Sound box or speakers are essential components of any audio system, whether it's for personal use or a public event. The quality of sound boxes plays a crucial role in delivering an immersive and engaging audio experience. Sound boxes made by diverse international and local brands are available in the markets of Bangladesh. However, not all sound boxes can offer high-quality sound and durability. Let's take a look at some of the top sound boxes available in Bangladesh in 2023. Things to consider when buying a Speaker or Sound Box When considering purchasing a sound box, there are a few important factors to keep in mind. Here are some things to consider before deciding: Sound Quality: It is important to choose a sound box that produces high-quality sound and delivers crisp, clear audio. Read More: Home Theater Buyer's Guide with Price Ranges in Compatibility: Ensure that the sound box is compatible with your device, whether it is a smartphone, laptop, or any other device you intend to use with it. Connectivity: Check the connectivity options available, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and wired connections such as USB and HDMI. Size and Portability: Consider the size and portability of the sound box, especially if you plan to use it on the go or in different locations. Durability: Look for a sound box that is built to last and can withstand wear and tear over time. Read More: Bluetooth Headphones Buyer Guide and Price Ranges in Bangladesh Price: Set a budget for yourself and look for a sound box that fits within your price range while also meeting your requirements. Popular Sound Boxes in Bangladesh in 2023 under different Price Ranges Sound Systems Under BDT 5000 F&D W24 Portable Bluetooth Speaker The F&D W24 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a great choice for those who want an affordable, portable speaker with excellent sound quality. With a 1.5-inch full-range neodymium driver, this speaker offers powerful and clear sound. It has a waterproof design (IPX4 grade) and is easy to carry thanks to its slim and polygon shape.  The F&D W24 has a frequency range of 20Hz - 20kHz and a signal-to-noise ratio of >-75dB. It comes with a 4400mAh rechargeable battery and has a Bluetooth range of up to 15 meters. The price of an F&D W24 Speaker in Bangladesh starts from 2,900 BDT. Read More: New device puts music in your head - without headphones

Eid Ul Fitr, the largest festival of Muslims, is right around the corner. Like every year, television channels, OTT platforms, and production houses in Bangladesh are gearing up for week-long festivities. One of the largest parts of the entertainment bonanza of the Eid-ul-Fitr 2023 is the Bengali Eid Natoks, telefilms, and web series. This year too, Bengali dramas performed by renowned artists are lined up to entertain the viewers during the Eid holidays. Let’s have a look.  12 Bengali Dramas Coming to Eid-ul-Fitr 2023 Priyo Poribar  Like every year, the popular TV actor Apurba features in several upcoming Eid projects including Priyo Poribar.  In Priyo Poribar, Apurba plays the role of an elderly patriarch of a middle-class family. The storyline shows how a family-head deals with his growing children, and changing times. The struggle of a father to hold onto his family makes up the premise of the telefilm. Veteran actress Tarin will be seen alongside Apurba in the lead role. With the story by Mezbah Uddin Sumon, the telefilm is directed by Rubel Hasan. The telefilm will be available on Club 11 Entertainment’s official YouTube channel.  Read More: 6 Bangladeshi Movies Releasing on Eid-ul-Fitr 2023  Mon Jurey  This Eid, Jovan, and singer-turned-actress Poushi are pairing up for an upcoming comedy telefilm titled Mon Jurey.  The basic theme of the drama centers around how two love birds living in a small locality go about their day and hide their love from the family.  Mon Jure has been produced by Shahed Ali Pappu. Jakaria Showkhin and Sohel Rana Srabon wrote the story. The telefilm will be available on CMV Entertainment’s official YouTube channel.  Read More: Govt allows import of foreign films on five conditions  Shubhashini  Shubhashini is another project of Apurba this Eid ul Fitr. Keya Payel also stars in this drama. The story follows a quintessential romance between two different people who came across each other by chance.  Shubhashini has been directed by Syed Shakil with the story from Mezbah Uddin Sumon. In addition to Apurba and Keya Payel, viewers will see Dilara Zaman, Samanta Shimu, and Khalequzzaman in supporting roles.  The telefilm will be broadcasted on Maasranga TV. Read More: May 2023 New Releases: Netflix Original English Movies, Series  Irsha  Following Shubhashini, viewers will see another Apurba–Payel pair up in Irsha. This is a story of two couples constantly finding each other’s opposition. Yet the storyline will show how the couple overcame the crisis and stayed together.  Irsha is directed by Syed Shakil while the script is written by Mezbah Uddin Sumon. The telefilm will be available this Eid ul Fitr on CMV Entertainment’s official YouTube channel.  Read More: Nurul Alam Atique's 'Pyara Subash' at 45th Moscow Film Festival

