Category: TV & FILM

Three cineplexes in Bangladesh’s Rajshahi division were vandalized and looted following recent political unrest. Star Cineplex in Rajshahi, Ananda Cineplex in Natore, and Roots Cineclub in Sirajganj suffered extensive damage and theft, with losses estimated in the millions of taka. The attacks have outraged filmmakers and industry professionals, who are calling for government action and compensation. The incidents occurred between August 5-8, leaving some cineplexes potentially unable to reopen. Daily Star

Several Bangladeshi filmmakers are planning to create films and web series about the recent successful anti-discrimination student movement. Directors like Shihab Shaheen, Khijir Hayat Khan, Mabrur Rashid Bannah, and Khandkar Suman have announced projects that will depict the movement’s triumph and its historical context. These films aim to portray the reality of the student protests and celebrate the newfound freedom of speech in Bangladesh’s entertainment industry.

Disney’s D23 event revealed exciting film announcements, including “Avatar: Fire And Ash,” “The Mandalorian And Grogu” Star Wars movie, and “Freakier Friday” sequel. James Cameron teased new “Avatar” experiences, while Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis discussed their upcoming reunion. Pixar confirmed “The Incredibles 3,” and two more “Frozen” films are in development. Other announcements included a “Lion King” prequel and “Toy Story 4.”

Aamir Khan, reflecting on his career during the COVID-19 pandemic, has decided to focus on producing films for the next 15 years. His aim is to support emerging talent and create impactful cinema. “Laapataa Ladies,” a critically acclaimed film he produced, exemplifies this new direction. Khan plans to produce 4-5 films annually, providing a platform for new writers and directors. The film, which performed well in theaters, has found even greater success on Netflix.

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has donated Rs 1.21 crore for the renovation of Mumbai’s Haji Ali Dargah. The Dargah’s trust praised him as a “true Mumbaikar” and offered prayers for his parents and the country. This act follows other recent charitable gestures by Kumar, including arranging a langar and pausing his payment for a film to ensure crew salaries. Kumar has a history of significant donations, including contributions during the pandemic. AFP

Popular Bangladeshi actor Chanchal Chowdhury is facing intense social media backlash amid national reforms. Misunderstood as unsupportive of recent student movements, Chowdhury clarified his position on Facebook, stating he’s an ordinary artist with no political ties. He’s been dealing with his mother’s illness during recent unrest. Despite hoping to resolve the situation, his post attracted more negative comments. Chowdhury views the criticism as recognition of his three-decade career.

My Bicycle,” the first full-length Chakma-language film, was screened at Suhrawardy Udyan Open Stage despite being previously banned. The 64-minute film about the Chakma community faced censorship due to alleged army objections. A group of filmmakers, students, and educators organized the screening as part of “Freedom of Storytelling in a Free Nation” event, challenging censorship in Bangladesh. Another screening is planned at Dhaka University’s TSC premises. Daily Star

Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala have officially announced their engagement. The ceremony took place at Nagarjuna’s residence in Hyderabad, with the Akkineni family in attendance. Nagarjuna expressed his joy and welcomed Sobhita into their family. Fans have congratulated the happy couple, wishing them a lifetime of love and happiness. Daily Star

The Rajshahi branch of Star Cineplex, located in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Hi-Tech Park, was vandalized by unknown attackers on August 7. Star Cineplex Chairman Mahboob Rahman Ruhel confirmed the incident, stating that the entire establishment was damaged. The attackers initially intended to set fire to the building but were dissuaded by the caretaker. Ruhel also reported that his ancestral home and Sayeman resort in Cox’s Bazar were attacked, though he is currently safe. Daily Star

Acclaimed filmmaker Aparn a Sen and veteran actor Anjan Dutt reunite in Parambrata Chatterjee’s latest film “Ei Raat Tomar Amar”. Hoichoi Studios released the poster featuring the duo, revealing their on-screen chemistry. The film explores evolving relationships in later life. Set for theatrical release on August 30, it will be available for streaming on Hoichoi from September 6. Daily Star

A Dhaka court has issued an arrest warrant for actress Arifa Parvin Zaman Moushumi in a dishonoured cheque case filed by IPDC Finance Limited. The case involves a cheque for Tk 106,211. Moushumi failed to appear in court despite multiple summonses sent to her residences. The court has set October 16 as the deadline for the arrest warrant’s execution report. Daily Star

