United News of Bangladesh

Bangladeshi miniseries “Annie”, directed by Abdullah Mohammad Saad and starring Nazifa Tushi, has won the “Future is Sensible Award for Best Series” at the 32nd Geneva International Film Festival in Switzerland. The award was officially announced at the festival’s awards ceremony held recently at Théâtre Pitoëff, located at Maison Communale de Plainpalais in Geneva, according to a press release issued on Sunday. Making its debut at the prestigious festival as a selected project in the “Future is Sensible” section, Annie secured the Best Series award in the same category, marking a significant international achievement for the Bangladeshi production. In a statement on behalf of the cast and crew, the team said, "We only wanted to tell a story. Today, it feels wonderful to see that story taking flight on its own wings. Annie is a long journey of a dream built on the trust and courage of many of us. This international recognition has made that journey even more special and memorable." The miniseries had two screenings during the 32nd edition of the festival, on November 2 and 5 at Le Cinéma du Grütli - Salle Simon in Geneva. Its award was announced at the festival's closing ceremony. Directed by Abdullah Mohammad Saad, it features Nazifa Tushi in the titular role. Yash Rohan, Simon Sadik, Sarika Sabrin, Farhana Mithu and Najah, among others, also appear in the production. Earlier, Annie was selected for the “Women in Series” section of Seriencamp Festival, an international series festival held in Cologne, Germany. The selection marked another international platform for the Bangladeshi production. Its world premiere took place at the same festival on June 9. The producers have said the series will subsequently be released for Bangladeshi audiences on OTT platform iScreen. Annie is produced by Metro Video, Catalog and Zirel. Ehsanul Haque Babu and Ali Afzal Ujjal are the producers, while Tanvir Hossain, Shihab Nurun Nabi, Tuhin Tamizul, Johan Chapelan, Saiful Islam and Raihan Sikder are the co-producers. Abdullah Mohammad Saad first gained international recognition with his debut feature film “Live from Dhaka” in 2016. His second film, “Rehana Maryam Noor”, made in 2021, was selected for the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival, becoming the first Bangladeshi film to be included in the festival's official selection. The film subsequently screened at more than 15 international festivals.  

A large crowd of music lovers gathered at Manik Mia Avenue on Saturday to enjoy ‘Concert for Solidarity’, organised to mark the National Revolution and Solidarity Day. Organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and managed by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the open-air concert was held with support from the Bangladesh Musical Bands Association (BAMBA). Although visitors started arriving in the morning, the crowd began swelling in the afternoon. People turned up with friends and family members to enjoy live performances by their favourite bands. Following a rally organised by the BNP, the concert venue turned into a sea of people, with music enthusiasts of different age groups eagerly waiting for the performances. Seven popular Bangladeshi bands performed at the concert, including Nagar Baul James, Miles, Warfaze, Feedback, Artcell, Shironamhin and Mechanics. The musical event began at 4 pm, with entry open to all. Monzur Hasan, who came from Mirpur to attend the concert, said it was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy performances by so many popular bands on the same stage. “I am particularly looking forward to listening to James and Miles live,” he said. Naila Mariam, a young visitor, said young people have always shown strong interest in Bangladeshi band music, adding that such initiatives would help introduce the next generation to the country's homegrown music scene. “Being able to enjoy performances by favourite bands live is a completely different experience,” she said. Many visitors expressed excitement, particularly over the opportunity to watch James, Miles and Warfaze perform live. Several also thanked the Ministry of Cultural Affairs for arranging the open-air concert on the occasion of the historic day, while calling for more such initiatives. Nagar Baul James took the stage as the final act of the concert, bringing the seven-band musical event to a close. His performance was among the most anticipated attractions of the evening, drawing enthusiastic responses from the audience. Meanwhile, security measures were tightened around the concert venue, with additional police personnel deployed at the site and surrounding areas. Police were seen on duty to ensure the safety of visitors and maintain law and order throughout the event.

