The man who claims that A$AP Rocky fired a handgun at him in 2021 returns to the courtroom on Friday for additional cross-examination after enduring a tough session on the stand, reports AP, The defence is expected to persist in questioning the man, identified as A$AP Relli, regarding the precise moment of the alleged shooting on a Hollywood street in 2021. Karla Sofía Gascón apologizes for old tweets, says she is 'deeply sorry to those I have caused pain' During the conclusion of his testimony on Thursday, he acknowledged that his account may have changed over the past three years, but insisted that his fading memory does not alter the core events. “A gun was pulled on me. It was pointed at me, and it was fired later,” stated the man, known as A$AP Relli, at Rocky’s trial in Los Angeles. Rocky, his former friend, is the defendant in the case. “It’s been three years. If he were innocent, he would have been home a long time ago.” Superstar singer Rihanna, Rocky’s partner, observed proceedings from the audience for the second consecutive day. After the jury left for the day, Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold noted that he had not heard the latter part of Relli’s statement and would instruct the jury to disregard it when they resumed for further cross-examination on Friday. Relli, whose legal name is Terell Ephron, testified that Rocky had aimed a gun at his stomach and head, though it did not make direct contact. He further alleged that Rocky threatened to kill him. Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, confronted him with a statement he gave to prosecutors in 2022, in which he claimed the gun had been pressed against his stomach and that he had not remembered what Rocky had said at the time. Earlier in the day, Relli disrupted courtroom decorum by shouting at Rocky, “You did this to yourself.” The judge reprimanded him, to which he responded, “He was staring at me!” Rocky, whose full name is Rakim Athelaston Mayers, remained seated at the defence table in a black suit and did not audibly respond. He faces two felony charges of assault with a semiautomatic handgun for allegedly shooting at Relli, a friend since high school. If convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison. Rihanna, who shares two toddler sons with Rocky, made headlines with her first appearance at his trial on Wednesday. She returned on Thursday, occupying the same seat in Rocky’s section, positioned between his mother and sister. She quietly entered the courtroom before most of the audience, dressed in a white top with gold earrings, and attentively followed the proceedings. Tacopina’s questioning addressed the initial confrontation between Rocky and Relli, though by the end of the session, he had not yet reached the alleged moment when the shots were fired. A significant portion of the cross-examination focused on Relli’s attitude towards Rocky leading up to the incident. Relli frequently displayed frustration and evasiveness, questioning why certain inquiries were being made and responding with “I don’t recall” before some questions were even fully posed. He denied harbouring resentment towards Rocky before the alleged shooting, despite the defence presenting text messages and past testimonies suggesting otherwise. “You’re trying to make it seem like I have some kind of animosity toward this dude—I don’t,” he insisted. “I never did. Even now, I don’t.” Rocky and Rihanna, both 36, share two sons: 2-year-old RZA Athelston Mayers and 1-year-old Riot Rose Mayers. Both global icons in fashion, the singer and rapper first connected professionally in 2012 when Rocky contributed a verse to one of her songs. They officially became a couple in 2020. After Coldplay's India tour, Chris Martin to perform at Grammy Awards ceremony Originally from Harlem, Rocky gained recognition in New York’s rap scene in 2011. His breakthrough came in 2013 when his debut studio album reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200. This year is set to be one of Rocky’s most significant professionally. He is nominated for a Grammy Award at Sunday’s ceremony at Crypto.com Arena, just two miles from his trial. Additionally, he is slated to star opposite Denzel Washington in a film directed by Spike Lee and will serve as a co-chair at the Met Gala in May.

