United News of Bangladesh

The teaser for Rajkummar Rao’s much-anticipated film Maalik dropped earlier today, showcasing the actor in a gritty gangster avatar that promises an intense cinematic experience. Set in Allahabad during 1988, Maalik features Rajkummar Rao on a merciless killing spree, sparing no one in his path. The teaser hints at gripping action, numerous gun battles, and a dark gangster narrative. At its core, it's Rao’s rugged and fierce portrayal that stands out, commanding attention. Maalik Marks a Notable Shift in Rajkummar Rao's CareerRajkummar Rao’s role as a gangster in Maalik marks a significant shift from the relatable, small-town characters he’s known for.His recent films, including Stree 2, Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, and Bhool Chuk Maaf, have all seen him excel in slice-of-life and comedy roles. Maalik allows Rao to explore a different side of his acting range, embracing a more intense and raw character. Prabhas’ horror-comedy ‘The Raja Saab’ set for Dec 5 release About the FilmDirected by Pulkit, Maalik is produced by Kumar Taurani and Jay Shewakramani under the Tips Films and Northern Lights Films banners. Originally slated for a June 20 release, the film is now set to hit theatres on July 11, 2025. In SummaryRajkummar Rao’s transformation into a gangster in Maalik has generated considerable buzz. The teaser, unveiled today, offers a glimpse into this gritty action thriller, presenting a stark contrast to his previous role in Bhool Chuk Maaf.

The long-standing rift between Dhallywood superstar Shakib Khan and actor Afran Nisho appears to have come to an end, as they were seen together in a now-viral photo taken at Shakib’s office on late Tuesday. According to sources close to both, Nisho visited Shakib’s office for a lengthy conversation that lasted several hours. Also present at the meeting were Shahriar Shakil, Managing Director of Alpha-i; Redoan Rony, CEO of Chorki; and Javed Sultan Pias, Chief Digital Business Officer of Prothom Alo. Around 12:30 am on early Wednesday, Shahriar, Redoan, and Javed shared a stage to take for a photo with the same caption "Brothers" on Facebook, showing Shakib and Nisho side by side in a friendly pose. 'Taandob' director Raihan Rafi was not present in the photo; however, he also shared the image with the caption "#Taandob" - indicating the core reason which finally made this union possible. Although neither actor never made any official comment regarding their dispute, fans and industry insiders suggest that tensions stemmed from some of the remarks Nisho made ahead of the release of his debut film, the Raihan Rafi directed 'Surongo' in 2023 Eid-Ul-Azha, when Shakib Khan-starrer blockbuster 'Priyotoma' was also released. Those comments were perceived by many as indirect personal attacks on Shakib, the current undisputed megastar of Dhallywood - and caused a rift between the two, further fueled by social media clashes among their fanbases. Parambrata, Piya Chakraborty become parents to baby boy The two superstars once again battled this year's Eid-Ul-Fitr with the dominant presence of both of their films in the box office. The Shakib-starrer 'Borbaad', and Nisho-starrer 'Daagi' - both became two of the most commercially successful films of all time in Dhallywood. However, in recent interviews, Nisho spoke highly of Shakib Khan who made his 26th anniversary in Dhallywood this year - and both of them recently shared the stage, dancing in the Meril-Prothom Alo Awards 2025 alongside Pritom Hasan and Tasnia Farin. Recently, it was revealed that Nisho would be making a cameo appearance in the upcoming Eid release 'Taandob' by Raihan Rafi, starring Shakib Khan. Unfortunately, some of the fans and Shakib loyalists expressed dissatisfaction online regarding the cameo, intensifying the divide. However, with the producers stepping in, the stars appear to have resolved their differences—an act symbolised by the now-iconic photo that quickly made waves across social platforms on late Tuesday night. 'Taandob' is set for release during Eid-ul-Azha and also stars popular actress Jaya Ahsan and renowned model-television actress Sabila Nur, who makes her silver screen debut in the film. Shakib Khan marks 26 years in Dhallywood, continues to reign supreme While there has been no official confirmation yet, sources reveal that both Siam Ahmed—who made waves with 'Jongli' during Eid-ul-Fitr—and Afran Nisho will appear in cameo roles in the film. The internet-breaking image may have just paved the way for a new era of collaboration in Bangladeshi cinema.