If you are a movie or music enthusiast, then you know that having a great sound system can make all the difference in your entertainment experience. A home theater system is a perfect way to enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows, and music in the comfort zone of your own home. But with so many different options available, choosing the right system for your needs can be overwhelming. This article aims to provide a comprehensive buying guide along with the basics, key components, and an overview of the price ranges of home theater systems in Bangladesh. Things to Consider to Buy a Home Theater When buying a home theater system, there are several important factors to consider to make an informed decision. Here are some things to keep in mind: Size Consider the space where you plan to set up your home theater system. The size of the room will determine the size and power of the system you need. A larger room will require more power and a larger speaker system, while a smaller room may be better suited for a compact system. It's also important to consider the placement of the speakers to ensure that they are positioned correctly for optimal sound quality. Read More: Air Conditioner Brands, Buyer Guide, Models, with Price in Sound Quality Consider the audio quality of the system. A home theater system's audio quality depends on the speakers, the amplifier, and the audio source. Look for a system that can handle high-quality audio formats such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, and make sure that the speakers can produce a balanced and immersive sound. Video Quality Then comes the video quality of the system. If you plan to watch movies or play games on your home theater system, you will want to ensure that it can handle high-quality video formats such as 4K Ultra HD or HDR. Look for a system with a high-quality display, whether that be a TV or projector. Connectivity You should also check the connectivity options of the system. Look for a system with multiple input options, such as HDMI or Bluetooth, so you can easily connect all your devices to the system. Also, consider whether the system has Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity for streaming content. Read More: Walton Home Appliance & Electronics products can make your life convenient Cost Lastly, consider the overall cost of the system. A high-end home theater system can be a significant investment, but it's important to consider the value that it will provide. Determine your budget and look for a system that fits within that range while still meeting your needs and providing good-quality components. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect home theater system that meets your needs and fits within your budget. Price Range of Home theater in Bangladesh - Features with Price Top Home Theater models under TK 10000 Redmi MDZ-34-DA The Xiaomi Redmi MDZ-34-DA TV soundbar is a type of speaker that can be connected to a TV using Bluetooth or wired connectivity. It has an output power of 30W and a frequency response range of 80Hz-20KHz. The speaker has an impedance of 4ohm and accepts inputs from AUX, Bluetooth, and SPDIF interfaces. Read More: Air Purifier Price in Bangladesh: A Comprehensive Buying Guide The body of the speaker is made of ABS and metal, and it is black in color. The dimensions of the speaker are 64 x 63 x 780mm, and it weighs 1.50 kg. The packet includes the soundbar, a SPDIF cord, screws, an expansion rubber plug, an EVA foam pad, and a manual. The part number for this soundbar is MDZ-34-DA, and it comes with a 6-month warranty. The soundbar is made and assembled in China. The soundbar costs around 4,000 taka. F&D T200X 2:1 Bluetooth Soundbar The F&D T200X is a Bluetooth soundbar with a 2:1 channel system that can be connected both wirelessly and with wires. Each channel has an RMS of 17.5 watts and the subwoofer has an RMS of 35 watts, providing an output power of 70 watts. The satellite speakers have a frequency range of 135Hz-20kHz, while the subwoofer has a range of 30Hz-104Hz. The soundbar also has a memory card slot that can support SD cards and a USB port. The Bluetooth range is up to 15 meters with version 4.0. The device also features LED lighting, automatic multi-color LED on the subwoofer, and a bright white LED display. The soundbar is sleek and can fit discreetly under flat-panel TVs. Read More: Best Vacuum Floor Cleaner under Tk10000 in Bangladesh The subwoofer and satellite speakers can be used separately or combined to form a soundbar. The device also has crystal clear sound and heart-thumping