United News of Bangladesh

Peacock’s new series “Ponies” is drawing attention for its unusual blend of comedy and high-stakes espionage, positioning itself as a rare dramedy contender ahead of this year’s Emmy Awards. The hourlong series stars Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson as widows of CIA operatives who are recruited as intelligence assets in the Soviet Union during the 1970s. Despite featuring violence, danger and themes of grief, the show has been submitted for Emmy consideration in the comedy category. Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ sees strong box-office growth on first Sunday Co-creators Susanna Fogel and David Iserson said the project reflects their preference for placing humorous characters in serious situations while maintaining real emotional and physical consequences. The creators, who previously collaborated on the spy comedy film The Spy Who Dumped Me, described “Ponies” as a more grounded exploration of friendship and espionage. They also sought to give their lead actors roles that differed from their previous work while remaining true to their strengths. The show’s genre-bending approach has fueled discussion about traditional Emmy distinctions between comedy and drama. While “Ponies” has yet to secure a second season, industry observers say Emmy recognition could significantly boost its prospects for renewal.

Director Anurag Kashyap’s Bandar presents a dark and unsettling look at the criminal justice system, anchored by a compelling performance from Bobby Deol as a man trapped in a harsh prison environment after being accused of rape. Written by Sudip Sharma and Abhishek Banerjee, the film follows Samar Mehra, a fading entertainer whose life spirals out of control after a former girlfriend accuses him of sexual assault. The film explores themes of justice, privilege, public perception and the treatment of undertrial prisoners. Once arrested, Samar finds himself caught in a system where innocence and guilt become increasingly difficult to distinguish. His struggle intensifies as he faces a hostile prison environment, repeated bail rejections and widespread social condemnation. Deol’s portrayal of Samar has been widely praised for capturing the character’s emotional breakdown and vulnerability. Despite weaknesses in the screenplay, the actor effectively conveys the fear, confusion and desperation of a man trying to survive within a brutal system. The story raises questions about whether society and the legal system are too quick to judge those accused of serious crimes. However, rather than offering clear answers, the film leaves viewers to grapple with the complexities of the situation. The narrative also examines Samar’s declining personal and professional life. Financial troubles, health issues and fading celebrity status leave him vulnerable even before his arrest. His attempts to secure help from his girlfriend Khushi, played by Saba Azad, his sister Suhani, portrayed by Sanya Malhotra, and his lawyer Nitin, played by Riddhi Sen, prove largely ineffective. Much of the film takes place inside an overcrowded prison, where violence, intimidation and power struggles dominate daily life. The jail is portrayed as a place where survival often depends on forming alliances and adapting to a harsh code of conduct. The supporting cast includes notable performances from Raj B. Shetty, Natesh Hegde, Indrajith Sukumaran, Aamir Aziz and Sukant Goel, who bring authenticity to the prison sequences. However, the film has been criticised for its treatment of female characters. While women play important roles in the story, critics argue that the narrative remains focused almost entirely on Samar’s perspective, leaving other viewpoints underdeveloped. The portrayal of the complainant has also drawn criticism, with some reviewers suggesting that the film risks oversimplifying her character while emphasising Samar’s suffering. Despite its ambitious themes and strong performances, Bandar struggles with uneven storytelling and inconsistent character development. While it offers a powerful depiction of incarceration and the psychological toll of imprisonment, its narrative complexities and mixed messaging prevent it from fully realising its potential. Even so, Deol’s performance remains one of the film’s strongest assets, helping elevate a prison drama that is both thought-provoking and deeply flawed.  #From NDTV

Popular satellite channel Nexus Television will present a five-day special programme to mark Eid-ul-Azha, featuring a dedicated music show titled ‘Ganer Opare’. The festive show will combine musical performances and conversations with leading artistes from across the country and will be broadcast every night for five consecutive days starting from Eid day. Hosted by Dr Jakia Sultana and produced by M Hasan, the programme aims to add colour and entertainment to the Eid celebrations. On the opening night, Rajib, Rumi and Rupkotha will perform and take part in discussions. On the second day, Liza, Rubel and Anjana will entertain viewers with musical performances. The third day will feature Swarna, Farhana and Mamun, while Rimi, Sujan and Babu will appear on the fourth day. The five-day celebration will conclude on the fifth night with performances by Swarlipi, Habib and Mainuddin. The programme will be aired daily at 10:30pm.

