United News of Bangladesh

Coolie is a 2025 Tamil-language action thriller featuring a stellar ensemble cast including Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and Aamir Khan in a cameo role. The main theme centres around a former coolie union leader who stands against a corrupt syndicate exploiting port workers. The film was released worldwide on August 14, 2025. This 170-minute film is directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and produced by Kalanithi Maran under Sun Pictures. Music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, reuniting with Lokesh Kanagaraj once again; the score includes three notable singles, "Chikitu," "Monica," and "Powerhouse." The dance hook step from “Monica”, performed by Pooja Hegde, went viral on social media, boosting anticipation. Read more: Jolly LLB 3 Teaser: Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi in Hilarious Jolly vs Jolly Early Reviews and Reactions of Fans The advance booking number of the Coolie (2025) ticket broke records worldwide. The fans are excited to watch Rajinikanth’s comeback on the silver screen. The ensemble cast, including Aamir Khan's cameo, also earned attention. Rajinikanth’s dazzling smile, charismatic acting and vintage swag are being praised on social media once again. However, there are mixed reactions. While many celebrated the action and energy, others criticised the second half of the film for its uneven pacing and lack of originality. Some viewers labelled certain scenes clichéd or derivative, going as far as tagging the film with #CoolieDisaster on X. Read more: Coolie vs War 2 vs Dhumketu: Which Movie Tops Advance Booking Charts? Kannada-language reactions highlighted Rajinikanth's powerful performance but noted that Lokesh’s direction and story structure didn't meet expectations. Selective Critic Reviews Pinkvilla summarised the film as a “stylish action entertainer” that unfortunately “fails to live up to the hype.” India.com celebrated Rajinikanth’s “power-packed” performance, calling it a triumphant return. The Indian Express spotlighted Shruti Haasan’s role, with impressions that her performance, portraying Preethi, might be among the “finest of her career,” and highlighted a strong “feminine quotient”. Read more: Amazon Prime Originals Lineup for September 2025: Top 10 New and Returning Shows