Comedian and TV host Conan O'Brien was announced on Thursday as the latest recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for lifetime achievement in comedy, reports AP. At 61, O'Brien has built an unexpected and impressive career, transitioning from a quirky television newcomer to a respected figure in comedy. His journey included overcoming one of the most public failures in television history with “The Tonight Show,” only to recover and establish a long-lasting, successful career. Actor Saif Ali Khan stabbed in attempted burglary, undergoes surgery His travel series, “Conan O'Brien Must Go,” earned both critical and popular praise, with a second season set to air. In March, O'Brien will host the Academy Awards, followed by the Mark Twain ceremony in Washington just three weeks later. Deborah Rutter, president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, described O'Brien as “a master of invention and reinvention, consistently pushing the envelope in search of new comedic heights.” O'Brien humorously reflected on the honour, joking in a statement that he would be the first Mark Twain Prize recipient known not for his humour, but for his work as a riverboat pilot. He will be celebrated on March 23, during a ceremony where he will receive a bronze bust of Samuel Clemens, the real name of the legendary American writer and satirist. Melissa Rivers recounts grabbing valued possessions before Pacific Palisades fire burned home down The Mark Twain ceremony is a night of tributes, including testimonials and video tributes from previous awardees. The event will later be streamed on Netflix, though the release date is yet to be confirmed. O'Brien's rise to fame began in 1993, when he replaced the legendary David Letterman as host of “Late Night,” despite having little on-camera experience. Prior to this, the former Harvard Lampoon editor had been a writer for “Saturday Night Live” and “The Simpsons,” occasionally appearing as a background extra on SNL skits. O'Brien’s unique, awkward energy contrasted sharply with Letterman's deadpan style. He often poked fun at his own gangly appearance and felt out of place for the role. O'Brien went on to host “Late Night” for 16 years, longer than any other host. In 2009, O'Brien's career took a dramatic turn when he was chosen to replace Jay Leno as the host of “The Tonight Show,” despite warnings that Leno was reluctant to give up the position. After seven months of poor ratings, NBC brought Leno back with a new show that pushed “The Tonight Show” back. O'Brien refused to accept the change, resulting in a public feud that led to a multimillion-dollar payout for O'Brien and his team to leave NBC in early 2010. The fallout divided the comedy world, with Leno seen as the antagonist and O'Brien as the victim set up for failure. February 2025 Amazon Prime Originals Streaming Lineup: Exclusive Films and Web Series During his emotional farewell on the last episode of “The Tonight Show,” O'Brien expressed gratitude and refused to harbour resentment. “Every comedian dreams of hosting 'The Tonight Show,' and for seven months I got to do it," he said. "I did it my way with people I love, and I don't regret one second.” He ended with a poignant message for young people: “All I ask is this one thing, particularly of young people that watch: Please do not be cynical. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get, but if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen.” O'Brien returned later in 2010 with a new talk show on TBS. Despite the channel's smaller profile, the show ran for 11 years, during which O'Brien also launched ventures like the podcast “Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend” and the travel series “Conan Without Borders,” a precursor to his current programme. Other past recipients of the lifetime achievement award include Letterman, Leno, George Carlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Newhart, Carol Burnett, and Dave Chappelle. Bill Cosby, the 2009 honoree, had his Mark Twain Prize revoked in 2019 following multiple sexual assault allegations.

Hollywood celebrities' homes were at risk on Wednesday night as a fierce wildfire broke out in the Hollywood Hills, just a mile from the Hollywood Walk of Fame. While some stars lost their homes, others are perilously close to the uncontained flames. Celebrity homes at risk or damaged The homes of several Hollywood stars are in close proximity to the advancing wildfires. Page Six released a map of the affected zone, highlighting celebrity residences in the area. National Board of Review Awards hold space for ‘Wicked’ Schitt's Creek actor Eugene Levy’s house has already been destroyed, as shown in an image shared by the outlet. The homes of Nobody Wants This actor Adam Brody, his wife and Gossip Girl actress Leighton Meester, Anna Faris, James Woods and reality TV duo Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt have also been lost.  In Malibu, the fire threatens properties belonging to actor-singer Miley Cyrus and Star Wars actor Mark Hamill. In Santa Monica, the home of actress Jamie Lee Curtis faces danger, while farther north are the residences of Michael Keaton, Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson. Beyond Pacific Palisades are properties owned by filmmaker Steven Spielberg and actors Diane Keaton and Ben Affleck. Affleck, whose $20 million bachelor pad is at risk, was seen fleeing to ex-wife Jennifer Garner’s house for safety.  What to know about wildfires raining embers onto the Los Angeles area Meanwhile, stars like Mandy Moore, Cary Elwes and Paris Hilton confirmed on Wednesday that their homes were destroyed. Actor Billy Crystal and his wife Janice also lost their Palisades home of 45 years.  Overview of the LA wildfires Over 1,000 structures, primarily homes, have been reduced to ashes and more than 130,000 residents in the metropolitan area are under evacuation orders. Despite the arrival of hundreds of firefighters from other states, the four uncontrolled blazes remain a significant threat. Combined, the fires have scorched roughly 42 square miles — an area comparable to the size of San Francisco.   Source: With inputs from wires