Actor Tom Selleck is returning to the crime genre after a break from acting following the end of Blue Bloods. Selleck, who played New York City Police Commissioner Frank Reagan in the long-running CBS drama from 2010 to 2024, has not appeared on screen since the series concluded. He will now host, narrate and serve as executive producer of a new History Channel docuseries titled Crime and Justice, which will run for 10 episodes and focus on real-life criminal cases from American history. The series will “trace the enduring battle between law and lawlessness and the lawmen who ultimately brought some of the nation's most dangerous criminals to justice.” Speaking about the project, Tom Selleck said, “Throughout my career, I've been drawn to stories about consequences and the pursuit of justice. This series looks at real cases from across American history and the people tasked with seeing them through—moments when the pressure was intense, the outcome uncertain, and the decisions carried lasting consequences.” Although Blue Bloods has ended, CBS has continued the franchise with a spin-off titled Boston Blue, starring Donnie Wahlberg. Meanwhile, the History Channel has announced several new programmes to expand its lineup, including History’s Strange Fortunes hosted by Kevin Bacon, Extraordinary Origins with Ted Danson, History’s Greatest Machines featuring Dolph Lundgren, and 102 Minutes Inside the Towers, which revisits the September 11 attacks. #From NDTV

The live final of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! South Africa turned tense on Friday night, with arguments breaking out among contestants after a drama-filled series. A heated row began when actor Adam Thomas confronted former footballer Jimmy Bullard over a challenge that nearly led to his exit from the camp. The situation escalated quickly, forcing hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly to step in and calm things down. During the argument, singer Sinitta and TV personality Gemma Collins walked off the set. Despite the tension, Thomas was later voted the winner by the public and crowned king of the jungle. Other finalists included Olympic star Mo Farah, TV presenter Craig Charles and former football manager Harry Redknapp. After the show, Thomas shared a message on Instagram, saying he stayed true to himself despite difficult moments during the competition. The clash with Bullard came during a trial where the losing pair faced elimination. Bullard chose to quit the challenge early, prompting an angry reaction from Thomas, who criticised his teammate for not completing the task. However, fellow contestants later voted to keep Thomas in the competition. Some contestants later said the full extent of the argument was not shown on television. Bullard defended his decision, saying he withdrew because he wanted to leave the show. The series, filmed months earlier in South Africa, also saw several other dramatic moments. Actress Beverley Callard had to leave the show after collapsing during filming. She later revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and was unable to attend the final on medical advice. Boxer David Haye also drew criticism for controversial comments during the show. Meanwhile, Collins’ return to the programme ended early after she was voted out. The season featured returning contestants from previous editions, adding to the intensity and emotional moments throughout the series. With inputs from BBC

Indian comedian Samay Raina has returned to the spotlight months after a controversy nearly derailed his career, releasing a new stand-up special that blends humour with personal reflection. Raina, once a leading figure in India’s fast-growing online comedy scene, had gained massive popularity through his YouTube show ‘India’s Got Latent’, known for its spontaneous humour and unconventional format. His shows drew millions of viewers and sold out across the country and abroad. However, his rise was interrupted after a controversial remark made by a guest on the show sparked backlash. Podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, also known as BeerBiceps, faced criticism over an explicit question posed during an episode, leading to police complaints on obscenity charges against those involved, including Raina. The situation escalated when legal action followed and Raina’s editor was arrested, prompting him to remove the entire series from his channel. The incident forced the comedian to step away from public life for several months. Now 29, Raina has made a comeback with ‘Still Alive’, a YouTube stand-up special released earlier this week. Reviewers have described it as his most personal work so far. In the special, Raina reflects on his time away from the spotlight, addressing the pressures of online fame and the emotional toll of public backlash. His performance mixes humour with introspection, touching on issues such as identity, criticism and the risks of being a public figure in the digital age. Known earlier for his bold and unapologetic style, Raina’s comedy now carries a more reflective tone, while maintaining his sharp timing. He also jokes about facing legal trouble, saying he never expected to be accused despite “saying nothing”. Raina’s journey into comedy was unconventional. Initially a competitive chess player, he began streaming games online during the COVID-19 pandemic. His engaging style, combining gameplay with humour and audience interaction, quickly earned him a large following. He later launched ‘India’s Got Latent’, a parody talent show featuring comedians, YouTubers and internet personalities. The show’s raw and unscripted style attracted a loyal audience, though it also drew criticism for its edgy content. Following the controversy, Raina largely remained out of the public eye, with collaborators distancing themselves and fans expressing mixed reactions. In ‘Still Alive’, he openly discusses the aftermath, including losing professional connections and dealing with isolation during what he describes as a period of being “cancelled” on social media. He also shares moments of vulnerability, speaking about anxiety before performances and the challenges of returning to the stage, which resonated widely with audiences online. Raina’s experience reflects broader changes in India’s comedy industry, which has expanded rapidly through platforms like YouTube and Instagram, allowing performers to reach wider audiences. At the same time, increased visibility has brought greater scrutiny, with several comedians facing legal challenges over their content in recent years. Through his latest special, Raina highlights the delicate balance comedians must maintain between creative freedom and public sensitivity, especially in the age of social media where content can quickly spread beyond its original context. Despite ongoing criticism, Raina appears determined to continue performing, using humour as his way forward as he rebuilds his career. Source: BBC

The much-anticipated revival of ‘Notun Kuri’, Bangladesh Television’s iconic children’s talent hunt, will formally be re-launched on April 30, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman set to inaugurate the programme in a new, expanded format. Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Adviser on the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, made the announcement at a press conference held at the PID conference room on Tuesday, following a meeting with the Prime Minister. Zahed, who also serves as Prime Minister’s Adviser on Policy and Strategy as well as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, said the revamped competition will now include sports alongside its traditional focus on cultural talent among children and adolescents. ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ to be introduced to groom new athletes, says PM He also revealed that a nationwide book reading competition will be launched soon to encourage students to develop reading habits. Highlighting the history of the programme, the adviser said ‘Notun Kuri’ was originally launched during the tenure of the BNP government under Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, focusing on cultural activities. “This time, its scope is being expanded to include sports. As you know, discussions were held with the Prime Minister regarding introducing similar talent-hunt initiatives in other areas as well,” he added. “We want to engage our young generation in as many creative and beneficial activities as possible through such competitions. The Prime Minister will inaugurate it on April 30,” Zahed said.

