United News of Bangladesh

Popular singer-songwriter Miftah Zaman is set to return to the stage with his solo concert 'Othopor Odhora' this (Friday) evening at the National Art Gallery Auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). Organised and managed under the overall coordination of Britto Communications, the concert will feature Miftah’s popular original songs alongside his renditions of timeless Bengali classics. The evening will include some of Miftah’s well-known originals, including ‘Chiro Odhora’, ‘Tai Tomar Kheyal’, ‘Praptishunno’ and ‘Bhranti’. He will also perform his interpretations of Bengali classics such as ‘Hoyto Tomari Jonno’, ‘Ki Name Deke’ and ‘Ami Cheye Cheye Dekhi Saradin’. The concert is expected to offer music lovers an opportunity to revisit different phases of Miftah’s musical journey, which spans nearly two decades. Over the years, Miftah has developed a distinctive musical style by blending contemporary and classical elements. His recent album ‘Ek Pashla Brishti’ further reflects his continuing engagement with melody and songwriting. The concert will also feature various stalls at the venue for attendees. Tickets are priced at Tk 1,200 for VIP and Tk 900 for the regular category.

‘Mothura’, the fifth track of Coke Studio Bangla Season 4, is set to be released tonight, featuring Sanzida Mahmood Nandita and Ankan Kumar Roy in a semi-classical take on unfulfilled love. Written and composed by Ankan Kumar Roy, the song explores the emotional bond between two people whose lives follow different paths, drawing on the longing and separation found in timeless tales of love. The song presents love as something that can remain meaningful even when it does not find fulfilment in life, evoking the stories of Radha and Krishna, Romeo and Juliet, and Layla and Majnun. Nandita and Ankan lend their voices to the track, while Shuvendu Das Shuvo has arranged the music. Their performance brings together the ache of separation, unspoken emotions and the lingering memory of a relationship that could never become a shared life. ‘Mothura’ marks another appearance by Nandita on Coke Studio Bangla, where she has been part of the platform since its first season. She first featured on ‘Bulbuli’ alongside Rituraj Baidya and later returned for ‘Darale Duaarey’ in Season 2 with Mukul Mojumder Ishaan. She was also part of the ensemble for ‘Lilabali’ in the platform’s first season. Ankan, meanwhile, previously appeared on Coke Studio Bangla Season 3 with ‘Long Distance Love’, performing alongside Sheikh Mumtahina Mehzabin Afrin. The song, released in September 2025, became one of his notable collaborations through the platform. Coke Studio Bangla returned for its fourth season on May 23, opening with ‘Room Jhoom’, a cross-cultural reinterpretation of a song linked to Kazi Nazrul Islam’s musical legacy. The season was announced with eight songs, bringing together Bangladeshi and international artists across different musical traditions. Subsequent releases have included ‘Megh’, which combined classical and contemporary musical elements around the theme of monsoon; ‘Patar Bashori’, a duet by Ishaan and Sunidhi Nayak exploring love and longing and ‘Mulluk’, blending Meghdol’s music with the voices of tea workers Ronju Tanti and Ranjit Tanti, narrating the generations-old story of Bangladesh’s tea workers, their displacement and enduring longing for their ancestral homeland. ‘Mothura’ will be available from 7 pm today on all digital streaming platforms and the official channels of Coke Studio Bangla.