bass, an uninterrupted digital FM with up to 100 station storage, and a plug-and-play USB/SD card reader. The device comes with a one-year warranty, with no warranty for the remote. It will cost you around 9,000 taka. Top Home Theater models under TK 20000 F&D F5060X The F&D F5060X is a Bluetooth-enabled multimedia home theater system with a 5:1 channel configuration. It has an output power of 135 watts, with each of the five channels providing 15 watts of RMS power and the subwoofer providing 60 watts of RMS power. The frequency response range is between 60Hz-20KHz for the satellites and 25Hz-85Hz for the subwoofer, and it has a signal-to-noise ratio of 73dB. The system is equipped with multicolored LED themes, PLL FM storage, and a 2-way acoustic design, and it features a sleek matte finish with a minimalistic yet elegant design. Additionally, the F&D F5060X comes with a full-function remote control and an app for multi-functional control. The system also includes a 1-year warranty. Read More: Microwave Oven price in Bangladesh with Buying Tips Philips B5305 2.1 Channel Soundbar The Philips B5305 Soundbar System boasts a Wireless Subwoofer that enhances the audio experience. It has two Full-range drivers (15W x 2), Bluetooth, and an array of inputs including 3.5mm audio, optical, Aux-In, Bluetooth, Optical, and HDMI (ARC), which can be conveniently controlled with your TV remote. Our evaluation revealed that the Philips B5305 performed remarkably well, particularly for video playback. The LED indicates the audio mode; white for Music, green for Movies, and red for News. The Philips B5305 Soundbar Speaker has an attractive design and durable build quality, providing reliable and optimized performance for movies and games. However, it does not come with a parts warranty. The latest price of the Philips B5305 2.1 Channel Soundbar Speaker in Bangladesh is 20,000 taka. Top Home Theater models around TK 30000 JBL Bar 2.1 Soundbar The JBL Bar 2.1 Soundbar has a more streamlined appearance, featuring Dolby Digital and JBL Surround Sound. The audio performance for your movies and music is great with its 300W power output, and JBL Surround Sound brings your movies to life without the need for extra wires or speakers. Read More: Projector Buyer Guide and Price Ranges in Bangladesh It comes with a 6.5" (165mm) wireless subwoofer, which provides rich and deep bass and flexible placement. Bluetooth 4.2 powers it, enabling you to stream all of your favorite music wirelessly from any mobile device. You can connect your devices with HDMI IN/ 1 HDMI out (ARC) and make your home entertainment setup simpler. This JBL soundbar works with several of the latest TV remote controls, so you can use your current TV remote control for both your TV and soundbar. With a frequency response range of 40Hz to 20KHz and a maximum SPL of 99db, you can enjoy a broad range of audio performance. It offers various input options, including 1 Analog, 1 Optical, Bluetooth, and USB audio. There is no warranty provided with it. The present price of a JBL Bar 2.1 Soundbar with a Subwoofer in Bangladesh is 32,000 taka. Sony HT-S350 is a 2.1ch Soundbar The Sony HT-S350 is a 2.1ch Soundbar that boasts a powerful wireless subwoofer and a total output of 320W, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to enhance their home theater experience. Thanks to the S-Force PRO Front Surround technology, you can enjoy cinematic sound without the need for additional rear speakers. Read More: Power Bank Buyer guide with Price Ranges in Bangladesh The soundbar also features a 16 cm speaker unit and a 28-liter volume that delivers a deeper, richer bass sound, perfect for enjoying your favorite music tracks and dramatic action scenes. It's effortless to set up and can be connected to your TV via HDMI ARC with a single cable. If your TV isn't compatible with HDMI, you can connect via the optical input. Plus, with Bluetooth v5.0 connectivity, you can easily stream all your favorite music wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet. The Sony HT-S350 comes without any warranty, and it's priced at 31,500 taka. Samsung HW-Q60T 5.1ch Soundbar The Samsung HW-Q60T 5.1 Ch Bluetooth Soundbar offers a more powerful audio experience with clear tones. Samsung's Acoustic Beam technology delivers sound that appears to be precisely where the action is taking place on screen, providing an immersive viewing experience. With Q-Symphony technology, the soundbar syncs with Samsung TVs to create a harmonious sound. Read More: Gaming PC Buyer guide & Price Ranges in Bangladesh It also supports HDR 10+ content for an even more impactful audio experience. The soundbar can be controlled with a Samsung TV remote and can also be connected to a Samsung TV via Bluetooth for easy access to your favorite content. The Samsung HW-Q60T 5.1ch Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer comes with a 1-year service warranty and is priced at 33,500 Taka. Conclusion Choosing the right home theater system is quite confusing. Our discussion has covered how to buy a home theater. We have also discussed some popular home theater systems under various price ranges in Bangladesh. Take your time to do your research and make an informed decision that fits your needs and budget. Investing in a home theater system can enhance your movie and music experience in the comfort of your own home. Read More: WiFi Wireless Router Buyer Guide with Price Ranges in