Nexus Television has arranged a six-day special programme to mark Eid-ul-Fitr, featuring performances by popular artists in a music show titled ‘Ganer Opare’ Hosted by Dr. Jakia Sultana and produced by M Hasan, the show will bring together noted singers and musicians each day of Eid. On Eid day, Dithi Anwar, Rokeya Ashab and Lispa Laila will perform and take part in conversations.

A US federal judge on Tuesday directed the Trump administration to reinstate operations of Voice of America, which had been largely shut down a year ago, clearing the way for hundreds of employees on administrative leave to resume work. US District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth instructed the U.S. Agency for Global Media to submit a plan within a week to bring VOA back on air. The broadcaster has been running with minimal staff since President Donald Trump issued an executive order to close it. Earlier, Lamberth ruled that Kari Lake, Trump’s pick to head the agency, lacked the legal authority for her actions involving VOA. In Tuesday’s decision, he criticised the measures taken in response to Trump’s directive, which sidelined 1,042 of the organisation’s 1,147 employees, saying no sound justification had been provided. There was no immediate response from the agency. Lake had earlier opposed the court’s March 7 ruling and indicated plans to appeal. Meanwhile, Trump has nominated Sarah Rogers, currently undersecretary of state for public diplomacy, to lead USAGM, subject to Senate approval. Patsy Widakuswara, VOA’s White House bureau chief and one of the plaintiffs, welcomed the ruling, expressing hope of rebuilding the organisation and restoring trust among its global audience. Founded during World War II, VOA has long provided news to countries with limited press freedom. Before the shutdown order, it broadcast in 49 languages, reaching an estimated 362 million people worldwide.

Popular TV dramas such as Bridgerton are helping many of England’s stately homes survive by providing much needed income, attracting visitors and funding conservation work, heritage groups say. With new episodes of Bridgerton released on Netflix, historic houses across England are again in focus. Filming has become a key source of revenue for many estates that struggle with high maintenance costs. The charity English Heritage, which manages about 400 historic properties, says many of its sites are used regularly for film and TV productions. One example is Ranger’s House in Greenwich, which appears as the Bridgerton family home. Christina Pascoe, commercial development lead at English Heritage, said money from TV productions helps pay for basic but costly work. This includes replacing curtains and carpets, repairing stonework and cleaning windows, all of which require specialist skills. English Heritage said its most popular filming location is Wrest Park near Silsoe in Bedfordshire. The site has appeared in The Crown and Downton Abbey and was recently closed to visitors for a film shoot. Pascoe said its rooms look similar to those in Buckingham Palace and are mostly unfurnished, making filming easier. Tony Wood, a supervising location manager who has worked on Bridgerton, said filming at historic homes is far from glamorous. He said large crews, trucks and cables are hidden from view. Wood added that properties within 30 miles of London are most attractive as they reduce hotel costs. He said studios cannot fully replace real stately homes. Building several connected and highly detailed rooms would cost far more than filming on location, and studios cannot recreate views of open countryside. The National Trust, which looks after more than 500 properties in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, said filming fees usually start at around £6,000 a day. Senior filming officer Harvey Edgington said costs rise if a property must close to the public, especially during peak summer months. Edgington said estates farther from London are becoming more popular as new studios open across the UK. He said filming the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie at Calke Abbey helped pay for improvements such as a new visitor car park. Appearing in major productions can also boost visitor numbers. Edgington said Antony House in Cornwall saw visitor numbers quadruple after featuring in the 2010 film Alice in Wonderland. Stowe House near Buckingham, a Grade I listed estate, has appeared in Bridgerton and older films such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Because it is also a school, filming is limited to holidays. Even when a planned shoot for director Ridley Scott’s Napoleon was cancelled, producers still paid the agreed fee. Susy Pullen, who manages commercial activity at Stowe House, said income from filming is essential as all work in historic buildings is expensive. In some cases, film crews have even paid to restore damaged features they noticed. Ashridge House near Tring in Hertfordshire has also benefited from filming. Parts of the Harry Potter films used moulds taken from the house to create Hogwarts sets. Managing director David Evans said filming provides a significant share of the estate’s income and helped fund repairs such as replacing 200 year old gutters. Evans said appearing on screen also helps attract younger visitors. He said films and TV shows introduce historic houses to people who might not otherwise visit them, helping to secure their future for generations to come.   With inputs from BBC