Anthony Ippolito took an unconventional approach to securing the lead role in 'I Play Rocky', a film about Sylvester Stallone's struggle to write and star in the original 'Rocky'. After learning that Oscar-winning director Peter Farrelly was developing the project, the 27-year-old actor decided to submit an audition tape despite never being invited to audition. "I kind of just took it upon myself to make some stuff on my own and kind of send it to them unsolicited," Ippolito told The Associated Press ahead of the film's limited release Friday. Director Farrelly said Ippolito's audition immediately convinced the team that they had found their lead, cancelling plans for a worldwide casting search. Farrelly praised the actor for capturing Stallone's personality without simply imitating his famous screen characters. Ippolito previously portrayed a young Al Pacino in the miniseries 'The Offer', which explored the making of the 1972 film 'The Godfather'. Farrelly had admired his performance but did not initially realise Ippolito was the actor behind the portrayal. The director said the performance demonstrated Ippolito's ability to transform himself into different characters. Preparing for the role, Ippolito focused on Stallone's difficult childhood, limited parental support and feelings of isolation to understand the experiences that shaped the actor before he became famous. He also explored Stallone's determination to retain the lead role in 'Rocky', reportedly turning down offers worth around $300,000 for his screenplay rather than surrender the opportunity to star in the film. Ippolito said Stallone's conviction and commitment to pursuing his dream despite the risks were central to the story. AnnaSophia Robb, who portrays Stallone's first wife, Sasha, praised Ippolito's transformation, saying his extensive preparation over 18 months made his performance feel natural on set. Ippolito said the film's growing reception had been rewarding. Stallone, who was not directly involved in the production apart from a conversation with Farrelly, has also watched the film and praised the performance. "It's fantastic. And the kid did a great job," Stallone told the AP in September, adding that it felt unusual to see a film about his life while he was still alive.

Bangladeshi documentary ‘Mamun: In Praise of Shadows’, portraying the life and artistic journey of eminent photographer Nasir Ali Mamun, has won the Best Biographical Documentary award at the MosDocFest Documentary Film Festival in Moscow, Russia. Directed by British-Bangladeshi filmmaker Makbul Chowdhury, the film has previously received recognition at two international film festivals, winning the Best Documentary award at the UK Asian Film Festival in the United Kingdom and a Special Jury Mention at the fifth World Film Festival in Kolkata. The Moscow award marks another milestone in the documentary's international journey, bringing further attention to the work of one of Bangladesh's most distinctive portrait photographers. Nasir Ali Mamun has established a significant position in Bangladesh's photography landscape through decades of work dedicated to portraiture. Known for his distinctive approach to capturing human faces and personalities, he has developed a visual language that goes beyond conventional portrait photography, seeking to explore the character, emotions and inner dimensions of his subjects. Through his camera, Mamun has documented prominent personalities from different fields, creating a substantial visual record of individuals who have shaped the country's cultural, intellectual and artistic landscape. His portraits are distinguished by an individual artistic sensibility, often focusing on the relationship between the subject, their surroundings and the deeper human stories behind their public identities. Over the years, his sustained engagement with portrait photography has helped establish his reputation as a prominent figure in the country's photographic tradition. His work offers not only individual representations of notable personalities but also a broader visual reflection of the society and times in which they lived. ‘Mamun: In Praise of Shadows’ traces this long artistic journey, examining the photographer's creative philosophy, working process and contribution to the development of portrait photography in Bangladesh. The documentary also explores how Mamun's photographs have become part of the country's cultural and visual memory, preserving the faces and personalities of different generations through his distinctive photographic perspective. By bringing together his life, artistic practice and photographic archive, the documentary offers audiences an insight into the journey of an artist whose work has consistently explored the relationship between photography, identity and human expression, according to the director.