Box office currents are already surging, with ‘Coolie’, ‘War 2’, and ‘Dhumketu’ drawing fierce attention ahead of their clash. All three storm theatres on August 14, 2025, carrying the same action thriller essence, yet each fused with its own distinct flavour. Early buzz hints at a seismic showdown in presales. Let’s see how the numbers shape this cinematic battlefield. Rajinikanth-Aamir Khan’s Coolie A Tamil action spectacle, ‘Coolie’ comes under the vision of director Lokesh Kanagaraj and the banner of Sun Pictures, led by producer Kalanithi Maran. The cast is a powerhouse, uniting Rajinikanth, Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, and Upendra in commanding roles. The story steps into a coastal port town ruled by a corrupt syndicate, where coolies endure relentless patterns of mistreatment and hardship. A mysterious man rises against their oppressors, challenging the system’s grip with unyielding resolve. Read more: Amazon Prime Originals Lineup for September 2025: Top 10 New and Returning Shows Hrithik Roshan-NTR Jr.’s War 2 Directed by Ayan Mukerji and backed by Aditya Chopra’s Yash Raj Films, War 2 continues the adrenaline-fueled legacy of the YRF Spy franchise. It follows directly from the events of War (2019), raising the stakes for the franchise. Hrithik Roshan, N. T. Rama Rao Jr., and Kiara Advani headline the film, joined by Ashutosh Rana and Anil Kapoor. The plot thrusts rogue agent Kabir into a dark new place, making him India’s most dangerous adversary. To stop him, the nation unleashes its deadliest weapon – Agent Vikram. Read more: Will Zee TV’s long-running daily soap Kumkum Bhagya end soon? Dev-Subhashree’s Dhumketu Blending intense action with romance, Dhumketu is crafted by Kaushik Ganguly, who serves as both writer and director. The production is led by Rana Sarkar and Dev under Dag Creative Media and Dev Entertainment Ventures. Dev stars alongside Subhashree Ganguly, reuniting with her after their memorable pairing in Khoka 420 (2013). The narrative follows a tea estate manager in the hills who faces unemployment amid a crisis, struggling with limited means to sustain himself. Determined, he fights through financial hardship to rebuild his life. The journey of the film itself has been turbulent, as filming began in October 2015 and wrapped in January 2017. Production then stalled for years due to unforeseen hurdles. After nearly nine years, the project has been revived and completed, sparking fresh anticipation among audiences. Read more: New Korean Drama Lineup for August 2025 : 10 Binge-worthy Releases Coolie, War 2, and Dhumketu Face Off in Advance Booking Race Advance ticket sales for ‘Coolie’ ignited global momentum the moment they opened on 22 July. In the United States, Rs. 15 lakh (USD 18,000) worth of tickets disappeared within minutes. Dallas alone saw 600 seats snapped up instantly. The North American market responded with remarkable speed—over 10,000 tickets sold in just a few days, covering 438 shows. By 25 July, international pre-sales had already crossed Rs. 2.5 crore amounting to USD 300,000. The figure climbed to Rs. 4.2 crore (USD 500,000) within three days. As of 31 July, earnings touched Rs. 5.9 crore, equivalent to USD 700,000. Trade analysts confidently predicted the Rs. 8.5 crore (USD 1 million) mark would fall, and it did – boosted by the trailer release on 2 August. With these numbers, ‘Coolie’ cemented its position among the highest-grossing Indian films in North American advance sales history. Three days before release, ‘Coolie’ maintained a clear lead over ‘War 2’ in North America. The Tamil and Telugu versions together accounted for 73,228 tickets (USD 1.86 million), from 500 locations and 1,565 shows. In comparison, ‘War 2’ had moved 16,226 tickets, earning USD 435,000 from 763 locations and 1,977 shows. In India, the contrast remained striking. ‘War 2’ recorded Rs. 4.71 crore in advance bookings (Rs. 9.1 crore including block seats), covering 1,44,081 tickets across 8,716 shows. Meanwhile, ‘Coolie’ had already crossed Rs. 20 crore in pre-sales. Read more: South Indian Movies Launching in August 2025: 12 Must-watch Films Hitting Screens Yet, an unexpected twist came from West Bengal. Here, the Bengali movie ‘Dhumketu’ disrupted the pattern, delivering a spirited challenge to both big-budget rivals. As of Monday, 11 August, 11:00 am, it had sold nearly 21,000 tickets, and demand kept climbing by the hour. ‘War 2’, by contrast, had sold around 5,500 tickets in the state. The response to ‘Dhumketu’ left its makers astonished. Several shows across West Bengal, especially in Kolkata, were either filling fast or nearly sold out. This surge was extraordinary for a film that completed production 9-10 years ago. Delays often dull a movie’s appeal, yet here, anticipation has only intensified. Audiences know the film’s long journey, but that hasn’t dimmed their enthusiasm. In fact, it has made this moment feel historic. Verdict ‘Coolie (2025)’, ‘War 2 (2025)’, and ‘Dhumketu (2025)’ are steering toward a box office clash with distinct momentum in their favour. While ‘Coolie’ dominates globally and in most Indian territories, ‘War 2’ maintains steady traction in its key markets. In West Bengal, ‘Dhumketu’ has defied expectations, capturing audience excitement despite its decade-old production. Each film carries its own pull, shaping a dynamic and unpredictable race. However, the post-release showdown will decide who truly owns the stage. Read more: Amazon Prime Originals Streaming Slate For August 2025: Exclusive Films and Series