Star Cineplex is set to bring two Hollywood releases to Bangladeshi screens on Friday, September 25, with Marvel Studios’ ‘Avengers: Endgame Encore’ returning to cinemas alongside Jason Statham-starrer action thriller ‘Mutiny’. ‘Avengers: Endgame Encore’ brings back the 2019 blockbuster in a special version featuring around four minutes of new footage, a new introduction and an additional ending. The extended version has a runtime of 185 minutes. The re-release comes ahead of ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, scheduled for release in December, giving Marvel fans an opportunity to revisit the events of ‘Endgame’ while potentially picking up new connections to the MCU’s next chapter. The original film marked the conclusion of a major phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and featured several defining moments, including Tony Stark’s sacrifice, Natasha Romanoff’s death, Steve Rogers’ emotional farewell and Captain America wielding Mjolnir. The additional footage has become a major point of curiosity for fans, particularly because of its possible connection with ‘Doomsday’. The trailer for ‘Endgame Encore’ reportedly crossed 77 million views within its first 24 hours, reflecting strong global interest in the special theatrical release. Marvel has also prepared a list of 15 films and series for audiences looking to revisit key stories before watching ‘Avengers: Doomsday’. Meanwhile, ‘Mutiny’ stars Jason Statham as Cole Reed, a former New York police officer and special forces operative who later works as a private security professional. Directed by Jean-François Richet, the action thriller follows Reed after his employer, a wealthy industrialist, is murdered in front of him. Reed is framed for the killing and forced to go on the run in search of the real culprit. His investigation takes him aboard a cargo ship, where he discovers that the murder is part of a wider international conspiracy. Surrounded by mercenaries and criminals and cut off from outside help, Reed must rely on his training and experience to survive. Annabelle Wallis, Roland Møller, Adrian Lester, Jason Wong and Arnas Fedaravičius also star in the film. Set largely aboard the cargo vessel, ‘Mutiny’ combines hand-to-hand combat, gunfights, chases and explosions with a fast-paced thriller narrative. Both films will open at Star Cineplex in Bangladesh on Sep 25.

Actress Keerthy Suresh has reunited with her Dasara co-stars for a special dance number in Nani's upcoming film The Paradise. Keerthy, who shares a close friendship with Nani, posted several behind-the-scenes photos from the song ahead of the film's release. Sharing a glimpse of her chemistry with Nani, she wrote, “Just a few hours to get into the world of The Paradise!” She also congratulated Nani and director Srikanth Odela for their work on the film. “Wishing only the best to my buddies @nameisnani and @srikanthodela__ for all the hard work you guys have put in to bring Jadal's world to the audience,” she wrote. Keerthy said she was happy to work with the Dasara team again. “Super glad to have had the chance to reunite with my Dasara family for this special one,” she added. Keerthy and Nani have previously worked together in the 2017 Telugu film Nenu Local and the 2023 film Dasara. Dasara is a Telugu action drama directed by Odela and produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri. The film features Nani, Dheekshith Shetty, Keerthy Suresh, Shine Tom Chacko, Samuthirakani, P. Sai Kumar and Shamna Kasim in key roles. Source: NDTV

Salman Khan used the latest episode of Bigg Boss 20 to speak out against online trolling, body-shaming and what he called inappropriate paparazzi photographs of female celebrities. During the show’s “Weekend Ka Vaar,” Salman addressed trolls who criticized his former girlfriend Katrina Kaif over her postpartum weight following her appearance at a Ganapati Utsav in Mumbai last week. “Why do you troll somebody who gets pregnant? Pregnant hone ke baad everyone puts on weight… Jab woh pictures mein wapas aayegi toh woh fit aayengi… she wants to spend time with her family,” Salman said. A video clip of his comments quickly went viral, with social media users praising the actor and calling him “Pookie,” a Gen Z term of affection for someone seen as standing up for a good cause. “If green flag had a face,” one user wrote, while another commented, “Green flag to ab Salman Khan lagne laga mujhe.” Salman also addressed criticism about his age, saying he knows people mock him for growing older. “Of course, I'm 60 years old, yaar,” he said. “You cannot be Maine Pyar Kiya all the time… this age has become a topic suddenly. Log kehte hain woh budha ho gaya hai… what do you want to troll… mujhe pata hai mujhe kaun kaun troll karta hai… hum react nahin karte… humare fans club itne saare hain… humko kya farak padta hai… bolne do inko.” At one point, Salman removed his shirt and hat, wiped off his makeup on camera and challenged trolls to criticize him. He then showed his physique, making it clear that he was not affected by the comments. He also defended his brother Sohail Khan and others who have faced online ridicule. “Pehle apne aap ko dekho, apne jism ko dekho uske baad karna yeh sab… apne maa baap ko dekho… uske baad troll karna… mazak udana Sohail ke upar, Varun ke upar it's not done,” he said. “Jitna trolling karna hai kar lo, phate hue joote bhi pehenta hoon,” Salman added. Salman criticises paparazzi Salman also criticized paparazzi for photographing actresses from behind and taking what he described as inappropriate shots. “Paparazzi hip shots lete hain, taangon ke shots lete hain, aur agar peeche se shot mil jaaye toh woh bhi lete hain. None of these heroines, none of the girls like it,” he said. Referring to his niece, he added, “Meri apni niece chal rahi hoti hai, toh peeche se uska shot le rahe hain aur caption daalte hain ‘Pehchaano ye kaun hai?’” “I am saying all this to girls: agar aisa ho toh ghoom ke ek chamat maaro aur bolo, ‘Apni maa-behen ka shot le lo.’ Disgusting people! What is this mentality?” Salman said. Salman and Katrina reportedly began dating in the mid-2000s after working together. Katrina later said in a 2011 interview with Cosmopolitan that Salman was her first serious relationship. Katrina has been married to Vicky Kaushal since 2021. The couple welcomed their first child, son Vihaan, last November.  #From NDTV 