New movies like “Plane” and “House Party” were no match for “Avatar: The Way of Water” and the killer doll horror “M3GAN” at the box office this weekend. The two holdovers topped the charts again according to studio estimates Sunday. In first place for the fifth weekend in a row was James Cameron’s “Avatar” sequel, which added an estimated $31.1 million through Sunday. That total will likely balloon to $38.5 million by the end of Monday’s Martin Luther King holiday. As of Sunday, the film's domestic total now rests at $562.9 million (the 13th biggest of all time) and its global total is $1.89 billion. “Avatar 2” needs to pass $1.92 billion to trump “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” which is currently the sixth highest grossing film of all time globally. “There were such huge expectations and a lot of naysayers that opening weekend,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore. “But ‘Avatar,’ for a James Cameron movie, is moving at lightning speed up the domestic and global box office chart. I think he always knew this would be a $2 billion movie." Second place went to Universal and Blumhouse’s “M3GAN” which in its second weekend in theaters added $17.9 million through Sunday and an estimated $21.2 million including Monday. The modestly budgeted thriller that cost a reported $12 million to produce has made $59.8 million in North America. Read more: 10 Most Anticipated Movies of 2023: Unleash the Craze of Movie Mania Horror movies typically have very steep second weekend drop offs in ticket sales, but “M3GAN” only fell 41%. Dergarabedian said that’s almost unheard of for a horror picture and shows “world class staying power.” Universal also claimed the third place spot, with “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” which audiences continued to seek out in theaters even though it’s currently available to rent at home. The family-friendly animated film added $13.4 million in its fourth weekend, bringing its domestic total to $110.3 million. “A Man Called Otto,” from Columbia Pictures, expanded to 3,802 theaters this weekend, adding $12.7 million through Sunday, and $15 million including Monday, to take fourth place. Directed by Marc Forster, the adaptation of “A Man Called Ove” starring Tom Hanks is proving to be something of a rarity in the theatrical marketplace as an adult-targeted drama that is doing well. The Gerard Butler action pic “Plane,” a Lionsgate acquisition for release in North America, rounded out the top five with a better-than-expected $10 million in its first three days. In the film, Butler plays a pilot whose crash landing on an island is only the first of his troubles. On the island, most of the passengers are taken hostage. “Plane” got better-than-average reviews with 75% positive from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Sixth place went to the second major new offering this weekend, “House Party,” a reboot of Reginald Hudlin’s 1990 hit that spawned several spinoffs. The film, which made $3.9 million through Sunday from 1,400 locations, was originally intended as a straight-to-HBO Max property but Warner Bros. pivoted to a theatrical release as a gesture to audiences and exhibitors hungry for new films. The R-rated, youth-oriented comedy did not score well with critics. Overall, the three-day box office total is going to net out around $100 million, which is not quite at pre-pandemic levels, but still up some 44% from the same weekend last year. "January is not going to be the slow month we thought. It’s a great combination of films out there that's not just dominated by ‘Avatar: The Way of Water,’" Dergarabedian said. “Theaters need movies and the studios are supplying those.” Read more: 2022 Highest Grossing Movies Worldwide Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore, with Wednesday through Sunday in parentheses. Final domestic figures will be released Monday. 1. “Avatar: The Way of Water,” $31.1 million. 2. “M3GAN,” $17.9 million. 3. “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” $13.4 million. 4. “A Man Called Otto,” $12.7 million. 5. “Plane,” $10 million. 6. “House Party,” $3.9 million. 7. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” $2.2 million. 8. “The Whale,” $1.5 million. 9. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” $1.2 million. 10. “Waltair Veeraya,” 905,000.

