United News of Bangladesh

Breaking from the action-packed formula of recent Eid films, the star-studded Utshob—set for release this Eid-ul-Azha—brings a refreshing blend of humour, family, and relationships, as revealed in its teaser unveiled on Saturday. Coming with a witty notice such as “Warning: watching this film without family is prohibited,” the film, inspired from English novelist Charles Dickens’ classic novella 'A Christmas Carol', introduces a stellar cast, first unveiled on May 13 at the Shooting Club in the capital’s Gulshan area. One of the teaser’s most distinctive elements is its clever use of self-deprecating humour, with actors poking fun at their own public personas in a lighthearted way. This approach adds a unique charm rarely seen in local Bangladeshi cinema. The teaser opens with Chanchal Chowdhury joking, “These days, you turn on the TV and it’s all Chanchal Chowdhury. This guy is everywhere.” In another tongue-in-cheek moment, Jaya Ahsan’s character asks, “Does she even have a voice? Can she deliver dialogues?”, while mimicking her own infamous dialogue "Maro-o-o-o-w" from one of her previous films. Meanwhile, Aupee Karim, making a return to film after a long break, is heard saying, “Have people forgotten my face just because I haven’t acted in a few years?” while travelling in a local bus. Veteran actor Zahid Hasan appears throughout these dialogues in the teaser alongside his co-stars. These lines, delivered with impeccable timing, are part of a cast that includes Zahid Hasan, Jaya Ahsan, Aupee Karim, Chanchal Chowdhury, Afsana Mimi, Tariq Anam Khan, Azad Abul Kalam, Intekhab Dinar, Sunerah Binte Kamal, Soumya Jyoti and Sadia Ayman. The presence of so many National Film Award-winning actors in a single production is rare in Bangladeshi cinema. Culminating in a nostalgic nod to Zahid Hasan's iconic line from the BTV classic 'Aj Robibar' in a humorous exchange, Chanchal’s character remarks, “Strange, why did he get so angry?” — a line, long associated with Hasan’s comedic legacy. Director Tanim Noor said the film has been created to capture the collective joy of Eid. “Eid is not just about personal celebration; it’s about sharing joy with others — and our film delivers that message,” he said, adding that 'Utshob' features several lines and moments designed to spark nostalgia, connecting audiences with memories of simpler times. While the cast lineup had been previously announced, the newly released teaser offers audiences a first look at the characters and scenes. Additional content, including songs from the film, will be released soon. Presented by BRAC Bank, Utshob is produced by Dope Productions, co-produced by Chorki, and supported by associate production house Laughing Elephant. The film is also slated for international release, with global distribution handled by Swapno Scarecrow and Path Productions. The story of Utshob is written by Tanim Noor, Ayman Asib Shadhin, Sushmoy Sarkar, and Samiul Bhuiyan. The screenplay and dialogues are by Ayman Asib Shadhin and Samiul Bhuiyan, with cinematography by prominent cinematographer Rashed Zaman.

Opal Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand was crowned Miss World on Saturday in India, where the international pageant was held this year. Chuangsri topped a field of 108 contestants in the contest held in India’s southern Hyderabad city. Hasset Dereje Admassu of Ethiopia was the first runner-up in the competition. Chuangsri received her crown from last year’s winner Krystyna Pyszková. The 72nd Miss World beauty pageant was hosted by Miss World 2016 Stephanie del Valle and Indian presenter Sachiin Kumbhar. India hosted the beauty competition last year as well. India’s Nandini Gupta exited after making it to the final 20. Six Indian women have won the title, including Reita Faria (1966), Aishwarya Rai (1994), Diana Hayden (1997), Yukta Mookhey (1999), Priyanka Chopra (2000) and Manushi Chillar (2017).