The global dominance of Hollywood remains unrivaled, with its reputation as the epicenter of groundbreaking cinema. The 2025 movie lineup exemplifies this legacy, offering a dynamic blend of superhero adventures, horror films, and everything in between. Audiences can expect a mix of sequels, remakes, reboots, and fresh narratives, featuring iconic megastars and visionary filmmakers. Let’s dive into the exhilarating Hollywood Movies set to define the visual landscape in 2025. Top 10 Most Hyped Hollywood Movies Coming in 2025 . Captain America: Brave New World / Superhero Action / February 14, 2025 A full-length feature film is going to portray the Marvel Comics character Sam Wilson aka Captain America created by Stan Lee and Gene Colan. Building on the foundation of the TV miniseries The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021), the superhero film highlights the production expertise of Marvel Studios. As the 35th Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film, this release is the fourth chapter in the iconic Captain America series. Following the end of the Chris Evans era with ‘Civil War’ (2016), this marks Anthony Mackie's debut as the new Captain America. Scripted by the writing team of Malcolm Spellman, Dalan Musson, and Matthew Orton, this action film boasts Julius Onah as its director. The supporting cast includes Harrison Ford, Danny Ramirez, Xosha Roquemore, Shira Haas, Giancarlo Esposito, and Carl Lumbly. Liv Tyler and Tim Blake Nelson are returning from the second MCU film The Incredible Hulk (2008). Read more: January 2025 Hindi Films Lineup: 10 Most-hyped Bollywood Releases The narrative unfolds with Thaddeus Ross assuming the presidency of the United States. Meanwhile, Sam Wilson becomes entangled in a high-stakes international crisis, determined to uncover and thwart the real culprits behind the chaos. Mission: Impossible 8 / Spy Action / May 23, 2025 Starring Tom Cruise, this film will be a sequel to ‘Mission: Impossible (Dead Reckoning Part One)’ (2023) made by Christopher McQuarrie, Skydance, and Cruise’s TC Productions. Besides directing the spy movie, McQuarrie contributed to the screenplay with Erik Jendresen. Ving Rhames, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Esai Morales, Vanessa Kirby, Pom Klementieff, Angela Bassett, Rolf Saxon, Mark Gatiss, Henry Czerny, and Indira Varma reprise their roles from the previous films. Read more: Amazon Prime Video Originals’ List for January 2025: Most Hyped Films, Series, and Shows The spy thriller picks up where Dead Reckoning concluded, as Ethan sets out on a perilous mission to locate the Sevastopol and eliminate the Entity. Karate Kid: Legends / Martial Arts Drama / May 30, 2025 As a sequel to the original trilogy and the remake (2010), this sports action film is set in the Miyagi-verse, the same universe as the hit TV series Cobra Kai. While not a direct continuation of Cobra Kai, the story is set chronologically after the events of the series within the shared universe. This sixth film in the franchise flourishes with Jonathan Entwistle as the director and Rob Lieber as the writer. The action movie stars Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan, both returning to their iconic roles from earlier installments. The lead cast also includes Ben Wang, alongside Sadie Stanley, Joshua Jackson, Wyatt Oleff, Ming-Na Wen, Danny McBride, and Aramis Knight. Read more: January 2025 Netflix English Originals Lineup Credit for producing the film goes to Columbia Pictures, Westbrook Studios, and Sunswept Entertainment. Ballerina / Action Thriller / June 6, 2025 A spin-off set between the events of John Wick: Chapters 3 and 4, this thriller is the fifth movie in the acclaimed John Wick franchise. Len Wiseman’s direction and Shay Hatten’s writing elevate the neo-noir movie which is produced by Summit Entertainment, Thunder Road Films, and 87North Productions. Starring Ana de Armas in the lead role, the movie cast includes Gabriel Byrne, Norman Reedus, and Catalina Sandino Moreno. Keanu Reeves, Lance Reddick (in his final screen appearance), Anjelica Huston, and Ian McShane reprise their roles from the previous movies. Read more: Top 10 Must-Watch K-Dramas Premiering in December 2024 The narrative centers on Eve Macarro, a ballerina-turned-assassin, as she immerses herself in the Ruska Roma’s deadly traditions. She embarks on a quest for vengeance against her father’s killer. 28 Years Later / Post-apocalyptic Horror / June 20, 2025 Continuing the legacy of 28 Days Later (2002) and 28 Weeks Later (2007), this post-apocalyptic epic serves as the third chapter in the 28 Days Later universe. Besides writing the screenplay with Alex Garland, Danny Boyle also directed this horror movie which features Cillian Murphy in the lead role again. The other principal cast includes Ralph Fiennes, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O'Connell, Jodie Comer, Edvin Ryding, and Erin Kellyman. Read more: South Indian Movies Releasing in December 2024: Must-watch Lineup Centered on the resurgence of the Rage Virus after the events of 28 Weeks Later, this zombie horror film chronicles the harrowing struggle of survivors in a world overrun by the infected. Bankrolled by Columbia Pictures in collaboration with DNA Films, the British Film Institute, and Decibel Films, this is the first entry in the series to be developed without the production of 20th Century Fox.

