United News of Bangladesh

The Hindi film Dhurandhar 2 has broken a series of box office records within just one month of its release, setting new benchmarks both in India and globally. Released on March 19, with paid previews starting a day earlier, the film made a strong impression even before its official opening. It earned around Rs 43 crore from previews alone, the highest ever in India, signalling massive audience interest. The film also recorded the highest advance booking in history, selling nearly 925,000 tickets across national cinema chains ahead of release. On its opening day, the film collected Rs 102.55 crore nett in India, the biggest-ever Day 1 figure for a Hindi film. Of this, the Hindi version contributed Rs 99.10 crore, marking the highest single-day collection for a Hindi-language movie. Including previews, the domestic Day 1 total reached Rs 145.55 crore. Globally, the film earned about Rs 236.63 crore on its first day, making it one of the biggest worldwide openings for an Indian film. The strong momentum continued over the opening weekend, with total earnings of Rs 674.17 crore nett in India, among the highest ever. By the end of the first week, the film had collected around Rs 745 crore domestically, the highest first-week total for a Bollywood film, with the Hindi version alone contributing over Rs 546 crore. The film maintained steady earnings in the following weeks, with its third-week performance ranking among the strongest for Hindi cinema. In terms of milestones, the film became the fastest Hindi movie to cross Rs 500 crore, achieving the feat in just six days. It crossed Rs 800 crore within 11 days and went on to surpass Rs 1,000 crore in India by Day 18, becoming the first Hindi film to reach that mark. Dhurandhar, the first instalment of the franchise, had collected around Rs 840 crore in its lifetime, a figure the sequel surpassed within just 11 days. Internationally, the film also performed strongly, crossing Rs 1,000 crore globally within a week. Overseas collections exceeded Rs 260 crore early on and went past Rs 400 crore by the end of the first month. The film also set a unique record by becoming the highest-grossing Indian movie excluding the Gulf and China markets, with global earnings crossing Rs 1,700 crore within weeks. By the end of its first month, the film’s India nett collection had crossed Rs 1,100 crore, making it the highest-grossing Hindi film in the country. Worldwide, the film’s total earnings have reached over Rs 1,700 crore, placing it among the top three highest-grossing Indian films of all time and close to challenging long-standing records.   With inputs from NDTV    

Mrunal Thakur has shared her disappointment over certain unexpected changes in Son of Sardaar 2, saying some developments during the project did not match her initial expectations. In a recent interview while promoting her upcoming film Dacoit: A Love Story, the actor said she was unaware of a key casting decision that altered her perception of the story. She revealed that she did not know a much older actor would be cast as her husband in the film, which left her feeling that the project had shifted from what she originally signed up for. Mrunal said the situation affected her trust to some extent, though she added that she does not hold any regrets. In the film, Mrunal plays Rabia, while Chunky Panday portrays her estranged husband Danish. Ajay Devgn appears as Jaswinder Singh Randhawa, also known as Jassi, alongside Neeru Bajwa as his wife Dimple. The story follows Rabia and Jassi, both struggling in their marriages, who gradually develop feelings for each other. Mrunal also expressed concern that some of her key scenes were removed during editing. She mentioned an emotional sequence involving her character and a child, which highlighted Rabia’s sacrifices and maternal role, but did not make it into the final cut. Despite these issues, the actor said she remains on good terms with the film’s team and continues to look back at the experience without regret. Son of Sardaar 2 is the sequel to the 2012 film Son of Sardaar and features a cast including Ravi Kishan, Deepak Dobriyal and Kubbra Sait in key roles. #From NDTV

Tom Holland has said the upcoming “Spider-Man” film will be the most emotional and mature instalment yet, as Peter Parker grapples with the consequences of making his friends forget his identity. Sony Pictures showcased fresh footage of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on Monday, revealing that Zendaya’s MJ appears to have a boyfriend. Five years after “Spider-Man: No Way Home” became a global phenomenon—grossing over $1.9 billion and featuring Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield—the fourth standalone Spider-Man film is among the most anticipated releases of the summer. Its trailer has already surpassed one billion views within four days. Safety tips for enjoying a musical show In a video message, Holland described the film as “the most emotional” and “most grown-up” entry, introducing a scene where Peter attends a housewarming for MJ and Jacob Batalon’s Ned, presenting himself as “Maynard,” a neighbour. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film is set for release on July 31. At CinemaCon, Sony also announced projects including an R-rated “Bloodborne” adaptation, Takashi Yamazaki’s “Grand Gear” (Feb 18, 2028), and previews of titles like “Resident Evil” and Aaron Sorkin’s “The Social Reckoning.” Featuring Jeremy Strong as Mark Zuckerberg, the film explores the 2021 “Facebook Files” investigation. Sony CEO Tom Rothman expressed optimism for the industry despite ongoing challenges, urging theaters to improve affordability and audience experience.