Alf Clausen, the Emmy-winning composer whose music provided essential accompaniment for the animated antics of “The Simpsons” for 27 years, has died. His daughter Kaarin Clausen said that Alf Clausen died Thursday at his home in Los Angeles after struggling with Parkinson's disease for about a decade. He was 84, according to an AP report. Clausen, who also scored TV series including “Moonlighting” and “Alf” ("no relation," he used to joke) was nominated for 30 Emmy Awards, 21 of them for “The Simpsons,” winning twice. Al Jean, an early “Simpsons” writer who was one of the key creative figures on the show in the 1990s, said in a post on X Friday that “Clausen was an incredibly talented man who did so much for The Simpsons." While Danny Elfman wrote the show's theme song, Clausen joined the Fox animated series created by Matt Groening in 1990 and provided essentially all of its music until 2017, composing nearly 600 scores and conducting the 35-piece orchestra that played it in the studio. His colleagues said his music was a key component of the show's comedy, but Clausen believed the best way to back up the gags of Homer, Marge Bart and Lisa was by making the music as straight as possible. “This is a dream job for a composer,” Clausen told Variety, which first reported his death, in 1998. “Matt Groening said to me very early on, ‘We’re not a cartoon. We’re a drama where the characters are drawn. I want you to score it like a drama.’ I score the emotions of the characters as opposed to specific action hits on the screen.” Kishore Kumar declined national award over bribe demand, says son Amit Kumar Groening, in a 1996 interview, called him “one of the unacknowledged treasures of the show.” Clausen was born in Minneapolis and raised in Jamestown, North Dakota. He graduated from the Berklee College of Music in 1966, and moved to Los Angeles seeking a career in music. In the 1970s he was a musical director on several TV variety shows including “Donny & Marie.” Clausen worked as an orchestrator for composer Lee Holdridge in his scores for 1980s films including “Splash” and “The Beastmaster.” It was Holdridge who first got the composing job on “Moonlighting," the late-80s ABC rom-com detective series starring Bruce Willis and Cybil Shepherd, but he handed the gig off to Clausen, who would get six Emmy nominations for his music on it. Clausen won his Emmys for “The Simpsons” in 1997 and 1998 and also won five Annie Awards, which honor work in animation in film and television. He was fired from “The Simpsons” in a cost-cutting move in 2017, to the outrage of his collaborators and fans. He sued over his dismissal. Clausen is survived by his wife Sally, children Kaarin, Scott and Kyle, stepchildren Josh and Emily, and 11 grandchildren.

Tusshar Kapoor has confirmed that his father, veteran actor Jeetendra, has no interest in returning to acting, saying the screen legend is completely done with his film career. Jeetendra, a leading star of the 1960s and 70s, delivered a string of memorable hits including Geet Gaya Patharon Ne, Gunahon Ka Devta, Farz, Humjoli, Caravan, Dharam Veer, Parichay, and Nagin. He remained prominent through the 1980s with blockbusters like Himmatwala, Tohfa, and Mawaali, but gradually stepped back from acting in the mid-1990s. Since then, he has only appeared occasionally in cameo roles. Speaking to PTI, Tusshar said, “He follows what’s happening in today’s cinema but doesn’t feel the urge to return to the sets. He’s mentioned that he’s acted in nearly 200 films, starting at the age of 20. That chapter is closed for him. He was never particularly drawn to playing supporting or character roles.” Tusshar added that the decision to step away was influenced by the nature of roles being offered to senior actors at the time. “Back then, older actors were often cast in very typecast roles. Unlike today, where there’s more variety and depth in roles, it wasn’t the case when he decided to slow down. He transitioned more into business after that.” Tusshar also expressed his wish to see his father's illustrious career chronicled in a docudrama, suggesting that icons like Jeetendra and Dharmendra deserve tribute projects. “These legends, like Dad and Dharam ji, never promoted themselves aggressively. A docudrama series—something like Elvis—would be a fitting way to honor their contribution to Indian cinema. Their work was rich and impactful, and there’s so much to learn from it.” Tusshar Kapoor currently stars in the horror-comedy Kapkapiii, which released in theatres on May 23. Source: NDTV  