With a combined $270 million in worldwide ticket sales, “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” breathed fresh life into a box office that has struggled lately, leading to one of the busiest moviegoing weekends of the year. Jon M. Chu’s lavish big-budget musical “Wicked,” starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, debuted with $114 million domestically and $164.2 million globally for Universal Pictures, according to studio estimates Sunday. That made it the third-biggest opening weekend of the year, behind only “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Inside Out 2.” It’s also a record for a Broadway musical adaptation. Two Hollywood films, “Wicked” and “Red One”, set to premiere in Bangladesh Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II,” a sequel to his 2000 best picture-winning original, launched with $55.5 million in ticket sales. With a price tag of around $250 million to produce it, “Gladiator II” was a big bet by Paramount Pictures to return to the Colosseum with a largely new cast, led by Denzel Washington and Paul Mescal. While it opened with a touch less than the $60 million predicted in domestic ticket sales, “Gladiator II” has performed well overseas. It added $50.5 million internationally. The collision of the two movies led to some echoes of the “Barbenheimer” effect of last year, when “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” launched simultaneously. The nickname this time, “Glicked,” wasn’t quite as catchy and the cultural imprint also was notably less. Few people sought out a double feature this time. The domestic grosses in 2023 — $162 million for “Barbie” and $82 million for “Oppenheimer” — also were higher. “Glicked” falls short of “Barbenheimer”For Universal, which distributed “Oppenheimer" last year, the weekend was more a triumph of “Wicked" than it was of “Glicked.” “We saw an opportunity to dominate a weekend and get a very large running start into the Thanksgiving holiday," said Jim Orr, distribution chief for Universal. "We're very confident that it will play ridiculously well through the Christmas corridor and into the new year.” But the counter-programming effect was still potent for “Wicked” and “Gladiator II,” which likewise split broadly along gender lines. And it was again the female-leaning release — “Wicked,” like “Barbie” before it — that easily won the weekend. About 72% of ticket buyers for “Wicked” were female, while 61% of those seeing “Gladiator II” were male. “Standing on their own, each of these movies may have done pretty much what they did, but it’s hard to know,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore. “Raising awareness can indeed lead to an increase in box office. Let’s put it this way: They didn’t hurt each other at all.” Massive marketing campaigns paved the way for opening weekendWhile “Barbenheimer” benefitted enormously from meme-spread word-of-mouth, both “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” leaned on all-out marketing blitzes. The “Gladiator II” campaign featured everything from a much-debated Airbnb cross-promotion with the actual Colosseum in Rome to simultaneously running a one-minute trailer on more than 4,000 TV networks, radio station and digital platforms. The “Wicked” onslaught went even further, with pink and green themed “Wickedly Delicious” Starbucks drinks, Stanley mugs and Mattel dolls (some of which led to an awkward recall ). Its stars made appearances at the Met Gala and the Olympics. “We had roughly 400 global brand partners on ‘Wicked,’ so the campaign was inescapable, said Orr. “And our cast, led by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, worked so hard on this. They were everywhere. They did everything we asked them to do.” Going into the weekend, box office was down about 11% from last year and some 25% from pre-pandemic times. That meant this week's two headline films led a much-needed resurgence for theaters. With “Moana 2” releasing Wednesday, Hollywood might be looking at historic sales over the Thanksgiving holiday. The two films boosted sluggish box office performance“This weekend’s two strong openers are invigorating a box office that fell apart after a good summer,” said David A. Gross, a film consultant who publishes a newsletter for Franchise Entertainment. Though “Wicked” will face some direct