Hanuman Ansh, directed by Vishal Chaturvedi, has continued its strong run at the box office, showing little sign of slowing down even 46 days after its release. The film, which opened with a collection of Rs 10 lakh, has earned Rs 276 crore in net collections in India during its first 46 days. Breaking down the numbers According to Sacnilk, Hanuman Ansh earned a net Rs 4.15 crore on Day 46 from 7,629 shows. With this, the film's total gross collection in India has reached Rs 325.95 crore, while its net collection stands at Rs 276.03 crore. The film also earned Rs 0.50 crore overseas on Day 46, taking its total overseas gross collection to Rs 26.50 crore. As a result, Hanuman Ansh has now recorded a worldwide gross collection of Rs 352.45 crore. Box office performance in the initial days Sacnilk data shows that the film earned Rs 1.08 crore during its first week. Its second-week collection was only Rs 40 lakh, leaving the film with a total of Rs 1.48 crore after 14 days. The film's fortunes then changed significantly. It earned Rs 10.4 crore in its third week, with Day 17 alone contributing Rs 2.2 crore and Day 19 adding another Rs 2.35 crore. The fourth week saw an even sharper rise in collections. The film earned Rs 6.25 crore on Day 22, followed by Rs 9.25 crore on Day 23 and Rs 12.75 crore on Day 24. Notably, Hanuman Ansh earned more on Day 24 alone than it had collected during its entire first two weeks combined. #From NDTV

Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) will host artist Suborno Chakraborty Tonmoy’s first solo exhibition, ‘Splendor of Green’, from September 22 to 29, showcasing works born from his close study of leaves, flowers and grass. Curated by Sumon Wahed, the exhibition will open at 6 pm on September 22 at AFD's La Galerie. Tonmoy’s engagement with nature deepened during the COVID-19 lockdown, when the slower pace of everyday life gave him an opportunity to observe his surroundings more closely. The diversity of plants, particularly the varied forms and characteristics of leaves, gradually became a major source of inspiration for his paintings. His works explore these natural forms through colour, structure and layered shades, translating subtle variations observed in plants onto canvas. Through the exhibition, he also seeks to encourage viewers to look more closely at the details of the natural environment that often go unnoticed. A Dhaka-based contemporary painter, Tonmoy completed his BFA in 2022 and MFA in 2024 from the Faculty of Fine Art, Dhaka University. His practice focuses primarily on nature, particularly plants and leaves, and includes painting, drawing and research using oil, acrylic, watercolour and pencil. He received the Media Best Award in Watercolor at the Annual Art Exhibition of the Department of Drawing & Painting, Dhaka University, in 2023. He also received the Grand Award at the 26th Berger Young Painters’ Art Competition in 2021. Currently works as a freelance artist, Tonmoy is also a master flautist. ‘Splendor of Green’ will remain open from 3 pm to 9 pm daily through Sep 29 at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka, 26 Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi.