It is no exaggeration to call Kishore Kumar one of the most iconic and successful singers in Indian entertainment history. Ironically, despite being regarded as one of the finest playback singers in Indian cinema, Kishore never received a National Film Award. In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, his son and singer Amit Kumar revealed that the legendary artist once came close to winning the award but refused to pay a bribe allegedly demanded by someone in the ministry. Amit recalled the incident surrounding Kishore’s 1964 film Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein, which he directed and starred in. The film marked Kishore’s shift to direction after a series of unsuccessful acting ventures and went on to become a major box office hit. When asked if it was true that a bribe was demanded for the award, Amit confirmed, “Yes, that happened. He got a call from Delhi from someone in the ministry. At that time, Haqeeqat, Dosti, and Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein were being considered (for the national award). “They told my father, ‘If you do something, give something, then we can get you nominated.’ My father was like, ‘Why are you after my life? My film is a hit.’” Mugafi joins Nagarjuna-Dhanush film ‘Kubera’ as global partner The film, inspired by the American film The Proud Rebel, received both critical and commercial acclaim. It was later remade in several Indian languages. Notably, its Tamil remake, Ramu, went on to win the national award. “The film ran for 23 weeks at Super Cinema. In Delhi-UP, the film was a silver jubilee. Then he sold the rights to a Tamil filmmaker. The remake was called Ramu. That won the national award,” Amit added. Though best known for his singing, Kishore Kumar directed 12 films in total, of which eight were released. His final directorial work, Mamta Ki Chhaon Mein—considered a spiritual sequel to Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein—was released in 1990, three years after his death.

Dhallywood superstar Shakib Khan on Wednesday marked 26 years in the Bangladeshi film industry, continuing his reign as the country’s most bankable and popular actor for over a decade. The Dhallywood megastar made his silver screen debut on May 28, 1999, with the romantic film ‘Anonto Bhalobasha’. Shakib considers the film’s release date as the official beginning of his acting career. A post from Shakib's official Facebook page on Wednesday commemorated the milestone, stating, “On May 28, 1999, a new star rose in Bangladesh’s film industry with the release of ‘Anonto Bhalobasha’. Through his talent, perseverance, hard work and skill, he started ruling the industry within just six years.” The post further read, “Today, his position at the top of Bangla cinema is evident to all Bangla-speaking audiences across the world. The shining star of fame completes 26 years of his royal journey.” Earlier this year, during a press conference for ‘Borbaad’—one of the most successful films of Dhallywood, released during this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr—Shakib reflected on his journey, saying, “My dream in cinema is still unfulfilled. Cinema is my passion and my profession, and this feeling is beyond words.” Shakib Khan’s ‘Borbaad’ dominates Eid box office; 'Antoratta' fizzles out “I was in my first year of college when I started acting. What was meant to be a three-month experience has turned into 25 years,” the actor recalled, reflecting on his illustrious career. Shakib has long spoken about his dream of taking Bangladeshi cinema to global stages alongside Hollywood and Bollywood. Over the years, he has become a cornerstone of the local film industry, with many theatre owners relying heavily on his films for box office returns. “My dream is becoming reality,” Shakib said in recent interviews, adding, “The demand for our films has been rising in the international arena in recent years, which brings me immense joy.” Recently, Shakib congratulated Adnan Al Rajeev, producer of the award-winning Bangladeshi short film ‘Ali’, on his official Facebook page after the film received recognition at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival this year. Following back-to-back successes with ‘Priyotoma’, ‘Rajkumar’, ‘Dorod’, ‘Toofan’, and ‘Borbaad’, the Dhallywood megastar is set to return to theatres this upcoming Eid-ul-Azha with ‘Tandob’, directed by Raihan Rafi. The announcement has sparked high anticipation among his fans, widely known as the ‘Shakibians’. Shakib Khan's 'Taandob' announced for Eid-ul-Adha 2025 As Shakib enters his 27th year in the industry, his enduring popularity and vision for Bangladeshi cinema continue to inspire both fans and fellow artists alike.