Television actor Vibhu K Raghave, known for portraying Saurav in the series Nisha Aur Uske Cousins, passed away after a prolonged three-year struggle with an aggressive and rare form of stage 4 colon cancer. He was reportedly in his late 30s. Vibhu had been receiving treatment at a hospital in Mumbai and died on the night of Monday, June 2. His close friend and television actress Saumya Tandon confirmed the news on Instagram the following morning. In a heartfelt tribute, Saumya wrote, “My beautiful friend Vibhu Raghave is now with the angels. He left us last night. Vibhu, you were beautiful — inside and out. You showed me how to smile through adversity and how to seek light in darkness. You were a true warrior, fighting till the end. Even when others lost hope, you never gave up.” Dhanush reunites with ex-wife Aishwarya Rajinikanth at Son Yatra’s Graduation: “Proud Parents” She continued, “We had plans, Vibhu. We wanted to create videos to express what you were going through. We thought we had time — but we didn’t. Now, I carry your voice, your smile, and your love with me. I will miss you always. Life is so short, and I will try to live it the way you did — passionately, wholeheartedly, and with purpose. Thank you for being a part of my life. Thank you to everyone who supported Vibhu through prayers and contributions. Your kindness gave him a chance to fight, and for that, I’m forever grateful.” Saumya also included details about Vibhu’s funeral in her post. Vibhu had openly shared his journey with cancer on Instagram — from his diagnosis and chemotherapy sessions to updates about his condition and messages of gratitude to his supporters. In January, he posted a vlog revealing that the cancer had spread to his liver, spine, lungs, and other areas. He first disclosed his diagnosis in February 2022 through a video from his hospital bed, saying, “I’m in the hospital and wanted to update you all. I was unwell for a while, and about two weeks ago, doctors diagnosed me with stage 4 cancer — it’s a rare and aggressive form. I never saw this coming. Life flipped overnight. Still, we are trying to stay strong and move forward.” Vibhu K Raghave also featured in the show Suvreen Guggal – Topper of the Year and the 2016 film Rhythm. He is survived by his mother, brother, and sister. Source: With inputs from NDTV

The proposed national budget for the fiscal year 2025–2026 has allocated Tk 824 crore for the country’s cultural sector, with Tk 487 crore earmarked for operational expenses and Tk 337 crore for development. The budget announcement was made by Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed on Monday. While the allocation marks a slight increase from the current fiscal year’s original allotment of Tk 779 crore (revised to Tk 742 crore), longstanding demands from artists and cultural professionals for dedicating 1% of the national budget to culture remain unmet. Ministry of Youth & Sports allocated Tk 2423 crore for 2025-26 fiscal  In the proposed budget of Tk 7,90,000 crore, the combined allocation for the entertainment, culture, and religious affairs sector stands at just 0.8%. This sector includes four ministries: Information and Broadcasting, Cultural Affairs, Religious Affairs, and Youth and Sports; and together, these ministries have been allocated Tk 6,540 crore—less than 1% of the total budget. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs plans to undertake a range of programmes in the coming year, including observance of national days, stipends for financially vulnerable artists and writers, grants for theatre groups and private libraries, and cultural exchange programmes with other countries. The ministry also aims to protect copyrights of creative cultural works, modernise galleries at the National Museum by expanding collections of heritage and contemporary art, and identify, excavate, and preserve new archaeological sites across the country. People first, not mega projects: Interim govt unveils first national budget Despite these plans, cultural stakeholders have expressed concerns over the continued marginal allocation for the sector, calling for more robust financial support to preserve and promote Bangladesh’s diverse cultural heritage.