Salman Khan’s upcoming film Maatrubhumi, originally titled Battle of Galwan, is expected to release in August, sources say, missing its previously scheduled April 17 release ahead of Eid. The makers have not yet confirmed a new release date. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia and produced by Salman Khan under his banner, Salman Khan Films, the film also stars Chitrangda Singh, with key roles played by Abhilash Chaudhary and Ankur Bhatia. Music is composed by Himesh Reshammiya. The film, based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops, follows the story of Colonel Santosh Babu, portrayed by Salman Khan, who led the 16 Bihar Regiment during the confrontation while enforcing a disengagement agreement at the border. According to sources, the title change from Battle of Galwan to Maatrubhumi on March 14, amid warming India-China ties, has led to adjustments in the film, contributing to the delay. Salman Khan shared the new poster on Instagram with the tagline “May War Rest In Peace.” The teaser for the film was released on December 27, 2025, coinciding with Salman Khan’s 60th birthday. Salman Khan’s last release was ["movie","Sikandar","2025 film by AR Murugadoss"], which also starred Rashmika Mandanna.  #From NDTV

‘Cha Gorom’, an upcoming film exploring the untold realities of Bangladesh’s tea garden communities, is set to premiere on Chorki on April 14, coinciding with the celebration of Pahela  Baishakh. Directed by Shankha Dasgupta, the film aims to move beyond the conventional portrayal of tea gardens as scenic backdrops and instead delve into the lives and struggles of workers within the sector. The project is produced by Oxfam in collaboration with Chorki, with support from the European Union. The film’s official poster was unveiled on April 5. Speaking about Cha Gorom, Shankha Dasgupta said, “As a filmmaker, I have always observed that tea gardens in Bangladesh are mostly used as a visual backdrop, beautiful locations where stories unfold against scenic landscapes. I felt this needed to be challenged. With Cha Gorom, we entered the inner workings of the tea gardens and explored life from within. This time, we did not merely capture the beauty; we went inside the gardens and had the opportunity to closely observe the lives of the workers.” Shankha Dasgupta shared that during his time living in tea garden communities to develop the story, he realised how little he and the general public knew about these environments. ‘Cha Gorom’ is scheduled for release on Chorki on 14 April, marking the celebration of Pahela Baishakh. While the Bengali New Year symbolises renewal and new beginnings, the director has not disclosed whether the film reflects similar themes. The film features a cast of emerging talents, including Safa Kabir, Partho Sheikh, Rezwan Pervez, and Sarah Jabin Aditi. The official poster offers limited insight into their characters, but audiences can expect further revelations through the upcoming teaser or trailer. The cast members have also shared their perspectives on being part of the film, offering additional insight into the project. Actress Safa Kabir said, “One of the main reasons I was drawn to Cha Gorom was director Shankha Dasgupta. He consistently works with unconventional narratives and brings a clear vision to his storytelling. At the same time, the story felt very powerful to me. It highlights a side of our society that we often overlook, even though it exists very close to us. That aspect strongly motivated me to be part of this film.” Actor Rezwan Parvez also wanted to join the work after seeing the producer. But he loves his character. "Looking at the director's recent work, it felt good to work with him. I got that opportunity, the character that I got with him was also very challenging. You can understand why I am saying this by watching the teaser or trailer. What I liked about the story of 'Chai Garam' is that the story very succinctly portrays some of the harsh realities of tea garden life," Aditi said. Actor Parth said, "Shankha da told me that there is a character for me. All in all, it seemed like a good opportunity for me, and I had never worked with Shankha da in fiction before. I was very inspired by the story and the character and felt that such work was very less. So, I agreed.” Ashis Damle, country director of Oxfam in Bangladesh, said: "Tea garden workers are an integral part of Bangladesh's economy. But their stories are rarely told. 'Cha Garam' brings to the fore those unseen struggles, dreams and realities. Through this collaboration with Chorki, we hope viewers do not merely watch a film but gain insight into a community—their aspirations, challenges, and desire for change.” Robi has also partnered with the film. Describing the film as an inspirational story, Redwan Rony, Chief Executive Officer of Chorki, said, “From national life to personal journeys, Baishakh symbolises renewal and the determination to begin again. Through this content, we want to spread that very spirit. We hope Cha Gorom encourages a positive mindset among viewers. Wishing everyone an advanced Happy New Year.” AK Azad Setu is also there in the story. 'Cha Garam 'is written and directed by Saifullah Riyad. The main idea, research and project of the film was led by Md. Saariful Islam, who coordinates the entire film initiative from conception to implementation on behalf of Oxfam.  

Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma and cricketer Virat Kohli have praised the Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar 2, describing the film as "gripping" and "immersive" in their social media reviews on Monday. Director Aditya Dhar responded to their messages, expressing gratitude for their appreciation. Tagging Dhar, Anushka Sharma wrote: "What a fantastic film you've made! It takes so much conviction to make an almost four-hour-long film. Gripping, immersive, meticulously crafted—the film holds your attention through and through. You are a fiercely original and assured filmmaker." She also lauded Ranveer Singh for delivering a "solid, flawless performance" in a once-in-a-lifetime role, and congratulated the ensemble cast, including Madhavan, Rampal, and Rakesh Bedi, for their contributions. Aditya Dhar responded to Anushka’s post, saying, "This is truly overwhelming coming from such an exceptional talent like you. Thank you so much, Anushka. It only pushes us to aim higher, to tell stories with honesty, heart and purpose, and to keep striving to create something that truly moves people." Virat Kohli also shared his thoughts on Instagram, calling the film a unique cinematic experience. "Saw the film today and dare I say that I've never ever seen a cinematic experience like this made in India. It brought out every kind of emotion to the surface, and I didn't flinch once for almost four hours. @adityadharfilms, your talent and conviction is reflected in what you've created. Hats off to you. You're a genius," he wrote. Kohli praised Ranveer Singh’s performance as "beyond brilliant." Responding to Kohli, Dhar wrote: "Woowww! Can't believe this is happening. Virat, this genuinely means so much. Been a fan since your Under-19 WC days. Watching a once-in-a-generation legend show love like this just hits different. The way you carry the country every time you step out inspires us, in our own small way. We'll always try to make India proud with our films. Jai Hind." Dhurandhar 2, released after the success of its prequel last December, became the highest-earning film in a single language. The sequel surpassed the lifetime earnings of the original within 11 days and crossed the Rs 1,000 crore (net) mark in India on day 18, making it the second-highest net grosser, just behind Pushpa 2, which achieved the feat in 16 days. #From NDTV

Actor Hrithik Roshan has responded to criticism over the visual effects of Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming epic Ramayana, describing it as “painful to watch” when the effects fall short. The film, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Raavana, is planned as a grand two-part saga with a massive budget. Since the teaser’s release, it has generated intense discussion online, with some viewers praising the scale while others criticised the VFX, calling it reminiscent of a “video game.” Speaking on Instagram, Hrithik urged audiences to judge the film only after its full release. “Yes, bad VFX exists. It's sometimes so bad it's painful to watch. Especially for me… and especially when it's a film I'm part of. As an 11-year-old kid, I saw Back to the Future on a trip to London, and it changed me forever. I became obsessed,” he wrote. He explained that criticism should consider the intended style of the film. “Bad VFX is if the movie promises ‘photorealism’ but is unable to inhabit it fully. Even a small lapse in physics/gravity can then destroy the entire illusion. Or the promise is of storybook style, but they fail in making it beautiful enough or artistic enough or divine enough, and so fail to engage. But to say that the storybook style is not looking photorealistic – isn't fair. Cause it's not meant to be,” Hrithik said. He added, “You can't criticise the maker just cause he has chosen one style while you prefer another style. That's not fair. So sometimes when you say ‘bad VFX,’ maybe it's just a style you didn't expect. So next time, don't just ask, ‘Is it real?’ First ask, ‘Is it right for the story?’ ‘Is it making me feel what the maker intended?’ Debate it. But debate it with awareness.” Ramayana is set to release on Diwali 2026, with the second part scheduled for Diwali 2027. #From NDTV