Following strong public criticism, Rio de Janeiro’s mayor has eased new regulations that would have significantly restricted live music performances on the city’s iconic beaches. Earlier this month, Mayor Eduardo Paes announced a set of new and reinforced rules aimed at enhancing public safety, preserving the environment, and promoting harmony between residents and tourists. The measures, set to take effect on Sunday, included bans on food and beverage sales without permits, chair rentals, loudspeakers, and live music at beach kiosks. However, the new restrictions sparked widespread concern, particularly among musicians and small vendors who rely on beach-based commerce for their livelihoods. In response, the city government has partially rolled back the decree. It will now allow live music performances at kiosks under less restrictive conditions and lift the ban on glass bottles. Additionally, kiosk owners will once again be permitted to display business names, not just assigned numbers, provided they adhere to approved formatting. “Music will return to the beaches,” said DJ Julio Trindade, who performs at kiosks and actively campaigned against the new rules. “Rio’s beaches are famous around the world — they deserve their soundtrack.” Despite the rollback, certain restrictions remain in force, including the ban on loudspeakers and tighter controls on unauthorized food and drink sales. “The city continues to monitor the beaches to maintain public order and ensure that shared spaces are respected,” said Brenno Carnevale, Rio’s secretary of public order. Mayor Paes defended the initial rules, saying they were necessary because some kiosks had been operating music systems beyond the allowed volume and past the 10 p.m. cutoff. “Violators will face a fine of 1,000 reais (about $180) for the first offense, 2,000 reais for the second, and on the third violation, the kiosk’s license will be revoked and reassigned,” he warned. Meanwhile, the United Street Vendors’ Movement, which held a protest at the municipal assembly on Tuesday, reported progress after meeting with assembly president Carlos Caiado. “We’ve achieved an important milestone: the formation of a working group that includes street vendor representatives to discuss safety, sanitation standards, and, most importantly, the legal recognition of our sector,” the group said.       

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he’s planning to pardon TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, famous for “Chrisley Knows Best,” a reality show that followed their tight-knit family and extravagant lifestyle that prosecutors said was boosted by bank fraud and hiding earnings from tax authorities. The Chrisleys were convicted in 2022 of conspiring to defraud banks in the Atlanta area out of more than $30 million in loans by submitting false documents. They were also found guilty of tax evasion, obscuring their earnings while showcasing a luxurious way of living that authorities said included high-priced cars, designer clothes, real estate and travel. Prosecutors said the couple walked away from their responsibility for repayment when Todd Chrisley declared bankruptcy and left $20-plus million in unpaid loans. Julie Chrisley was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, and Todd Chrisley got 12 years behind bars. The couple was also ordered to pay $17.8 million in restitution. “Your parents are going to be free and clean and I hope that we can do it by tomorrow,” Trump said in a call with their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, according to a video posted online by a White House aide. In a social media post, the aide declared, “Trump Knows Best!” “They’ve been given a pretty harsh treatment based on what I’m hearing,” the president added a few moments later of the couple. A White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss decisions that hadn't yet been made public, said the pardons would be forthcoming. The move continues a pattern of Trump pardoning high-profile friends, supporters, donors and former staffers. On Monday, Trump pardoned Scott Jenkins, a former Virginia sheriff who was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted on fraud and bribery charges. The president posted online that Jenkins and his family “have been dragged through HELL by a Corrupt and Weaponized Biden DOJ.” The president has also moved to pardon Paul Walczak, a Florida health care executive imprisoned on tax charges, whose mother helped expose the contents of a diary kept by Ashley Biden, daughter of former President Joe Biden. And, in April, he pardoned Nevada Republican Michele Fiore, who was awaiting sentencing on federal charges that she used money meant for a statue honoring a slain police officer for personal costs, including plastic surgery. Housefull 5 Trailer: Akshay Kumar, £69 billion and a murder mystery The Chrisleys’ attorney, Alex Little, said the pardon “corrects a deep injustice and restores two devoted parents to their family and community.” “President Trump recognized what we’ve argued from the beginning: Todd and Julie were targeted because of their conservative values and high profile. Their prosecution was tainted by multiple constitutional violations and political bias,” Little said in a statement. Little's statement added, “Todd and Julie’s case is exactly why the pardon power exists. Thanks to President Trump, the Chrisley family can now begin healing and rebuilding their lives.” Before the Chrisleys became reality television stars, they, and a former business partner, submitted false documents to banks in the Atlanta area to obtain fraudulent loans, prosecutors said during their trial. They accused the couple of spending lavishly, then using new fraudulent loans to pay off old ones. A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last summer upheld the Chrisleys’ convictions but found a legal error in how the trial judge had calculated Julie Chrisley’s sentence by holding her accountable for the entire bank fraud scheme. The appellate panel sent her case back to the lower court for resentencing. Savannah Chrisley spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where she talked about her parents’ imprisonment. She said then that they were “persecuted by rogue prosecutors” — echoing Trump’s rhetoric about the criminal justice system as he faced investigations and criminal cases of his own. She said Trump had been targeted for his politics, and said her parents likewise were targeted because of their conservative beliefs and high profile. ‘Duck Dynasty’ star Phil Robertson dies at 79 “I’ll never forget what the prosecutors said in the most heavily Democratic county in the state, before an Obama-appointed judge. He called us the ‘Trumps of the South,’” Savannah Chrisley said in her remarks at the convention, adding, “He meant it as an insult but, let me tell you, boy, do I wear it as a badge of honor.”