In a first for Bangladesh’s OTT industry, popular streaming platform Chorki is set to stream four blockbuster Eid-ul-Fitr films together on the upcoming Eid-Ul-Azha under a special collection titled “Birat Guru’r Hat,” powered by Grameenphone. The four films – 'Borbaad' starring Shakib Khan, 'Daagi' featuring Afran Nisho, 'Chokkor 302' led by Mosharraf Karim, and 'Jongli' starring Siam Ahmed – were among the most talked-about releases in cinemas during Eid. Now, just two and a half months after their theatrical premieres, the films will be available for streaming in one platform. ‘Priyo Satyajit’ premieres on Chorki marking Bengali maestro's 104th birth anniversary Chorki CEO Redoan Rony said, “Audiences want joy, good times, and quality films with family during Eid. This special lineup is a response to that demand.” He added that many viewers across the country did not get the chance to watch all four films due to limited cinema access or screenings, and Chorki is bridging that gap. “Now, those audiences—whether at home or abroad—can easily enjoy the Eid blockbusters in one place,” he said. Redoan Rony emphasized that providing access to Bengali-language films for the global diaspora has been one of Chorki’s goals from the beginning, and this initiative is part of that mission. The exact release dates for the films on Chorki will be announced soon through the platform’s official social media channels. Meanwhile, ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, two more films, Shakib Khan-starrer 'Tandob' by Raihan Rafi, and the Tanim Noor-directed 'Utshob' featuring an ensemble cast of powerful screen actors, are slated for theatrical release - both co-produced by Chorki, reinforcing the platform’s growing presence in Bangladesh’s film industry.

The cost of streaming services in Bangladesh is set to rise as the proposed national budget for the fiscal year 2025–2026 includes a 10% supplementary duty on Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms. The announcement was made on Monday by finance adviser Salehuddin Ahmed during the unveiling of the national budget. The supplementary duty will apply to both local and international OTT services. Popular platforms such as Chorki, Hoichoi, Bongo, and Binge operate widely in Bangladesh, alongside global streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max, which many Bangladeshi users access through subscription payments. In addition to the duty on OTT services, Value Added Tax (VAT) on commissions from online product sales has been increased to 15%, up from last year’s 5%. In his budget speech, the adviser said the definition of OTT platforms has been outlined clearly, and the new 10% supplementary duty will now apply accordingly. As there is currently no parliament in place, the budget was broadcast simultaneously on state-run BTV and several private media outlets. This marks the 54th national budget and the first under the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus. Use of OTT platforms has surged in recent years in tandem with the growing penetration of smartphones and internet access across the country.

China's box office revenue for the 2025 Dragon Boat Festival holiday exceeded 400 million yuan (approximately 55.67 million U.S. dollars) as of 12:47 pm on Monday, representing a significant increase compared to the same period last year, according to box office tracker Maoyan. The summer blockbuster "Mission: Impossible -- The Final Reckoning," the eighth installment in the long-running Hollywood action franchise, leads the holiday box office chart. As of 12:47 p.m., the film had grossed about 165.31 million yuan during the holiday period. As this year's Dragon Boat Festival coincides with the International Children's Day, the holiday lineup features a variety of family-friendly animated films that have captivated audiences nationwide. The second to fourth spots of the holiday box office chart were dominated by animated films, including Japanese animated film "Doraemon the Movie: Nobita's Art World Tales," domestic animated adventure "Endless Journey of Love," and Disney's live-action adaptation of "Lilo & Stitch." The Dragon Boat Festival -- also known as the Duanwu Festival -- falls on the fifth day of the fifth month on the Chinese lunar calendar. This year, it was celebrated on May 31, and the holiday continues from May 31 to June 2.

Popular Indian-Bengali actor Parambrata Chattopadhyay and his wife Piya Chakraborty have welcomed a baby boy in Kolkata, India. Piya gave birth to their son on Sunday at a private hospital in the city. Both mother and child are reported to be in good health. The couple, who had previously shared the news of expecting their first child earlier this year, received an outpouring of love and congratulatory messages from fans and colleagues on social media following the announcement. Parambrata, who had taken paternity leave to be with his wife during this special time, had said he wanted to remain by her side as they embraced parenthood together. Tiger Shroff and Janhvi Kapoor to star in Raj Mehta and Karan Johar’s upcoming film Lag Jaa Gale The couple grew closer while volunteering in the Sundarbans region in the aftermath of Cyclone Yaas in 2021, though they had known each other prior to that. They tied the knot on November 27, 2023. Parambrata Chattopadhyay is well known to Bangladeshi audiences for his versatile performances in several acclaimed films, including Bhuban Majhi, Ajob Karkhana and Saturday Afternoon (Shonibar Bikel).