Daisy Edgar-Jones says she identifies strongly with Elinor Dashwood, the sensible elder sister she plays in the latest adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, particularly when it comes to matters of the heart. “I lead a lot with my head and try and push aside, bury my emotion,” Edgar-Jones told the BBC, describing herself as more like Elinor than her younger and more romantic sister Marianne. However, she said one of the pleasures of the film is watching Elinor discover and embrace a more passionate side of herself. “And I feel like I learnt to do that too,” the 28-year-old actress said. Best known for her breakout role opposite Paul Mescal in the hit series Normal People, Edgar-Jones now leads the latest screen adaptation of Austen’s classic novel. Directed by Georgia Oakley, the film follows the Dashwood sisters as they deal with love, loss and social expectations after their father’s death. Unlike some modern adaptations, the new film remains firmly rooted in the period in which Austen wrote. Edgar-Jones said she admired the film’s traditional setting but felt its filmmaking brought a fresh quality to the story. She stars alongside Esmé Creed-Miles, 26, who plays Marianne. The actresses had previously worked together as teenagers on the 2018 film Pond Life, which helped them develop a natural on-screen sisterly bond. Creed-Miles said they had fun working together on the earlier film, recalling that they often had sleepovers and watched Love Island. Edgar-Jones said the theme of sisterhood has remained particularly meaningful to her, despite being an only child. “I’ve heard a lot of people say that after watching the film, it either makes them want a sister or to ring up their sister and say, ‘Hey, I love you,’ and I think that’s really special,” she said. Sense and Sensibility has been adapted for the screen several times, including the acclaimed 1995 film starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet. Edgar-Jones said she loves that version but believes Austen’s stories continue to offer new possibilities. “She has an incredible way of articulating the female experience,” she said, pointing to Austen’s writing about love, romance, family relationships and social dynamics. Edgar-Jones also believes Austen’s themes remain relevant to younger audiences. She noted that emotions surrounding love, heartbreak and first relationships have changed little in 200 years. “We still have the same human heart as we did 200 years ago,” she said. Creed-Miles agreed, saying the characters could help viewers feel less alone in experiences they are going through. Edgar-Jones also addressed reports that Mescal could be considered for the role of James Bond. While she did not confirm whether he was in the running, she praised her former co-star. “I don’t know, but I think there’s nothing Paul can’t do,” she said.Check the copy for factual consistencyTighten the story to standard wire length Source: BBC

Ed Sheeran opened a solo concert and addressed the Gaza war before a nearly full stadium Saturday, saying the situation there is “catastrophic and unjustifiable” while stressing that his concerts should promote unity and humanity. Sheeran’s remarks came after a turbulent week surrounding his tour. Rapper Macklemore, originally scheduled as his US opener, was dropped after saying “Free Palestine” during a September 5 New Jersey concert. Sheeran said he was not responsible for the decision. Several supporting acts later withdrew. Danish band Lukas Graham, Irish singer Aaron Rowe and Finneas, Billie Eilish’s brother and collaborator, pulled out. Irish folk band Beoga continues joining Sheeran for several songs. Sheeran said the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel were horrific and described Gaza’s situation as catastrophic. He said he did not want to become an activist musician but had been drawn into a debate over free speech and the conflict. Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside Saturday’s show, while some fans said concerts should remain separate from politics. Macklemore said he would donate $1 million for Palestinian relief and urged Robert Kraft to match it. Kraft’s spokesperson said Kraft and Sheeran agreed to donate $2 million each, without specifying recipients. Sheeran said everyone, regardless of views, is welcome at his concerts.

Director Atlee's upcoming sci-fi action drama Raaka, starring Allu Arjun and featuring Deepika Padukone and Rashmika Mandanna, has generated fresh excitement with a cryptic promotional teaser released by the makers. The teaser revealed little about the film but carried the message, "Get ready to witness a global triumph." Another tagline read, "Beyond what seemed possible. We dared to imagine. We dared to achieve. Raaka: A global triumph." The makers have so far kept details about the film's story, shooting locations and scale of production under wraps, adding to the anticipation surrounding the project. About RaakaAllu Arjun is reportedly set to play four different roles in Raaka — a grandfather, a father and two sons, according to reports. There is also speculation that the film may explore the idea of two parallel universes. However, the filmmakers have not officially confirmed these details. The cast also includes Janhvi Kapoor and Mrunal Thakur in key roles, alongside Deepika Padukone and Rashmika Mandanna. Produced by Sun Pictures, Raaka is described as a sci-fi action drama. The film marks the first collaboration between Allu Arjun and Atlee. NDTV