SS Rajamouli’s South Indian blockbuster ‘RRR’ won the best original song for ‘Naatu Naatu’ at the Golden Globes. The film, which earned over Rs 1,200 crore globally, was also nominated for the Best Non-English Language Film. ‘Argentina, 1985’ from Argentina won in that category, reports NDTV. Read more: Telugu Film RRR: Lifetime Record Breaker and the Pride of Indian Cinema ‘RRR’ director and stars – Rajamouli, Jr NTR and Ram Charan – represented the film at the Golden Globe Awards. Jr NTR and Ram Charan play freedom fighters Komaram Bheem and Alluri Seetharamaraju in the period drama, set in British India during the 1920s. The ensemble cast also includes Alia Bhatt and Ajay Devgn as well as British actors Ray Stevenson, Alison Doody and Olivia Morris. Read more: 10 Best South Indian Movies Releasing in December 2022 ‘RRR’ has already won international honours including Best Director for Rajamouli at the New York Film Critics Circle awards. Comedian Jerrod Carmichael hosted the 80th Golden Globes from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, with little of the fanfare that usually opens such ceremonies.

The Blumhouse evil-doll horror film “M3gan” got off to a killer start, debuting with $30.2 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates, while “Avatar: The Way of Water” continued its box-office reign in the top spot. Universal Pictures’ “M3gan,” about a robot companion built for a young girl after her parents are killed in a car accident, rode strong buzz and viral dancing memes to an above-expectations debut. In the low-budget slasher, starring Allison Williams, Blumhouse and producer James Wan crafted Hollywood’s first hit of the new year, likely spawning a new high-concept horror franchise. Audiences gave the PG-13 film a “B” CinemaScore — though reviews (94% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) were stronger for the modern, techy twist on a “Child’s Play”-like thriller. It added $10 million internationally. But while “M3gan” drew audiences largely in 2D showings, large-format screens continued to be soaked up by James Cameron’s “Avatar: The Way of Water.” The 3-D three-hour sequel remained No. 1 for the fourth straight week in U.S. and Canadian theaters with $45 million in sales. Cameron’s sci-fi spectacle has now surpassed $500 million domestically and $1.7 billion globally. After dominating the otherwise lackluster holiday corridor, the “Avatar” sequel is nearly matching the original’s pace; the 2009 “Avatar” scored $50.3 million in its fourth weekend. “The Way of Water” already ranks as the seventh highest grossing film ever, not accounting for inflation — a total particularly owed to its strong overseas performance. The film’s $1.2 billion in international ticket sales exceeds that of any film released since the start of the pandemic. “M3gan” was the only new film in wide release, though Sony Pictures’ “A Man Called Otto,” starring Tom Hanks, played in 637 theaters after first launching in four theaters. The film, a remake of the Swedish film “A Man Called Ove,” managed a solid $4.2 million ahead of its nationwide release on Friday. Third place went to “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” with $13.1 million in its third week of release. The animated Universal Pictures sequel has tallied $87.7 million in three weeks, plus $109.7 million internationally. While many awards contenders have struggled in recent months at the box office, Darren Aronofsky’s “The Whale” is proving a modest exception. The A24 indie starring Brendan Fraser ranked seventh in its fifth week of release with $1.5 million and a cumulative total of $8.6 million — a good return for a film that cost an estimated $3 million to make. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday. 1. “Avatar: The Way of Water,” $45 million. 2. “M3gan,” $30.2 million. 3. “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” $13.1 million. 4. “A Man Called Otto,” $4.2 million. 5. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” $4 million. 6. “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” $2.4 million. 7. “The Whale,” $1.5 million. 8. “Babylon,” $1.4 million. 9. “Violent Night,” $740,000. 10. “The Menu,” $713,000.  