competition from “Moana 2,” it would seem better set up for a long and lucrative run in theaters than “Gladiator II.” Though some have dinged “Wicked” for running long, at 2 hours and 40 minutes, the film has had mostly stellar reviews. Audiences gave it an “A” on CinemaScore. The reception for “Wicked” has been strong enough that Oscar prognosticators expect it to be a contender for best picture at the Academy Awards, among other categories. Producers, perhaps sensing a hit, also took the step of splitting “Wicked” in two. Part two, already filmed, is due out next November. Each “Wicked” installation cost around $150 million to make. “Gladiator II” has also enjoyed good reviews, particularly for Washington's charismatic performance. Audience scores, though, were weaker, with ticket buyers giving it a “B” on CinemaScore. The film will make up for some of that, however, with robust international sales. It launched in many overseas markets a week ago, and has already accrued $165.5 million internationally. Coming in a distant third place for the weekend was “Red One,” the Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans holiday movie turned action film. In its second week of release, the Amazon MGM Studios release grossed $13.3 million to bring its two-week global haul to $117 million. At a cost of $250 million to make, “Red One” is the season's biggest flop, though it could recoup some value for Amazon if it's more popular once it begins streaming. Final domestic figures will be released Monday. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore: 1. "Wicked," $114 million. 2. “Gladiator II,” $55.5 million. 3. “Red One,” $13.3 million. 4. “Bonhoeffer: Pastor Spy Assassin," $5.1 million. 5. “Venom: The Last Dance,” $4 million. 6. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” $3.5 million. 7. “Heretic,” $2.2 million. 8. “The Wild Robot,” $2 million. 9. “Smile 2,” $1.1 million. 10. “A Real Pain,” $1.1 million.

Star Cineplex is gearing up to bring two much-anticipated Hollywood films to Bangladeshi screens this Friday, November 22: the epic musical fantasy “Wicked” and the Christmas-themed action-comedy “Red One”. Directed by Jon M. Chu, “Wicked” stars Cynthia Erivo and Grammy-winning pop sensation Ariana Grande in lead roles. The supporting cast boasts a star-studded lineup, including Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. The film is an adaptation of the Broadway musical of the same name, which was itself inspired by Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel. This is the first of a two-part cinematic adaptation produced by Universal Pictures and Marc Platt. The decision to split the story into two parts ensures no key plot points or songs from the stage production are excluded. “Wicked” premiered on November 3 at the State Theatre in Sydney, Australia, where it received positive reviews. Critics have praised Ariana Grande's performance, with many calling it one of the standout elements of the film. For those seeking festive cheer with an action-packed twist, “Red One” offers a fresh take on Christmas. Directed by Jake Kasdan and written by Chris Morgan, the movie features Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and “Captain America” star Chris Evans in lead roles. The plot centers on an ambitious mission to rescue Santa Claus, played by Academy Award winner J.K. Simmons, after his abduction on Christmas Eve. Johnson portrays Callum Drift, the head of North Pole security, while Evans takes on the role of Jack O'Malley, a notorious hacker turned bounty hunter. Together, they navigate a high-stakes adventure to save Christmas. The film also features Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Nick Kroll, Kristofer Hivju, and Wesley Kimmel in key roles. Produced by Amazon MGM Studios in collaboration with Seven Bucks Productions and Chris Morgan Productions, “Red One” has been touted as the beginning of a potential holiday franchise. Released internationally on November 15 by Warner Bros. Pictures, the film has already garnered attention for its unique premise and dynamic performances. Star Cineplex anticipates that both films will captivate Bangladeshi audiences in the coming weeks. With “Wicked” offering a sweeping musical narrative and “Red One” delivering a festive action-comedy spectacle, moviegoers are in for a treat this holiday season.  