Bollywood star Aamir Khan is preparing for the release of his new film “Sitaare Zameen Par”, which will hit cinemas on June 20. The trailer has drawn attention for a scene in which Aamir’s on-screen mother calls him a “tingu”, referencing his short height. In a recent interview with Just Too Filmy, Aamir opened up about his insecurities early in his career, admitting he was once nervous about his stature. “At the beginning of my career, I was very afraid. Amit ji was number one, and he was over six feet tall. Vinod ji, Shatrughan Sinha—all were very tall. So I was nervous, thinking choti height ke actor ki kuch daal galegi ki nahi galegi (whether a short actor like me would even stand a chance). I was very concerned about that. But as it turned out, it was fine,” he shared. Amitabh Bachchan replies to troll who warned him about sleep When asked whether he is now more comfortable making light of himself—especially with the “tingu” remark in the film—Aamir responded, “Actually, Javed saab once said something about humour that I really agree with. He said a good sense of humour is not just for fun and games, but it actually comes in handy when you're going through difficulties in life.” “So if you have a good sense of humour at that time, it's like a shock absorber. I think I’ve always had that ability, and it’s a very important part of the film." Directed by RS Prasanna, “Sitaare Zameen Par” is a remake of the Spanish film “Campeones”. Aamir plays a basketball coach tasked with training a group of neurodivergent children as punishment. The film features ten debutant actors, including Aroush Datta and Simran Mangeshkar.

As Kunal Kapoor prepares for the release of Jewel Thief—premiering on Netflix on April 25, 2025—he recently took a moment to reflect on one of his most iconic films, Rang De Basanti. During an interview with the YouTube channel Khaane Mein Kya Hai, Kapoor shared an interesting behind-the-scenes moment involving Aamir Khan and the film's powerful climax. Kapoor, who played Aslam in the 2006 hit alongside Aamir Khan, Siddharth, Sharman Joshi, R. Madhavan, Atul Kulkarni, and Soha Ali Khan, revealed that the emotional radio scene at the film’s end was originally intended to feature the entire group. However, Aamir suggested a major change: only one character should take the lead. Most assumed that Aamir, being the star, would take center stage. But in a surprising move, he insisted Siddharth be the one to deliver the scene, arguing it would be more impactful. "Everyone thought it would be Aamir,” Kunal said. “But he asked, 'Who's the smartest, most articulate guy in the group?' and we all knew it was Siddharth. So Aamir said, ‘Let him speak on the radio.’” Pakistani actor's return film faces boycott calls in India Kunal praised Aamir’s selflessness and vision, recalling him saying, “If every character in the film works, the film works. And if the film works, it’s good for all of us.” Aamir Khan’s decision is still remembered as a moment of true collaboration in Bollywood, contributing to Rang De Basanti being hailed as one of his most iconic performances to date.    

Aamir Khan and his girlfriend Gauri Spratt made their first public appearance on Tuesday after confirming their relationship. On the eve of his 60th birthday, the Lagaan star introduced Bengaluru-based Gauri to the media. The couple was spotted outside the Excel office in Mumbai, where Aamir greeted the paparazzi while waiting for Gauri to step out. As she emerged, he escorted her to the car, while Gauri appeared to avoid the cameras and quickly got in. Aamir Khan introduces partner Gauri Spratt, opens up about marriage plans At a media interaction on March 13, Gauri shared what she sought in a partner and why she chose Aamir: "I wanted someone who was kind, a gentleman, and just caring," she said. Aamir playfully replied, "And after all that, you found me?" The two have known each other for 25 years, though they lost touch for a long period. They reconnected two years ago and developed a relationship. "I was looking for someone I can be calm with, who gives me peace. And there she was," Aamir revealed. Acknowledging the intense media attention, Aamir said, "I have tried to tell her how it will be, the media madness, and prepare her somewhat for it. She isn't used to it. But we are hoping that you guys will be kind." Aamir Khan reflects on rejecting iconic roles played by Shah Rukh and Salman Gauri, who has little connection with the film industry, has not watched most of Aamir's movies. "She grew up in Bangalore, and her exposure was to different kinds of films and arts. So she doesn't watch Hindi films. She has probably not seen much of my work, too," Aamir explained. According to her LinkedIn profile, Gauri currently manages a BBlunt salon in Mumbai and is a mother to a six-year-old child. Source: NDTV  April 2025 Hindi Films Lineup: Top 10 Most Hyped Bollywood Releases