Blockbusters like “Top Gun: Maverick,”“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and “Avatar: The Way of Water” and pop stars like Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Rihanna just got one step closer to getting Oscar nominations. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Wednesday announced shortlists in 10 categories for the 95th Oscars, including documentary feature, international film, makeup and hairstyling, score, original song, sound, visual effects and shorts. Alejandro González Iñárritu’s “Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths” was along the 15 films shortlisted in the international film category, one of the most competitive. The category also includes already decorated films like “Holy Spider” (Denmark), “All Quiet on the Western Front” (Germany), “Saint Omer” (France), “Corsage” (Austria), “EO” (Poland), “Return to Seoul” (Cambodia), “Decision to Leave” (South Korea), “Close” (Belgium) and “Argentina, 1985” (Argentina). The inclusion of “Joyland” marks the first time Pakistan has ever made the shortlist. Most of the directors are first-timers on the shorlist too, with the exception being Iñárritu. India’s official submission was not S.S. Rajamouli’s popular action epic “RRR,” but rather Pan Nalin’s “Last Film Show” which made the cut becoming the first film from the country to do so in over 20 years. “RRR” could get nominations in other categories, including for the shortlisted original song “Naatu Naatu.” Jafar Panâhi was also not put forward to represent Iran, whose selection was not among the 15 and Russia did not submit a film this year. Read: Iran authorities arrest actress of Oscar-winning movie Documentaries advancing to the next stage of voting include Laura Poitras’s Venice-winning “All the Beauty and the Bloodshed,” about photographer Nan Goldin’s work and activism, Brett Morgen’s David Bowie film “Moonage Daydream,” Daniel Roher’s “Navalny,” about the Russian opposition leader, “The Janes ” about pre-Roe v. Wade activists, “All that Breathes,” “Descendant,”“Fire of Love” and “Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song.” It is a rather diverse group of stories and filmmakers: Eight were directed by women and four by people of color. With many below-the-line categories at hand, big budget sequels like “Avatar,”“Top Gun,” and “Black Panther” were well represented in the effects and sound categories, as well as original song which included Gaga’s “Hold My Hand,” The Weeknd’s “Nothing is Lost” from “Avatar: The Way of Water” and Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” from “Black Panther.” Also on the original song shortlist are Swift’s “Carolina” from “Where the Crawdads Sing,” Drake’s “Time” from “Amsterdam,” LCD Soundsystem’s “New Body Rhumba” from “White Noise,” Selena Gomez’s “My Mind and Me” from the documentary of the same name and Rita Wilson’s “Til You’re Home” from “A Man Called Otto.” Diane Warren also gets another shot at a competitive Oscar with “Applause” from “Tell It Like a Woman.” Doja Cat’s song from “Elvis” was not eligible. For the most part shortlists are determined by members in their respective categories, though the specifics vary from branch to branch: Some have committees, some have minimum viewing requirements. “All Quiet on the Western Front” got quite a few spots on the shortlist, including original score, makeup and hair, sound and visual effects. Read: Oscar winners cut off their hair to support Iran protests Among the visual effects selections were “Jurassic World Dominion, “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” and “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore,” while makeup and hairstyling includes films David Cronenberg’s body horror “Crimes of the Future.” Other films advancing in makeup and hairstyling include “The Whale,” in which Brendan Fraser transforms into a 600-pound man, “Elvis, “Emancipation,” “The Batman” and the Marilyn Monroe film “Blonde.” The 15 original scores selected were winnowed for from 147 eligible and include “Women Talking” from Hildur Guðnadóttir, “The Fabelmans” from John Williams, “The Banshees of Inisherin” from Carter Burwell, “Babylon” from Justin Hurwitz, “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” from Alexandre Desplat and “The Woman King” from Terence Blanchard. Also in the mix are Ludwig Göransson (“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”), Nicholas Britell (“She Said”) and Son Lux (“Everything Everywhere All At Once”). Guðnadóttir’s “Tár” score was not eligible, nor was the “Top Gun: Maverick” score, written by Hans Zimmer, Harold Faltermeyer, Lorne Balfe and Gaga. Nominations for all categories will be announced on Jan. 24. The 95th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 12 and broadcast live on ABC.