Phil Robertson, the founder of Duck Commander and patriarch of the family featured in the hit reality television series Duck Dynasty, has passed away at the age of 79. The news of his death was confirmed by his daughter-in-law, Korie Robertson, in a heartfelt statement on behalf of the family. “We rejoice today that our grandfather, husband, and father, Phil Robertson, is with the Lord,” the statement read. “Thank you to all of those who have lovingly supported us with prayer. His strong faith and message of grace touched countless lives.” Robertson, a former college football quarterback turned entrepreneur, rose to national fame through Duck Dynasty, which aired on A&E from 2012 to 2017. The show followed the lives of the Robertson family in West Monroe, Louisiana, and their duck call business, Duck Commander, which Phil founded in 1972. Known for his rugged lifestyle, long beard, and unwavering Christian faith, Robertson became a cultural icon, drawing both admiration and controversy for his outspoken views on faith, family, and society. Despite differing opinions about his beliefs, millions of viewers were drawn to his authenticity and commitment to his values, making Duck Dynasty one of the most-watched reality shows in American television history. Actor Mukul Dev dies at 54 The Robertson family has announced that a private funeral will be held, followed by a public memorial to honour his life and legacy. Phil Robertson is survived by wife, Kay Robertson, their children, grandchildren and an extended family that frequently appeared alongside him on the show. Fans across the world continue to pay tribute to the man whose faith-filled journey left a lasting impact. Source: With inputs from agencies

The much-loved 2012 romantic drama starring Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty, is set to return to cinemas later this month. Directed by Homi Adajania, the film will be re-released on 30 May 2025 as part of PVR INOX’s Curated Shows, following the success of recent nostalgic re-releases like Andaz Apna Apna. The film, which originally struck a chord with audiences through its modern take on friendship, love and heartbreak, has now joined the league of Bollywood classics making a comeback on the big screen. Announcing the re-release on social media, PVR Cinemas shared the film’s poster with the caption, “The iconic trio is back! Experience the unforgettable journey of 'Cocktail' once again with our Curated Shows. Cocktail re-releasing at PVR INOX on May 30!” Fans were quick to react with excitement. Comments poured in across platforms, with one user exclaiming, “Re-release every single romcom of my blood,” while another rated it a “10/10 movie.” One enthusiastic fan declared, “Manifestation is real finally. Can’t wait,” and another wrote, “OMGGGGGG Already start advance booking.” The post also received a flood of heart emojis, indicating a strong wave of nostalgia and love for the film. Bhool Chuk Maaf Box Office Collection Day 2: Rajkummar Rao’s film inches toward ₹20 crore milestone Originally released in 2012, Cocktail was praised for its fresh storytelling, vibrant performances, and memorable music. Its re-release now offers both longtime fans and new audiences a chance to experience the emotional rollercoaster on the big screen once more. With the film returning to theatres nearly 13 years after its initial release, Cocktail promises to once again stir hearts and remind viewers of the magic of Bollywood romcoms. Source: With inputs from India Today