On his 60th birthday, Bollywood star Aamir Khan made headlines not just for the milestone but for introducing his partner, Gauri Spratt, to the public. At a pre-birthday gathering in Mumbai, Aamir spoke candidly about their relationship and future plans.  Speaking to the media at a Mumbai hotel, Aamir shared that he and Gauri first met 25 years ago but lost touch, reconnecting two years ago. "I was looking for someone who brings me peace, and I found that in her," he said. He explained that they had reached a point in their relationship where they felt secure enough to make it public. "Now, I won’t have to hide things. If we go for coffee, you can join us too," he joked.  Having been married twice before—to Reena Dutta and Kiran Rao—Aamir has three children. He revealed that Gauri had met them and that they liked her. When asked about marriage, he laughed, saying, "We are fully committed. But at 60, marriage may not suit me. Let’s see."  Rashmika Mandanna: The box office queen who surpassed Deepika, Alia Gauri, originally from Bangalore, is the daughter of Rita Spratt, who owned a salon in the city. According to her LinkedIn profile, she currently manages a BBlunt salon in Mumbai. She has a six-year-old child and has been dating Aamir for the past 18 months.  While Aamir remains uncertain about another marriage, his openness about the relationship signals a new chapter in his life. With inputs from Indian media

Renowned Bollywood actor Aamir Khan recently shared insights into major film roles he turned down, which later became iconic performances for Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. Speaking at the trailer launch of Aamir Khan: Cinema Ka Jadugar in Mumbai on Sunday, the actor looked back on missed opportunities, including Darr and Bajrangi Bhaijaan. The film festival is set to begin on 14 March.  Aamir’s Perspective on Darr During the event, Aamir was asked if he regretted rejecting any films. He admitted that he was initially attached to Darr, but eventually stepped away for reasons unrelated to creativity. Reflecting on his decision, he said, “I was working on Darr but didn’t end up doing it. That was due to other reasons, not creative ones. In hindsight, I believe it worked out for the best because the tone that Yash ji envisioned suited Shah Rukh better. If I had done it, the film would have taken a different shape since I saw it from another perspective. I don't regret it because the film turned out well and was successful.”  Akshay Kumar says Twinkle Khanna teases him over patriotic films  The 1993 romantic thriller, directed by Yash Chopra, proved to be a career-defining film for Shah Rukh Khan, who played an obsessive lover opposite Juhi Chawla and Sunny Deol. His portrayal of a dark, unhinged character received widespread acclaim, cementing his position in Bollywood.  The Decision Behind Bajrangi Bhaijaan  As Aamir reflected on his past choices, someone from the audience reminded him of Bajrangi Bhaijaan, another film he was initially considered for.  He recalled, “Oh yes, I heard the script and told the writer that it would suit Salman Khan better. I liked the story, but I suggested that they approach Salman. However, instead of going directly to him, the writer took it to Kabir Khan, who then pitched it to Salman.” Bajrangi Bhaijaan, released in 2015 and directed by Kabir Khan, became a massive box office success. The film starred Salman Khan as a kind-hearted man on a mission to reunite a lost Pakistani girl with her family. It also featured Kareena Kapoor, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and child actor Harshaali Malhotra.  Other Roles Aamir Passed On  Aamir also mentioned Munna Bhai MBBS, saying that director Rajkumar Hirani initially considered him for a role. However, when Hirani approached him with the script, the project had already evolved into more of a sequel, and Aamir ultimately did not take part in the film.  While these films became significant milestones for Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, Aamir believes his decisions aligned with what was best for the projects. With inputs from Indian media