Bangladesh deploys 229 BGB platoons amid nationwide shutdown called by quota reform protesters following violent clashes with authorities. Celebrities, including actor Afran Nisho, voice support for the movement. Nisho, son of a freedom fighter, shared a poem criticizing violence and calling for peace. The protests have resulted in over 300 injuries and seven fatalities. Nisho, known for his TV work, is transitioning to cinema with projects like “Surongo” and the upcoming “Oshiyot.” Daily Star

Actress Shannen Doherty, famous for her roles in “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Charmed,” has died at 53 after a long battle with cancer. She passed away on Saturday, surrounded by loved ones. Doherty, known for her outspoken nature and conflicts on set, had been public about her cancer treatment since 2015. Her co-stars and friends paid tribute to her strength and impact on television.Source:Daily Star

The 40th Television Critics Association Awards saw FX’s “Shogun” dominate, winning four major awards including Outstanding Achievement in Drama. Anna Sawai won Individual Achievement in Drama for her role. Other winners included “Baby Reindeer”, “Doctor Who”, and “Bluey”. The late Andre Braugher received the Career Achievement award, while “Twin Peaks” was honored with the Heritage Award. The event showcased excellence across various TV genres and set the stage for upcoming Emmy nominations.

Shelley Duvall, renowned actress known for ‘The Shining’ and collaborations with Robert Altman, died at 75 due to diabetes complications. Her career spanned diverse roles, including memorable performances in ‘Nashville’ and ‘3 Women’. Duvall’s portrayal in ‘The Shining’ was her most high-profile role, though she described the experience as grueling. After a hiatus, she returned to acting in 2023. Her partner, Dan Gilroy, announced her peaceful passing in Texas. Source AFP

Bollywood actors Emraan Hashmi and Mallika Sherawat have reconciled after a 20-year feud stemming from their 2004 film “Murder”. The pair reunited at a wedding reception in April, with Hashmi describing the meeting as “warm and cordial”. Both actors have acknowledged their past behavior as impulsive and childish. Hashmi expressed interest in working with Sherawat again, indicating a positive turn in their relationship after years of estrangement.Source:Daily Star

Jon Landau, the Oscar-winning producer of blockbusters like Titanic and Avatar, has died at 63 after battling cancer. A long-time collaborator of James Cameron, Landau was instrumental in creating some of the highest-grossing films in history. Tributes poured in from Cameron, Sir Peter Jackson, and actress Zoe Saldaña, praising Landau’s passion for cinema and his influence on the industry. His death marks a significant loss for Hollywood. Source: AFP, Al Jazeera 

“Bridgerton” star Nicola Coughlan has raised over $1.9 million for Gaza aid through multiple fundraisers since November. The Irish actress has used her Instagram platform to support various humanitarian organizations active in Gaza. Coughlan, who wears an “Artists for Ceasefire” pin at public events, cites her family’s connection to the region and her Irish background as motivations for her activism. She continues to encourage donations and awareness for the cause. Daily Star

Veteran Indian actress Smriti Biswas passed away at 100 in Nashik, Maharashtra. She began her career as a child artist in 1930 and worked in Bengali, Marathi, and Hindi cinema. Biswas starred alongside notable actors and worked with renowned directors. Her last Hindi film, “Model Girl” (1960), earned critical acclaim. She retired from acting after marrying director SD Narang. The entertainment industry mourns her loss. Source: Daily Star

“Despicable Me 4” premieres globally today, including in Bangladesh’s Star Cineplex. The fourth installment of the popular animation series features Steve Carell as Gru, alongside other returning voice actors. The plot involves a new supervillain named Brat and introduces Gru Jr, Gru and Lucy’s newborn son. The story also includes escaped villains Maxime and Valentina seeking revenge on Gru’s family, leading to their relocation and new identities by the Anti-Villain League. Daily Star

Kalki 2898 AD,” starring Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Amitabh Bachchan, is breaking box office records. It has earned Rs 415 crore globally and Rs 220 crore in India within three days. The film set records as 2024’s biggest Indian cinema opener with Rs 191.5 crore on day one, surpassing “Fighter.” It’s now the highest-grossing Indian film of 2024, overtaking “Hanu-Man.” “Kalki 2898 AD” also achieved the third-highest opening for an Indian film ever and is Prabhas’ second-biggest opener after “Baahubali 2.”