An unidentified celebrity on Tuesday lost a legal bid to prevent two British media organisations from publishing allegations of sexual misconduct against him. Lawyers representing Independent Television News (ITN) and the publisher of The Guardian told the High Court last month that the allegations concerned the man's alleged abuse of power and influence, including attempts to approach several young women for inappropriate sexual activities. The celebrity has denied any wrongdoing and repeatedly threatened to take his own life if the allegations were made public, according to the court's ruling. His lawyer, Sara Mansoori, previously told the court that he attempted suicide after receiving letters from ITN and Guardian News and Media seeking his response to the allegations. She said he made another attempt later and was recently hospitalised for psychiatric treatment. The case has attracted considerable attention across Britain, raising questions about the balance between the privacy rights of public figures and the media's responsibility to report matters of public interest. Gavin Millar, representing the media organisations, said the allegations had emerged from an extensive and thorough investigation, arguing that their publication served a significant public interest. According to a summary of Tuesday's judgment, the media organisations alleged that the celebrity had used his public profile and influence over several years to establish relationships with young women, some considerably younger than him, and had engaged in or attempted to engage in seriously inappropriate behaviour. The judgment noted that some of the alleged actions, if established, could constitute criminal offences. Justice Matthew Nicklin rejected the injunction application, ruling that granting it would constitute an exceptionally serious restriction on the media organisations' rights. The judge acknowledged that the man had a serious and longstanding psychiatric vulnerability and that publishing the allegations would significantly increase his risk of suicide. However, he said the available evidence did not establish that suicide was inevitable. He also observed that the man's statements could not reliably demonstrate that future medical treatment or intervention would be unable to reduce the risk. The judge ruled that the celebrity's identity should remain undisclosed to give him an opportunity to appeal the decision. Reporters Without Borders UK welcomed the court's ruling on Tuesday but called for the remaining reporting restrictions to be removed. In a statement, the organisation said that although the potential risks of harm must be treated seriously, responsible journalism serving the public interest should be allowed to continue. It warned that setting dangerous legal precedents could have consequences beyond individual cases, adding that neither wealth nor access to expensive legal representation should protect anyone from legitimate public scrutiny.

Veteran singer Sheikh Shahed Ali, popularly known as ‘Rokzana’ Shahed, is undergoing treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a private hospital in the capital after suffering a stroke. The singer, who has been battling kidney disease for years, has developed fresh complications amid his prolonged struggle with the illness. Ershadul Haque, a friend of the singer and head of Cool Exposure, said Shahed has been undergoing regular dialysis for the past four years. He said Shahed had been preparing to release 24 new songs composed over the past 11 years. An event marking the release was scheduled for November 6 at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in Dhaka which has been cancelled due to the singer's illness, he added. Shahed was also preparing to travel to Delhi after November 15 for a kidney transplant but the  trip has now been postponed due to his current medical condition, Ershadul said. Shahed Ali is the founder of the band ‘Gachh’ and has been involved in music since the 1990s. He is also known in the music scene as ‘Rokzana’ Shahed. Some of his popular songs include ‘Rokzana’, ‘Upolobdhi’, ‘Classroom-e Boshe Shekha’, ‘Utpakhir Dim’, ‘Khola Chul’ and ‘Prem Ashbei’. His debut album ‘Probhu’ was released in 1991. He has released five more albums since then.

Rajinikanth's latest film Jailer 2 continues its successful theatrical run, approaching the completion of three weeks in cinemas with strong box office earnings. The film has now crossed the Rs 450 crore mark in India's net collections, according to trade estimates. The sequel to the 2023 blockbuster Jailer is maintaining its momentum ahead of the release of Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana, with attention now turning to whether the new release will affect its box office performance. Day 18 Box Office Figures According to trade tracker Sacnilk, Jailer 2 earned a net collection of Rs 11.20 crore from 8,906 shows on its 18th day. With this latest collection, the film's total domestic gross revenue has reached Rs 533.75 crore, while its net earnings in India stand at Rs 456.30 crore. The film has also performed strongly in international markets, recording overseas gross earnings of Rs 3 crore and taking its worldwide gross collection to Rs 807.25 crore. On Day 15, the Tamil version contributed the largest share of the film's earnings, collecting Rs 8 crore, followed by the Telugu version with Rs 1.75 crore. The Hindi version also earned Rs 1.75 crore that day. However, the Hindi release faced challenges in northern India, as the PVR-Inox cinema chain did not screen the film in several locations amid disagreements over the OTT release window. Audience and Critical Response The film has received largely positive reactions from audiences and critics, particularly for its action sequences and entertainment value. In her review for NDTV, Latha Srinivasan described the sequel as a commercial entertainer, praising Rajinikanth's screen presence, humour, action and music. However, she noted that the storytelling occasionally loses direction, particularly in the second half. The review also highlighted the possibility of another instalment, suggesting that the story of Tiger Muthuvel Pandian may continue in Jailer 3. About Jailer 2 Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and produced by Kalanithi Maran under the Sun Pictures banner, Jailer 2 is the sequel to Rajinikanth's 2023 hit film. The movie also features Ramya Krishnan, SJ Suryah, Mohanlal, Vidya Balan, Suraj Venjaramoodu and Mithun Chakraborty in important roles. Source: NDTV