Biplob Sarkar-directed Bangladeshi feature film ‘Agantuk’ (The Stranger) has recently been conferred as the unanimous winner of the Prasad DI award by the Film Bazaar Recommends jury in Goa, India in the Viewing Room section. The Viewing Room presents Indian and South Asian films, in-production or completed, looking for film festivals, world sales, distribution partners and also finishing funds. A total of 247 films were selected for the Viewing Room this year, out of which 30 films made it to the Film Bazaar Recommendations Section which includes 20 full-length, 2 mid-length and 8 short films.  Film Bazaar, held on November 20-24, dedicated to discovering, supporting and showcasing South Asian content is increasingly becoming a place of great interest for young filmmakers from South Asia. This event provides Film Bazaar with an opportunity to interact with renowned producers, distributors, sales agents and festival organisers from around the world. Read more: ‘Hoyto-Noyto': A satire on the times This win will allow the recipients to make a complete DI DCP and to use Qubewire to transmit the film to film festivals and exhibitors. However, due to visa complications, director Biplob Sarkar could not attend the Film Bazaar and receive the award in person. “The Prasad Lab in Hyderabad, India is a pioneer in film and video post-production for our creative industry over the years, and this is a great opportunity for us to conduct the post-production works of our film,” Biplob Sarkar told UNB.  With editing being completed, the director and producers are now preparing for other post-production works. After completing the post-production at Prasad Lab, the target is to focus on its distribution and compete in global film festivals around the world, he added. The story of Agantuk revolves around a 10-year-old boy named Kajal, living in a rural area of Bangladesh with their mother and terminally ill grandmother struggles with their gender identity.  Kajal’s father, Javed, has been absent for a long time.  One day, Javed returns home. This change in dynamics creates a rift in the family; Kohinoor doesn’t interact with Javed and Javed’s mother doesn’t recognize him. This return forces Kajal to share the bed with their grandmother.  Read more: Chanchal returns to theatre with Aranyak's 'Rarang' – 'cry to rise up' Kohinoor fears Kajal’s mental state, worrying about their cross-dressing as well as their attachment to their father. This hits a crescendo one night when Javed demands that Kajal be sent away to boarding school. ‘Agantuk’ features eminent actress Ferdousi Mazumder, alongside Sahana Rahman Sumi, Ratan Dev, Mahmud Alam, Ehan, Rafsan, Hriday, Hasimun and Nayeema Tasnim in the major roles. The film is produced by Ramya Rahim Chowdhury, Tazul Haque, Saifur Rahman Lenin and Biplob Sarkar. It received a government grant for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. In 2019, Biplob Sarkar's short documentary ‘Life Is Elsewhere’ won the Tarek Shahriar Best Independent Short Award at the 15th International Short and Independent Film Festival held in Dhaka. In 2020, another of his documentaries ‘Bismritajan’ won Exposition Young Film Talent Grant organised by Liberation War Museum. Earlier, he had worked as coordinator and faculty moderator of the film department at Pathshala South Asian Media Institute. He had also worked as chief assistant director in 'Meghmallar' and 'Chander Amavasya' directed by Zahidur Rahim Anjan.