Snakes have slithered their way into Hollywood, captivating audiences with their menacing presence and deadly allure. These reptiles have become iconic in horror and adventure films, from giant anacondas to venomous vipers. Let’s delve into the spine-chilling journey and discover the best Hollywood snake films celebrating the most thrilling snake moments on the silver screen. Greatest Movies Involving Snakes Made in Hollywood Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows | Grossing $330 Mn Part 1 (2010); $1.3 Bn Part 2 (2011) These cinematic gems comprise the two-part adaptation of J. K. Rowling’s 2007 novel, ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’, concluding the acclaimed Harry Potter film series. Directed by David Yates, these movies chronicle Harry Potter’s quest, at Dumbledore’s behest, to locate and destroy Lord Voldemort’s Horcruxes – keys to his immortality. Daniel Radcliffe stars throughout the franchise as the titular character, alongside Emma Watson and Rupert Grint. Read more: ‘Emon Jodi Hoto’: a unique rendezvous of popular Bengali literary characters on television While snakes aren’t central to any single instalment of the franchise, an integral character named Nagini, a snake, plays a pivotal role. Its scenes are intense and suspenseful, especially knowing it is both a deadly predator and a crucial part of Voldemort's plan. The franchise’s final chapter earned acclaim, securing the Best Special Visual Effects accolade at the British Academy Film Awards. Part 1 has an IMDb rating of 7.7/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 77%, while Part 2 is rated 8.1/10 on IMDb and holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 96%. The Jungle Book | 2016 | Grossing USD 966 Million Directed and produced by Jon Favreau, this fantasy adventure film is a live-action reimagining of Disney’s beloved 1967 animated classic. Neel Sethi shines as Mowgli, the orphaned human child guided by his animal mentors. He embarks on a journey of self-discovery while navigating the perilous threats of Shere Khan. Ben Kingsley, Bill Murray, Idris Elba, Scarlett Johansson, Lupita Nyong'o, Christopher Walken, and Giancarlo Esposito lend their talents through motion capture and voice performances in the film. Read more: ‘Toofan’ storms in global ticket sales, scheduled for India release on July 5 In ‘The Jungle Book’, Kaa the python is a hypnotic and deadly predator. The fear she instils comes from her ability to manipulate and deceive Mowgli, making her a lurking, ever-present threat in the jungle apart from Shere Khan. Celebrated for its ground-breaking visual effects, this movie garnered prestigious awards at the Academy Awards, British Academy Film Awards, and Critics' Choice Awards. The film has an IMDb rating of 7.4/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 94%. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark | 1981 | Grossing USD 354 Million This famous action-adventure movie stars Harrison Ford stars as Indiana Jones, an intrepid archaeologist. The U.S. government enlists him to locate the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis harness its formidable powers.  Apart from Ford, the action-adventure movie, directed by Steven Spielberg, stars Paul Freeman, Karen Allen, Ronald Lacey, Denholm Elliott, and John Rhys-Davies. Read more: Top 12 South Indian Films Releasing in July 2024 Although not a snake-focused film, the unforgettable scene of Indiana Jones and Marion sealed into the snake-infested Well of Souls remains one of cinema's most iconic snake moments. The legendary film earned five Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects. The movie boasts an IMDb rating of 8.4/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 93%. Beowulf | 2007 | Grossing USD 196.4 Million  Bringing the Old English epic poem Beowulf to life, Robert Zemeckis produced and directed this animated fantasy film. The action film features the voices of popular actors like Anthony Hopkins, Angelina Jolie, Ray Winstone, Brendan Gleeson, Robin Wright Penn, John Malkovich, Crispin Glover, and Alison Lohman. The movie delves into the legendary exploits of Beowulf, a renowned monster hunter who ventures to Denmark to confront a terrifying beast. However, his journey takes an unexpected turn, plunging him into a shocking experience unlike any he has ever faced before. Read more: Top 10 Bollywood Movies to Watch in July 2024: Thrillers, Dramas, and Comedies Unveiled While not entirely focused on snakes, ‘Beowulf’ includes a terrifying depiction of the monster, which has serpent-like qualities. However, the main twist awaits the audience in the end, weaving a sense of epic horror more than any snake movie. Anaconda | 1997 | Grossing USD 136.8 Million Directed by Luis Llosa, this adventure horror film features an ensemble cast including Jennifer Lopez, Jon Voight, Ice Cube, Owen Wilson, Eric Stoltz, and Jonathan Hyde. The movie follows a documentary crew in the Amazon rainforest led by a skilled snake hunter in pursuit of a colossal, mythical green anaconda. The suspenseful atmosphere, combined with the snake's sheer size and strength, creates a sense of dread. The film's use of practical effects and animatronics makes the snake appear more realistic and menacing, heightening the horror. Read more: Star Cineplex to premiere 'A Quiet Place: Day One' on June 28