Wicker is an unusual yet engaging fairy tale that blends romance, dark comedy and social satire to explore marriage, jealousy, gender expectations and the human desire for genuine companionship. Two seemingly opposite elements mischievous humour and emotional darkness come together remarkably well in Wicker, creating a film where fantasy meets sharp social commentary. Adapted from British writer Ursula Wills' short story The Wicker Husband, the film is directed and written by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson. It explores the destructive power of envy and the importance of meaningful relationships, even when they come with unexpected consequences. Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgard deliver impressive performances, building a convincing connection between their characters. Their chemistry gives the film an emotional depth that balances its fantastical setting, playful sensuality and eccentric humour. Although some events stretch the limits of believability, the film's emotional appeal and carefully maintained darkly comic atmosphere make its unusual storyline work. The characters are identified by their occupations or marital status rather than personal names. At the centre of the story is the Fisherwoman, played brilliantly by Colman, who faces ridicule and social exclusion because she is unmarried and smells of fish. In the original short story, the character is described as an unattractive woman with an unusual physical appearance. Although Colman does not entirely match that description, her portrayal includes a noticeable limp. Colman's powerful screen presence makes the character's transformation particularly convincing. After spending years as an isolated spinster with little hope of finding a partner, the Fisherwoman eventually experiences romance and physical intimacy. When the Bottlewasher gets married, the Fisherwoman decides that she, too, wants a husband. However, no man in the village is willing to marry her. She eventually approaches the Basket-Maker, portrayed by Peter Dinklage, a man who shares her resentment towards the judgmental villagers. She asks him to create a husband for her. The Basket-Maker fulfils her request by crafting a handsome man, played by Skarsgard, from wicker and plant-based materials. Named Mr Wicker, the artificial husband is created from natural elements associated with nourishment and growth. Unlike the other men in the village, Mr Wicker treats his wife with kindness, respect and genuine affection. In a society where marriage is symbolised by a collar around a man's neck and women are expected to follow restrictive gender roles, he represents an entirely different kind of husband. He pays attention to the Fisherwoman's needs and takes an active interest in improving her home. From repairing the roof and cleaning the garden to fixing a crooked door, he performs everyday household tasks with remarkable dedication. For the Fisherwoman, life changes dramatically. She finally has a caring, attentive and loving partner who combines masculinity with tenderness without displaying the toxic behaviour common among the village's other husbands. Their physical relationship is equally passionate. Mr Wicker approaches intimacy with spontaneous enthusiasm, sometimes causing furniture to break during their encounters before carefully putting everything back together. His declaration that he lives and breathes because of her reflects the depth of his affection. Through their relationship, the film challenges a patriarchal social order in which women are often treated merely as objects of desire and domestic labour. As the Fisherwoman becomes happier and more confident, her transformation attracts growing resentment among the villagers. Both men and women become jealous because she possesses something they lack — genuine love, fulfilment and happiness. At the Butcher's wedding, played by Phil Daniels, the Fisherwoman and Mr Wicker share a graceful dance. Their natural chemistry and visible affection draw attention, further fuelling the villagers' jealousy. Among those particularly disturbed by the couple's happiness is the Tailor's Wife, portrayed by Elizabeth Debicki. She joins forces with her sister, the Bottlewasher's Wife, played by Marli Siu, to create trouble in their relationship. Their attempts to undermine the marriage lead to a series of bizarre developments involving a wicker baby presented as an illegitimate child, suspicions of infidelity and an act of violence. The situation becomes even more tragic when a villager attempts to imitate Mr Wicker's thoughtful behaviour by repairing his own home's roof. The structure collapses, causing a fatal accident. Although the Fisherwoman has no involvement in the incident, the tragedy disrupts her previously peaceful life and sends the village into turmoil. The filmmakers retain the central spirit of Wills' original story while making several changes that give the film a lighter and more energetic feel than its 26-page literary source. The result is a production that combines unapologetic sensuality with sharp humour and emotional storytelling without becoming unnecessarily explicit. The directors use the unusual romance to examine social prejudice, human weaknesses and a culture of hatred and jealousy that thrives on other people's suffering. Cinematographer Lol Crawley, who won an Oscar for The Brutalist, captures the atmosphere and visual contrasts of the film's setting in Hungary, adding considerable depth and visual appeal to its scenes. Ultimately, Wicker is more than a conventional romantic fairy tale. Its eccentric narrative, sarcastic humour and absurd situations create a thoughtful satire of marriage, social expectations and human relationships. With outstanding performances from Colman and Skarsgard, the film offers an entertaining mixture of fantasy, romance and social criticism. Wicker is a delightful collection of cinematic surprises — a strange, wicked and wonderfully imaginative film worth experiencing. Source: NDTV