The upcoming sci-fi film “Kalki 2898 AD” features surprising cameos from five notable celebrities. Mrunal Thakur plays a pregnant woman in a dystopian experiment, Vijay Deverakonda appears as Arjun, and Dulquer Salmaan portrays a bounty hunter. SS Rajamouli makes a cameo as Prabhas’ rival, sharing humorous moments. The film, directed by Nag Ashwin, stars Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Prabhas, and Kamal Haasan in lead roles, set in a futuristic world. Daily Star

420’ series’ famed Haq chacha in ICU.Actor Syed Golam Sarwar, known for his role as Haq chacha in the TV series “420,” is currently in ICU at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. He’s suffering from a lung infection, heart issues, and a gallbladder infection. His son shared the news on Facebook, asking for prayers and forgiveness for his father. The actor’s condition has prompted concern and well-wishes from the entertainment industry and fans who fondly remember him as Haq chacha. Daily Star

Actor and comedian Martin Mull, known for roles in “Clue,” “Arrested Development,” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” has died at 80 in Los Angeles after a long illness. Mull’s prolific career spanned TV and film, including notable appearances in “Roseanne” and “Veep.” He began as a songwriter before transitioning to comedy and acting. His daughter Maggie announced his passing, remembering him as “never not funny” and deeply missed by family, friends, and colleagues. Daily Star

Bollywood actress Tanushree Dutta has made new allegations against actor Nana Patekar, accusing him of criminal intimidation and physical harm. She claims to have faced harassment, stalking, and attempts on her life, which she attributes to Patekar. Dutta also reiterated her previous sexual abuse allegations from 2008 and criticized Patekar’s recent responses to the #MeToo movement.

Actor Tamayo Perry, 49, known for “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” and his surfing expertise, died in a shark attack near Goat Island, Hawaii. The incident occurred while Perry was surfing off Mokuauia. Emergency services found him with multiple shark bites. Perry, also a lifeguard and surfing instructor, was respected in the surfing community. The local mayor called his death a “tragic loss.” Perry had appeared in several films and was known for his skills at Pipeline. Daily Star

Renowned Indian actor Saswata Chatterjee is set to make his Dhallywood OTT debut in the Bangladeshi web series “Gulmohar”, directed by Syed Ahmed Shawki. Chatterjee has been granted permission to shoot in Bangladesh for five days between June 25 and July 7. The thriller series, produced by Film Syndicate, will be released on the OTT platform Chorki. Meanwhile, Chatterjee is also preparing for his role in the upcoming movie “Kalki 2898 AD”, set for worldwide release on June 27. Daily Star

Bangladeshi film “Mayna” has won a Special Mention Feature Film Award at the Gulf of Naples Independent Film Festival in Italy. Directed by Monjurul Islam Megh and produced by Alimullah Khokon, it was the only Asian film in the competition. The film has previously won awards in London and will participate in a Korean festival in August. “Mayna” is set for release in Bangladesh this September, featuring a star-studded cast including Raj Ripa and Kayes Arju. Daily Star

Acclaimed Canadian actor Donald Sutherland has died at 88, his son Kiefer Sutherland announced. Known for roles in “The Dirty Dozen,” “MAS*H,” and “The Hunger Games,” Sutherland had a career spanning over 50 years. He was praised for his versatility and depth as an actor. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and US President Joe Biden were among those paying tribute. Fellow actors including Helen Mirren and Rob Lowe hailed Sutherland’s talent and intelligence.AFP

Deepika Padukone, the Bollywood icon, stole the spotlight with her radiant pregnancy glow at the “Kalki 2898 AD” pre-release event. The actress, who plays a pivotal role in the highly anticipated sci-fi film, shared captivating photos on social media, cradling her baby bump in an elegant black dress. The star-studded event promises to be a grand celebration of cinema, with Padukone’s pregnancy adding to the joyous occasion.

Chaos erupted at Dhaka’s Madhumita Cinema Hall as angry fans vandalized the premises after failing to secure tickets for the highly anticipated Shakib Khan starrer film “Toofan.” The incident occurred around 6 pm on Tuesday, with frustrated moviegoers damaging posters, chairs, and glass doors. Eyewitnesses reported ticket scalpers selling tickets at inflated prices outside, leading to the unrest. Police have detained two individuals involved in the illegal ticket sales amid the fan frenzy over the film’s release.

French actress Anouk Aimee, an icon of 1960s cinema who starred in masterpieces like “La Dolce Vita” and “A Man and A Woman,” has died at the age of 92. Known for her elegant sophistication and melancholic appeal, Aimee received an Oscar nomination for “A Man and A Woman” and had a remarkable career spanning over six decades.

The Netflix film Maharaj, marking the acting debut of Aamir Khan’s son Junaid Khan, has landed in controversy with calls for its ban and a boycott of Netflix over claims that the period drama hurts religious sentiments. The Gujarat High Court has restrained Netflix from releasing the film and issued notices to the Centre, Netflix, and producers Yash Raj Films, with the next hearing on June 18. VHP and some users have alleged “anti-Hindu” elements in the film.