Hollywood icon Will Smith recently shared his profound appreciation for the Quran, describing the Muslim holy book as “crystal clear” and lauding its simplicity.  In a conversation reported by Al Arabiya, Smith recounted his experience of reading the Quran last Ramadan. “I loved the simplicity; the Quran is so clear; it is crystal clear. It is hard to walk away with misunderstanding,” Smith remarked.  He was moved by the spirit of the Quran, which he found to be “so beautiful and clear.” Read more: Reasons Why Ramadan Fasting is More Beneficial Than Dieting Delving deeper into his spiritual journey, Smith revealed that he has explored the holy texts of Judaism and Christianity as well. He expressed amazement at the deep connections between the Quran, Torah, and Bible.  “I was surprised how it is like one story, from the Torah through the Bible and into the Quran. I never totally understood Abraham as the father and then the split with Isaac and Ishmail and it was beautiful to get the completion of that comprehension,” he shared. Smith, who is currently visiting Saudi Arabia, also opened up about his affinity for the Middle Eastern country and its culture during a podcast with MBC.  With a touch of humor, Smith, who portrayed the Genie in the live-action movie "Aladdin," quipped: “I think I was a Genie in a past life. I am so at home; I love it here.”  Read more: 10 Best Free Apps for Ramadan on Android and iOS

As we usher in 2024, the cinematic landscape is abuzz with excitement. Hollywood is set to release a diverse lineup of films, offering something for everyone in January 2024. From horror to comedy, thriller to drama, these top 10 Hollywood films are not to be missed. Whether you're a fan of edge-of-your-seat suspense, heartwarming tales, or groundbreaking special effects, these January 2024 releases in theaters are sure to captivate audiences worldwide. 10 Must-see Hollywood Films Coming to Theaters in January 2024 Self Reliance | January 3, 2024 Jake Johnson's directorial debut "Self Reliance" is a comedy-thriller that is set to kick off the new year with a bang. Johnson not only directs but also stars in and writes this film, which features a stellar cast including Anna Kendrick, Mary Holland, and Christopher Lloyd. The plot revolves around a man trapped in a deadly reality game, where he discovers profound life insights. This film, which premiered at the SXSW Film Festival, is a collaboration between MRC Film, Lonely Island Classics, and Walcott Productions, and is a notable addition to the top 10 Hollywood films releasing in January 2024. Read more: January 2024 Amazon Prime Video Line-up: Must-See Shows and Movies Night Swim | January 5, 2024 Bryce McGuire's "Night Swim" marks his feature directorial debut in the supernatural horror genre. The film, a spine-chilling tale involving a family's haunted swimming pool, stars Wyatt Russell and Kerry Condon. Produced by horror maestros James Wan and Jason Blum, and set for release by Universal Pictures, "Night Swim" promises to be a compelling watch for horror aficionados among the January 2024 Hollywood movie releases. The Painter | January 5, 2024 "The Painter," directed by Kimani Ray Smith and written by Brian Buccellato, is an action thriller that adds another dimension to the January 2024 releases. The story of a young woman teaming up with a former CIA agent for an unauthorized case features a strong cast including Madison Bailey and Jon Voight, making it a compelling watch for action movie enthusiasts. He Went That Way | January 5, 2024 In the true-crime thriller genre, Jeffrey Darling's "He Went That Way" is set to make waves. Based on Conrad Hilberry's non-fiction book about Luke Karamazov and the notorious Larry Lee Ranes, this film stars Jacob Elordi and Zachary Quinto in lead roles. Read more: 10 Must-Watch Bollywood Films Releasing in January 2024 The story of an animal trainer entangled with a hitchhiker who is a serial killer adds a riveting dimension to the list of top Hollywood films releasing in January 2024. The Book of Clarence | January 12, 2024 Jeymes Samuel's "The Book of Clarence" is an epic comedy-drama featuring an ensemble cast including LaKeith Stanfield, James McAvoy, and David Oyelowo. This film, which premiered at the BFI London Film Festival, is set in 29 A.D. Jerusalem and follows the journey of Clarence, a man seeking glory by pretending to be a new Messiah. With its release by TriStar Pictures, it's a must-watch among the new Hollywood releases.