The 90-minute soccer match is turning into 100-plus at the World Cup — and that is what FIFA wants to give fans more entertainment. The nearly 14 minutes added at the end of Argentina’s shocking 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday meant the five longest periods of stoppage time for a single half of soccer at any World Cup were all played in Qatar since Monday, according to statistics site Opta Joe. England and Iran went into the 15th minute of stoppage time in the first half Monday and the referee added almost 14 minutes in the second half. A head injury for Iran’s goalkeeper explained the first, but the second raised more eyebrows. Even more surprising were the Netherlands-Senegal and the United States-Wales games each entering the 11th minute of time added at the end for the myriad types of stoppages in modern soccer. The American game, which started at 10 p.m. on Monday in Doha, ticked over into Tuesday when the final whistle blew. The pattern carried on Tuesday as the Argentina-Saudi Arabia match went into a seventh minute of time added on in the first half and twice as much in the second, when a Saudi defender was injured and carted off the field. “The purpose is to offer more show to those watching the World Cup,” FIFA referees committee chairman Pierluigi Collina said in Qatar ahead of the tournament. Collina insisted the directive to referees “is something not new.” FIFA officials have long been agitated about the dwindling amount of effective playing time in the regulation 90 minutes. In 2017, a 60-minute, stop-start game clock like in basketball was suggested by Marco van Basten when the Netherlands great was then FIFA technical director. Read more: Qatar World Cup: Saudi Arabia's stunning victory end Argentina's 36-match winning streak Five years ago, even Van Basten noted wryly it had become routine for referees to add one minute in the first half and three in the second regardless of what actually happened on the field. At the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the ball was typically in play for about 60 minutes. That was down to between 52 and 58 minutes at the 2018 tournament in Russia, according to one statistical analysis. “What we want to avoid is to have a match lasting 42, 43, 44, 45 minutes of active play. This is not acceptable,” said Collina, widely seen as the best ref of his generation when he worked at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups. Video review that was first used at the World Cup four years ago has caused some of the modern delays, with stoppages often lasting about two minutes to check on game-changing incidents. Goal celebrations that now go on and on have also tested FIFA’s patience. “Celebrations may last one, one and a half minutes,” Collina said last Friday at a briefing about FIFA instructions to their match officials in Qatar. “It’s easy to lose three, four, five minutes only for goal celebrations and this has to be considered and compensated at the end.” Five second-half goals in England’s 6-2 win over Iran shows that, plus there was a VAR review to award Iran a penalty at the end of the 10 minutes of stoppage time that were initially indicated. Read more: Qatar World Cup: Messi scores as Argentina take 1-0 lead against Saudi Arabia It helped England complete 730 passes — the second most in any World Cup game that did not include extra time. Still, there was only one second-half goal in the 1-1 draw between the United States and Wales. While fans are getting used to the new norm of longer games — and broadcasters perhaps adjust their running times of programs — the current solution is arguably better than those proposed five years ago. Van Basten’s team also suggested research into combating late-game time-wasting by letting referees stop their watch as play paused toward the end of each half. Both ideas were soon shelved.

Continuing its successful legacy of hosting early winter concerts for the rock music lovers in the capital, Brandmyth Experiential is organising ‘November Rain Volume 2’ at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) Expo Zone in the capital. The concert, scheduled to groove the rock music fans on November 12, is showcasing an ensemble line-up of 10 esteemed bands in the country: Aurthohin, Artcell, Black, Cryptic Fate, Viking, Chirkutt, Indalo, Meghdol, Ashes and Powersurge. A press conference was held at The Daily Star center on Tuesday, where the organisers briefed the journalists with the event details. Also read: Nora Fatehi finally gets permission in Bangladesh “The maiden edition of our ‘November Rain’ concert series, which featured some of the biggest artists in the nation, was held on the same date the previous year. We have then successfully organized the 25th anniversary concert of the popular band Shironamhin with overwhelmingly positive reception, and now we're ready to entertain band music fans with the ‘November Rain Volume 2’ this coming Saturday,” the organisers said at the press conference. It was announced that the Artcell, Black, Cryptic Fate – collectively known as the 'ABC' generation during the golden era of these popular bands between 2000 and 2010 - will once again enthrall their fans on November Rain Volume 2, with some exclusive collaborative performances including a special song titled ‘Ashirbad.’ Meghdol vocalist Shibu Kumer Shill praised the initiative behind the event, saying, "Our generation has huge expectations for these types of concerts. The band music scene in Bangladesh experienced a severe loss because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and this type of mega concerts can benefit the bands and the artists.” Also read: 'Dhaka Classics Japanese Recital' enthrals audience at Japanese mission Brandmyth mentioned that unlike the previous edition of ‘November Rain,’ this year the concert will be an open-air concert to entertain more audiences. The venue has been divided into two separate zones - Myth Zone and Rockers Zone, and two tiers of tickets, worth 1050 tk and 550 tk, are available for the concert at the getsetrock.com website. The venue will be welcoming the concert-goers from 1 pm, according to the organisers.