Ranveer Singh’s action-packed spy thriller Dhurandhar 2, helmed by Aditya Dhar, continues its record-breaking run at the box office. Current Performance On day 17, the film earned Rs 25.65 crore in India, pushing its domestic net total to Rs 985.02 crore. Globally, it has reached Rs 1,165.37 crore. It has also become the highest-grossing Indian film in North America, overtaking S. S. Rajamouli’s Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. Box Office Breakdown The film collected Rs 674.17 crore in its first week and Rs 263.15 crore in the second. Day 16 brought in Rs 21.55 crore, marking a 17.8% jump from the previous day. Day 11 stood out with Rs 68.10 crore, the highest single-day total in its second week. According to Sacnilk, the sequel surpassed the lifetime collection of the original film (Rs 840.20 crore) in just 11 days—far quicker than the 100+ days taken by the 2025 release. It has also outperformed Jawan and KGF Chapter 2 during their second-week runs. The movie is playing in 9,979 theaters across India. On day 17, language-wise earnings were: Hindi (Rs 13.54 crore), Telugu (Rs 0.39 crore), and Tamil (Rs 0.30 crore). Story Overview The film follows Jaskirat Singh Rangi, a Punjabi man dealing with personal loss. He is recruited by R&AW and transformed into Hamza Ali Mazari, a lethal undercover operative in Karachi. Blending espionage fiction with real-life references like the 2014 elections, the 2016 demonetization, and the renaming of Chakki Bank station to Pathankot, the narrative adds a layer of realism. Cast Ranveer Singh headlines the nearly 3-hour-49-minute (229-minute) U/A-rated film, widely considered one of his finest performances. Sanjay Dutt plays SSP Chaudhary Aslam, while Arjun Rampal appears as Major Iqbal, the ISI antagonist. Source: NDTV    

The eagerly awaited first look of Nitesh Tiwari’s epic film Ramayana is set to drop within an hour. Ahead of the teaser release, Alia Bhatt shared a video message on social media, urging fans to support her husband Ranbir Kapoor’s project. In the video, Alia said, “The Ramayana unit is going to be out tomorrow. It is the unit called the Rama unit. I’m going to post it on my social media, so please go out there and support it. Ranbir has done such a beautiful job and I can’t wait for you guys to see it. It’s absolutely fabulous.” Meanwhile, director Ashwini Iyer Tiwari, wife of Nitesh Tiwari, expressed her admiration for the teaser. She wrote, “I watched the teaser of Ramayana. It brought a deep sense of calm to my heart. My eyes welled up with emotion. It reminded me of a time when we used to talk endlessly about stories, and somewhere along the way, I fell in love with the storyteller. Today, I felt that same love again.” Budget and scaleRamayana has been produced with a staggering budget of Rs 4,000 crore. Producer Namit Malhotra told Prakhar Gupta, “When we set out to make this six or seven years ago, people thought I was a lunatic because no Indian film comes close to this scale. Put simply, the budget will be around $500 million for both parts combined, which is over Rs 4,000 crore.” He added, “We’re making the largest film in the world for the greatest epic that deserves to be seen globally. And yet, I believe we’re doing it more efficiently than some of the biggest Hollywood films. We’re not being irresponsible – we’re being ambitious, but grounded.” Music collaborationThe film features a first-time collaboration between AR Rahman and Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer. Rahman told The Hollywood Reporter India, “It’s terrifying for both of us. We’re scoring something so iconic and so important to the world. In the promo, he had a soundscape; then I took that and added the Sanskrit words at the end. What’s complicated is that we’re taking something so epic, which every Indian knows, and we have to give them something new. We have to give something to the world – from India to the world.” Release scheduleRamayana will be released in two parts, with the first instalment scheduled for worldwide release in October 2026 ahead of Diwali, and the second part slated for Diwali 2027.

The teaser of Raja Shivaji, directed by and starring Riteish Deshmukh, has been released, offering a glimpse into the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj through a large-scale cinematic presentation. After an initial theatrical preview alongside Dhurandhar: The Revenge, the teaser has now been unveiled online, generating strong anticipation for the film, which aims to portray one of India’s most celebrated warrior kings. The film features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Boman Irani, Amol Gupte and Genelia Deshmukh. The teaser, running over two minutes, introduces the characters before showcasing intense battle sequences. It opens with Sanjay Dutt portraying a powerful ruler opposing the Marathas, followed by Abhishek Bachchan as Sambhaji Shahaji Bhosale, depicted as a fierce warrior. Riteish Deshmukh appears later in the role of Shivaji, highlighting his mission to establish Swarajya. The teaser was shared on social media by Jio Studios on Tuesday. Mounted on a grand scale, the film promises high-intensity action, elaborate world-building and strong technical execution. It features music by Ajay-Atul and cinematography by Santosh Sivan. Presented by Jio Studios and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under the banner of Mumbai Film Company, the film is scheduled for worldwide theatrical release on May 1, 2026, in Marathi, Hindi and Telugu.   #From NDTV