The hype surrounding Dhoom 4 centers on the legacy of the Dhoom blockbuster franchise. The engaging storyline, brilliant casting, and exciting thrilling action scenes of the Dhoom films mesmerised audiences since 2004. After the success of 3 Dhoom movies, the expectations of fans about Dhoom 4 have been amped up. Various rumors have been circulated about its cast in recent years. Keeping up with this trend, there has been a lot of buzz recently about SRK (Shah Rukh Khan) starring in Dhoom 4. Let’s delve into the most recent updates on this high-octane action movie while scrutinizing the authenticity of the buzz. Dhoom: A Successful Buddy-Cop Franchise This creation by Aditya Chopra follows Jai Dixit, an assistant police commissioner, who, along with his partner Ali Akbar Fateh Khan, is on a mission to apprehend the world's most cunning thief. This buddy-cop movie stands as the third-largest Bollywood film franchise in terms of box-office revenue. Throughout each part of the trilogy, the villains have consistently outshone the heroes in popularity. The narratives have delved into various dark realms, portraying bank robberies and thefts of priceless artifacts. Read more: January 2024 Amazon Prime Video Line-up: Must-See Shows and Movies Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra have reprised their roles as Jai and Ali Akbar, respectively, in all three films. However, different renowned stars have portrayed the roles of the thieves in each iteration. The first film featured John Abraham as the main antagonist, and Esha Deol as his assistant. The second installment showcased Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai, while the third installment starred Aamir Khan as the villain. Sanjay Gadhvi directed the first two films, released in 2004 and 2006, while Vijay Krishna Acharya, the screenwriter of the entire Dhoom franchise, assumed the directorial reins for the third part. It hit theaters in 2013 as Yash Raj Films' third project with Dhoom.

Unlike in Bollywood romantic flicks, that happily-ever-after endings always don't happen in the real lives of celebrity couples. The same holds true for Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan and filmmaker Kiran Rao, whose 15 years of marriage is rumoured to have ended the same way it began -- with "an extra-marital affair". Rumoured Link-up Grapevine is abuzz that Aamir's affair with 29-year-old Dangal co-star Fatima Sana Shaikh led to his divorce. The rumoured link-up, in fact, started way back in 2016 when Aamir and Fatima were spotted many a time walking hand in hand while they were shooting for the sports drama, where the latter played the role of the former's daughter.

After nearly 15 years of marriage, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan and his filmmaker wife Kiran Rao announced their divorce on Saturday. In a statement, however, the 56-year-old "Mr Perfectionist", who has a huge fan following in Bangladesh, and Kiran pledged to remain devoted parents to their son Azad and work as collaborators on film projects "that we feel passionate about". "In these 15 beautiful years together we have shared a lifetime of experiences, joy and laughter, and our relationship has only grown in trust, respect and love. Now we would like to begin a new chapter in our lives -- no longer as husband and wife, but as co-parents and family for each other.  Also read:Lagaan Part 2: Netizens recall Aamir Khan’s movie before India vs England clash "We began a planned separation some time ago, and now feel comfortable to formalise this arrangement, of living separately yet sharing our lives the way an extended family does," the statement read. The couple added: "We remain devoted parents to our son Azad, who we will nurture and raise together. We will also continue to work as collaborators on films, Paani Foundation, and other projects that we feel passionate about." Aamir and Kiran also thanked their families and friends for their constant support and understanding "about this evolution in our relationship". "We request our well wishers for good wishes and blessings, and hope that - like us - you will see this divorce not as an end, but as the start of a new journey." Also read: Bill and Melinda Gates announce they are getting divorced Aamir tied the knot with Kiran in 2005 and were blessed with their son six years later. The couple first met on the sets of Bollywood blockbuster Lagaan, where Kiran was an assistant director. Known as "Mr Perfectionist" in Bollywood, Aamir has established himself as one of the most influential actors of Indian cinema through his 30-year career in Hindi films. He is the fourth richest actor with a net worth of USD 180 million. Aamir made his debut as a child artiste in his uncle Nasir Hussain's blockbuster film Yaadon Ki Baaraat in 1973. His adult debut was with the film Holi in 1984. But he shot to limelight for his brilliant performance in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak four years later.  In 1999, he founded Aamir Khan Productions, whose first film, Lagaan (2001), got him a National Film Award. Also read: The three Khans who still rule Bollywood After a four-year gap, Aamir made a comeback with back-to-back blockbusters like Fanaa and Rang De Basanti. He made his directorial debut with Taare Zameen Par (2007), which also won him the awards for Best Film and Best Director. His greatest global success came with Ghajini, 3 Idiots, Dhoom 3, PK, and Dangal. Apart from receiving a number of awards, including four National Film Awards and the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan, Aamir was conferred with an honorary title by the Chinese government in 2017.  The superstar's first marriage with Reena Dutta ended in divorce in 2002. He has two children from his first marriage.