The coming year is going to redefine the cinematic experience forever. Marvel and DC are bringing an epic showdown of superhero saga worldwide. And that’s just some of the biggest attractions that include sci-fi and action as well. As the curtain rises on sequels and prequels, classic franchises eagerly await their everlasting hype. Overriding all this is the desire to see dialogues and stunts of favorite actors and sensational stars. Let’s see what the most exciting Hollywood movies of 2024 promise to offer. 10 Most Anticipated Hollywood Movies of 2024 The Fall Guy | 1st March, 2024 Directed by the seasoned David Leitch, This action comedy unfolds as an adaptation of the iconic 1980s TV series by Glen A. Larson. Scripted by Drew Pearce, this cinematic endeavor brings to life the excellence of Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. In a collaboration between Universal, 87 North Productions, and Entertainment 360, the film navigates the story of Colt Seavers, a once-retired stuntman. Seavers is reluctantly drawn back into the industry when the lead actor of a mega-budget studio production, mysteriously disappears. However, the production was done under the direction of his former partner. Read more: Netflix Originals Dec 2023 Lineup: List of Movies, Series, and Other Shows Dune: Part Two | 15th March, 2024 Denis Villeneuve's directorial prowess takes center stage in Dune: Part Two, an epic science fiction masterpiece. A seamless continuation from its predecessor in 2021, this film serves as the second chapter in the two-part adaptation of Frank Herbert's 1965 novel. The stellar cast including Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, and Zendaya reprising their roles. The movie is made under the banner of Legendary Pictures and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The storyline of this installment of Dune centers against the backdrop of Paul Atreides' quest to unite with the Fremen people of Arrakis. As they face the daunting House Harkonnen, they get involved in political intrigue, war, and the vast landscapes of the desert planet. Read more: Something Like An Autobiography: Real Story or Just a Film? Godzilla X Kong The New Empire | 12th April, 2024 Directed by Adam Wingard, this sequel to the 2021 blockbuster Godzilla vs. Kong is a monster film that propels audiences back into the awe-inspiring MonsterVerse. This Legendary Pictures production will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film brings together the mighty Kong and fearsome Godzilla to confront a hidden, colossal threat within the human world. Delving into the mysteries of Skull Island and beyond, the storyline ventures into the origins of Hollow Earth. Starring Dan Stevens, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, and Fala Chen, this cinematic spectacle is waiting to explore the ancient Titan battles that forever bind man and monster. Read more: Top 10 Highest Earning South Indian Films of All Time Rebel Moon: Part 2 | 19th April, 2024 Zack Snyder's visionary prowess takes shape in Rebel Moon, a space opera co-written by himself, Kurt Johnstad, and Shay Hatten. The movie boasts an ensemble cast including Sofia Boutella, Charlie Hunnam, Michiel Huisman, Ray Fisher, Cleopatra Coleman, Jena Malone, Ed Skrein, and Anthony Hopkins. Set against the backdrop of a distant moon threatened by a tyrannical force, this fantasy film unfolds as a tale of survival. The mysterious stranger living among the villagers emerges as their beacon of hope. As the first part, A Child of Fire, gears up for release on December 22, 2023, by Netflix, anticipation for the sequel heightens. Read more: Top 10 Highest-Earning Bangladeshi Films Deadpool 3 | 3rd May, 2024 The third installment of the Deadpool film franchise follows the success of Deadpool (2016) and Deadpool 2 (2018). This film, rooted in Marvel Comics, is a joint production of Marvel Studios and Maximum Effort. Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Deadpool 3 is under the adept direction of Shawn Levy. The script is a joint effort by Paul Wernick, Rhett Reese, Zeb Wells, Levy, and Ryan Reynolds. Ryan Reynolds reprises his role as the irreverent Deadpool, joined by the likes of Hugh Jackman, Morena Baccarin, Brianna Hildebrand, and Jennifer Garner. Wolverine teams up with the "merc with a mouth," amplifying the anticipation for this superhero extravaganza. Read more: 12 Most Awaited South Indian Movies Releasing in November 2023: A Sneak Peek