A 12-foot-tall skeleton named Skelly has become a familiar sight in American neighbourhoods, turning from a popular Halloween decoration into a seasonal favourite that many families display throughout the year. Skelly first appeared in 2020, during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, when people were dealing with uncertainty, fear and isolation. Home Depot introduced the 90-pound skeleton, featuring glowing LCD eyes, for $299 ahead of Halloween. However, getting one was not always easy as demand quickly grew. The decoration became a hit, appearing on suburban lawns from California to New Jersey and outside Brooklyn homes. Some owners placed it alongside pumpkins and artificial gravestones, while others dressed it in costumes or added decorations for different occasions. Over time, Skelly became more than a Halloween attraction. Owners began dressing it for Christmas, the Fourth of July and even summer, sometimes putting it in a bikini. The product has continued to evolve. In 2024, Home Depot introduced a chest attachment with a lightning effect. In 2026, a Bluetooth feature allowed owners to record sounds or speak through the skeleton, adding another way to entertain or surprise neighbours. Skelly now also has a dog, a cat and a smaller, 6.5-foot version for people who prefer a less imposing decoration. The giant skeleton has sold out before Halloween every year since its introduction. “It is the ultimate American decoration,” said Aubrey Horowitz, merchant of Decorative Holiday at Home Depot. She said Americans enjoy nostalgia and decorations that help them connect with their neighbours and communities, adding that bigger decorations often attract greater attention. For immigrants unfamiliar with American Halloween traditions, the giant skeleton can be particularly striking. One immigrant who moved to the United States from Eastern Europe at the age of 13 recalled being surprised by the country's enormous cars, multilane highways, large milk containers and towering skyscrapers. Elaborate outdoor decorations for Halloween and Christmas were also unfamiliar, as were warehouse shopping and the habit of smiling at strangers. Even today, Skelly remains an impressive sight, reflecting the enthusiasm many Americans bring to seasonal celebrations. Although Halloween did not originate in the United States, its elaborate celebrations have become closely associated with American culture. From bags filled with candy to elaborate costumes for children, adults and even pets, the holiday offers plenty of opportunities for creative expression. For many Americans, the appeal of Skelly is simple: when decorating for Halloween, a regular-sized skeleton may not be enough when a 12-foot version is available.

Patrick Stewart, the classically trained actor who added Shakespearean gravitas to the “Star Trek” and “X-Men” franchises, has died. He was 86. Stewart died Wednesday in Los Angeles, following “a brief and poignant journey” with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia, spokesperson Kelly Bush Novak said. Stewart’s diagnoses had not been previously disclosed. “We lost one of the greats of stage and screen today,” Hugh Jackman, a frequent Stewart co-star in the “X-Men” universe, said on social media. “And, in my book, a tremendous friend and man. I learned so much from him. I will miss you, Patrick Stewart, all of my days.” While best known as Professor Charles Xavier and Captain Jean-Luc Picard from the “X-Men” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation” series and films, respectively, Stewart spent more of his career onstage than in the X-Mansion or on the USS Enterprise. Besides playing everyone from Claudius to Macbeth, he often performed a one-man rendition of “A Christmas Carol” and did West End and Broadway runs of Harold Pinter’s “No Man’s Land” and Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” in repertory with buddy Ian McKellen. “He wore his heart on his sleeve, which made him a man to rely on, to admire and in my case, love,” McKellen posted on social media. He won three Olivier Awards, including one for playing Claudius in “Hamlet” opposite David Tennant. And he had a Grammy — in 1996 for best spoken word album for his recording of “Peter and the Wolf.” He achieved some of the best reviews of his career when he finally tackled Macbeth for the first time. The production, under the direction of Rupert Goold, debuted in May 2007 at England’s Chichester Festival Theatre, switched to London’s West End and then moved to the Brooklyn Academy of Music before transferring to Broadway in 2008.