Dhanush and Aishwarya Rajinikanth, who finalized their divorce in November last year, recently came together to celebrate a milestone in their son Yatra’s life—his school graduation. The actor shared two photos from the occasion on Instagram. In the pictures, Yatra is seen dressed in a deep blue graduation gown and cap. Dhanush wore a white shirt with black trousers, while Aishwarya opted for an off-white outfit. Both parents were seen embracing their son and sharing proud moments together. Dhanush captioned the post, “Proud Parents #yathra,” accompanied by two heart emojis. The couple, who tied the knot in 2004, share two sons—Yatra and Linga. They publicly announced their separation in 2022, with Dhanush expressing on X (formerly Twitter): “18 years of togetherness as friends, couple, parents, and well-wishers. The journey was filled with growth, understanding, and adaptation. Today, we find ourselves on separate paths.” He further added, “We’ve chosen to part ways as a couple to better understand ourselves as individuals. We request your respect and privacy during this time.” Aishwarya posted the same statement on Instagram, captioning it: “No caption needed... only your understanding n your love necessary!” Their divorce was officially granted by the Chennai Family Welfare Court in November 2024. Career Updates: Dhanush will next appear in Kuberaa, set to release on June 20, alongside Rashmika Mandanna, Nagarjuna, and Jim Sarbh. He is also filming Tere Ishk Mein with Kriti Sanon and has a directorial project titled Idly Kadai in the works. Meanwhile, Aishwarya Rajinikanth recently directed Lal Salaam.   Source NDTV

In celebration of the revolutionary and awakening spirit of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam,  Nazrul Rock Concert titled 'Mora Jhonjhar Moto Uddam' enthralled music lovers at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital. Audiences attended the event defying heavy rainfall and inclement weather on Saturday evening. The concert organised by the Kabi Nazrul Institute marked the official release of a new music album by the Institute, featuring 10 of Nazrul's iconic songs reinterpreted by contemporary bands. Despite final preparations being completed by the afternoon, a sudden downpour cast uncertainty over the event. “We’re ready, the bands are ready - and we will begin as soon as the rain lets up,” Kabi Nazrul Institute Executive Director Latiful Islam Shibli told the media in the afternoon. Originally scheduled to start at 5 pm, the concert faced delays as the rain continued into the evening, prompting some audiences to leave. Eventually, as the rain subsided, preparations resumed, and the concert kicked off by its MC, actress Elina Shammi shortly with popular band Shironamhin performing the powerful Nazrul track “Kandari Hushiyar.” In a dynamic blend of music and poetry, each band's performance was followed by poetic recitations by noted elocutionist Titu Munshi, who brought Nazrul’s verses to life between musical sets. Rock band Black then performed “Porodeshi Megh” and “Jaago Naari Jaago,” followed by all female ethnic band F Minor's performance of “Joy Hok." Mizan and Brothers then enamored the crowd with the title track “Mora Jhonjhar Moto Uddam,” and Dalchhut delivered “Meghero Nomrud” and “Tora Shob Joywoddhwoni Kor.” Warfaze then energised the crowd with “Uchaton Mon Ghore Roy Na” and “Karar Oi Louho Kopat,” while Rebel performed “Rum Jhum Rum Jhum” and “Bajichhe Damama.” 90’s melodious band Different Touch then poured to Nazrul with “O Bhai Khati Shonar Cheyeo Khati,” “Eki Oporup,” and a medley of “Ei Shikol Pora Chhol,” “Durgomo Giri Kantar Moru,” and “Chol Chol Chol.” Nazrul Concert rescheduled to May 31