Alo, the country’s most widely circulated juvenile magazine, Kinsa Khyong is based on a Marma legend centering the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram, said a press release. Its adaptation into manga form received widespread acclamation from readers and was also praised by the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh for its cultural significance. Shantona Shantuma have gone on to pioneer a new art form—Bangladeshi manga—by fusing traditional Bengali stories with the aesthetics of Japanese manga. Their notable works include the Agnijoddha series published by Panjeree Publications Ltd and several other acclaimed titles like Locker er Chithi, Tanaporen, Bashap, Protik, Shikar, Bohurupee, and Augustbabur Diary. This copyright win is seen as a significant step forward for intellectual property protection in Bangladesh’s creative sectors, said the press release. To mark both the legal victory and the 9th anniversary of Kinsa Khyong, Shantona Shantuma have planned to organise commemorative events aimed at engaging both longtime fans and new readers of Bangladeshi manga.

Pooja Sengupta, artistic director of the Turongomi Repertory Dance Theatre, has been invited as a visiting fellow at ‘Singapore Raffles Music College’ (SRMC) to conduct a Dance Theatre Masterclass, from August 12 to 13, 2025 in Singapore. Pooja will lead a masterclass on the fundamentals of her innovative approach to dance theatre production, combining both theoretical insights and practical application. “This opportunity is a testament to the growing global interest in South Asian and Bangladeshi dance traditions,” she said, adding, “I am honoured to represent Turongomi and Bangladesh on this platform, and I look forward to a meaningful exchange with the students and faculty in Singapore.” Pooja is a dedicated researcher focusing on original and community-based dance forms of Bangladesh. Her pioneering work includes documentation and analysis of traditional dances such as those practiced by tea garden workers in Sreemangal, Aroti or Dhunochi dance practiced in both rural and urban areas of Bangladesh during festivals, highlighting cultural narratives that are often overlooked. She has previously led masterclasses, professional workshops, performance, research work, and talk at Bangkok University, Beijing Dance Academy, Capital Normal University- Beijing, Northwest Normal University, China, Dance Xchange Philippines, Herzen State University, St Petersburg, Russia and at various international festivals in Indonesia, Philippines, India, Thailand, South Korea and Vietnam. Turongomi continues to support and promote original dance theatre from Bangladesh on the international stage through collaborations, performances, and academic initiatives. Turongomi is a leading dance theatre repertory and training institution based in Dhaka. Founded by Pooja Sengupta, it is dedicated to creating original, socially conscious dance works rooted in South Asian traditions while engaging global audiences through education, research, and performance, said a media release. Since its establishment in 2014, Turongomi has been working toward developing a distinct dance style in Bangladesh and promoting professionalism in dance.

Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne died of a heart attack, with his death certificate listing coronary artery disease and Parkinson's disease among the contributing factors, according to The New York Times The 76-year-old Black Sabbath frontman passed away on July 22. His death certificate, reportedly filed at a London registry office and obtained by the Times on Tuesday, states Osbourne died from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and acute myocardial infarction, with coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease with autonomic dysfunction listed as joint causes. The certificate was submitted by Osbourne’s daughter, Aimée Osbourne. Officials from the Hillingdon Council registry office in northwest London, where he was reportedly pronounced dead, did not immediately respond to inquiries from the Associated Press. Representatives for Osbourne also did not immediately comment. Bedbound and 'bored stiff' Ozzy Osbourne cancels tour dates Osbourne publicly revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2020, following a fall at home. In their earlier announcement of his passing, the Osbourne family said he died surrounded by loved ones and requested privacy. Fans gathered last week in his hometown of Birmingham to honour the heavy metal icon, who had given his final performance there just weeks prior. Seated on a black throne, Osbourne delivered a heartfelt message to the crowd. “I’ve been laid up for six years. You have no idea how I feel — thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he told fans. “You’re all special. Let’s go crazy, come on.”    Source: Agency

After a string of mainstream commercial movies, fans are excited to see Triptii Dimri return in a gripping role with Dhadak 2. A notable scene from the film has captivated viewers, prompting comments like “Triptii is back.” Dhadak 2 hit theaters today, starring Triptii Dimri alongside Siddhant Chaturvedi. The movie serves as a spiritual sequel to the 2018 hit Dhadak, which featured Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter. Known previously for her “arthouse” performances in films like Laila Majnu, Bulbbul, and Qala, Triptii has once again impressed audiences with her compelling acting in Dhadak 2. A particular scene from the film, which explores a love story complicated by caste issues, has gone viral online. In it, Triptii’s character Vidhi confronts accusations about damaging family honor with a sharp and defiant response that has resonated widely. Are Dhanush, Mrunal Thakur dating after his split from Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth? Fans have warmly received Triptii’s intense portrayal. One user praised her as “a great actor finally given a strong script.” Another wrote, “She’s back! Loved her work in Qala, Bulbbul, and Laila Majnu.” Comments like “Finally, Triptii Dimri returns after Qala and Bulbbul” and “Dhadak 2 is the best movie of the year” have also appeared online. Directed by Shazia Iqbal and produced by Dharma Productions, Zee Studios, and Cloud 9 Pictures, Dhadak 2 explores themes of identity, power, and the emotional costs of love in today’s society. In summary, Triptii Dimri’s performance in Dhadak 2 is receiving widespread acclaim, with a key scene gaining significant attention on social media. Source: NDTV

After hours of delay caused by persistent rain, the much-anticipated drone show 'Do You Miss Me' was presented late Tuesday night at Manik Mia Avenue as part of the July Uprising Day commemoration events. Organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs under the banner of July Reawakening, the 12-minute show synchronised display using 1,100 drones—began at 11 pm, drawing thousands of spectators who had been waiting through the daylong music festival despite the drizzle and shifting schedules. Originally scheduled for 7:30 pm, the performance faced repeated rescheduling due to the adverse weather. By the time it began, many attendees had already left, soaked by the rain. Those who stayed, however, were treated to a stunning visual narrative that blended technology with pointed political commentary. The sky show opened with the image of a hand holding a placard reading “Do You Miss Me,” followed by a glowing, grotesque portrayal of the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s face. As the image emerged, many shouted slogans in protest.