The Walt Disney Co.’s live-action, controversy-bedeviled “Snow White” opened in theaters with a sleepy $43 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday. With a budget above $250 million, “Snow White” had set out with higher ambitions, particularly since it returns Disney to its very origins. The 1937 original “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” was the company’s first animated feature, and paid for its Burbank studio lot. But this “Snow White” struggled to find anything like a fairy tale ending. The runup to release was plagued by controversies over the film’s handling of the dwarfs, who are rendered in CGI, and backlashes over comments by its star, Rachel Zegler. The PR headaches prompted Disney to pull back on its premiere. Also working against the film, directed by Marc Webb: poor reviews. Critics were largely not impressed with Disney’s latest live-action remake, with reviews coming in just 43% “fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes. There’s been a wide variance between the box-office performance of other “live-action” Disney remakes, but “Snow White” might mark a new nadir. Jon Favreau’s photorealistic “The Lion King” (2019) didn’t have great reviews, either, but grossed more than $1.6 billion worldwide. “Snow White” opened worse than “Dumbo” (a $46 million opening in 2019) and well shy of “Cinderella” territory ($67.9 million in 2015). Overseas, “Snow White” added $44.3 million for a global launch of $87.3 million. But going into the weekend, “Snow White” had been eyeing a worldwide total closer to $100 million – and a few weeks back, expectations were significantly higher. The result will surely add to questions over Disney’s long-term strategy of mining its vault for live-action remakes. In the pipeline are upcoming new versions of “Moana" and “Tangled." A live-action “Lilo & Stitch” launches in May. Efforts to modernize “Snow White," though, quickly ran afoul. In 2022, actor Peter Dinklage criticized the remake plans as “backward.” Disney ultimately opted to drop “and the Seven Dwarfs” from the original's title, and animate the dwarfs. Some right-wing commentators targeted “Snow White” and Zegler's casting as an overly “woke” production. Delays and reshoots also ran up costs. Disney, though, has recently steered a handful of films from modest starts to enviable final hauls. The Barry Jenkins-directed “Mufasa: The Lion King” opened with $35.4 million domestically, but ultimately surpassed $717 million worldwide. “Snow White” will face little direct competition in the coming weeks. Audiences gave it a “B+” CinemaScore. Warner Bros.’ “Alto Knights,” a period gangster film starring Robert De Niro in both lead roles, was a total misfire. The Barry Levinson-directed film, which cost about $45 million to make, opened with just $3.2 million from 2,651 theaters. The flop of “Alto Knights” followed another misfire for Warner Bros. with Bong Joon Ho’s big-budget sci-fi “Mickey 17.” In three weeks, it’s tallied $40.2 million domestically against a $118 million budget. “Magazine Dreams,” starring Jonathan Majors as a disturbed aspiring bodybuilder, opened with $700,000 for Briarcliff Entertainment in 815 locations. The film was dropped by Searchlight Pictures after Majors was convicted of two misdemeanor counts of assault and harassment against Grace Jabbari, his ex-girlfriend. Majors avoided jail time but was given a year of probation. The disappointment-filled weekend added to a rough 2025 so far for Hollywood. The box office is down 6.9% from last year, according to data firm Comscore, and 38.6% from 2019. Top 10 movies by domestic box office With final domestic figures releasing Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. 1. “Snow White,” $43 million. 2. “Black Bag," $4.4 million 3. “Captain America: Brave New World,” $4.1 million. 4. “Mickey 17," $3.9 million. 5. “Novocaine,” $3.8 million. 6. “The Alto Knights,” $3.2 million. 7. “The Day the Earth Blew Up,” $1.8 million. 8. “The Monkey,” $1.5 million. 9. “Dog Man,” $1.5 million. 10. “The Last Supper,” $1.3 million.

Korean dramas have earned global recognition for their unique storytelling, powerful acting performances, and deeply emotional connections with audiences. Like every month, the April 2025 releases are going to showcase an exciting blend of romance, fantasy, comedy, crime, thriller, and musical genres. With unparalleled plotlines and life-centric themes, these K-dramas promise to hook viewers worldwide, including Bangladesh. Let's take a look at 10 must-watch K-dramas that are set to premiere in April 2025. 10 Most Hyped Korean Dramas Debuting this April . Way Back Love/Fantasy Romance/April 3, 2025 The romantic drama Way Back Love is inspired by the 2018 novel ‘Naega Jookki Iljooil Jeon’ written by Seo Eun-Chae. This drama is also titled ‘A Week Before I Die'.  Choi Ha-Na takes on the director’s seat, and Jang In Jeong and Song Hyun Ju serve as screenwriters. Gong Myung and Kim Min-Ha assume the protagonist roles. Read more: Pakistani Dramas Taking Over 2025: 10 Top Picks for Your Watchlist The fantasy series follows a young woman who has lost the will to live, only to be confronted by a figure from her past who forces her to reconsider her final days. As they navigate unspoken emotions, a bittersweet journey unfolds in the space between life and death. Karma / Crime Thriller / April 4, 2025 Scheduled to air on Netflix, the crime series Karma reimagines Choi Hee-Sun’s webcomic ‘Akyeon’ (2019-2020). Alternatively titled ‘Ill-Fated Relationship’, this thriller drama thrives under the screenwriting and direction of Lee Il-Hyeong. The thriller series follows six individuals whose lives become entangled by fateful choices, past traumas, and desperate ambitions. As they navigate a web of secrets, debts, and unexpected encounters, their destinies collide in an irreversible chain of events. Park Hae-Soo, Shin Min-A, Lee Hee-Jun, Kim Sung-Kyun, Lee Kwang-Soo, and Gong Seung-Yeon portray the key characters. Read more: April 2025 Hindi Films Lineup: Top 10 Most Hyped Bollywood Releases Crushology 101/Romantic Comedy, April 4, 2025 Based on Ni Eun’s webcomic ‘Bunnywa Obbadeul’ (2019–2023), the romantic drama Crushology 101 is also known as ‘Bunny and Her Brothers’. Kim Ji-Hoon’s directing and Sung So Eun and Lee Seul’s screenwriting elevate the series. At the heart of this drama is a gifted sculptor whose past heartbreak reshapes her views on love and self-worth. When two strikingly different yet equally captivating men enter her life, she finds herself caught between desire, doubt, and the search for genuine connection. The main cast includes Roh Jeong-Eui, Lee Chae-Min, and Jo Joon-Young. Read more: April 2025 South Indian Film Slate: 12 most hyped releases Catch Your Luck / Crime Drama / April 7, 2025 The crime series Catch Your Luck boasts Lee Hae-Woo and Park Man-Young as the directors. Son Ji-Hye is the writer of this series, which also goes by the title ‘Good Luck'.  This story centres on a miserly landlord whose relentless pursuit of wealth comes at the cost of relationships and morality. As fate tests his greed through old friendships and unexpected hardships, he faces a reckoning that forces him to question what truly holds value in life. Son Chang-Min, Sun Woo Jae Duk, and Park Sang-Myeon embody the lead roles. New Recruit 3/Black Comedy/April 7, 2025 Adapted from Studio JBBJ’s hit YouTube animation, the dark comedy New Recruit 3 offers a sharp and satirical look at the lives of young soldiers in their 20s. It unravels the culture, hidden dynamics, and absurd realities of South Korea’s military service. Director Min Jin Gi returns to the directorial role for season 3. Read more: Amazon Prime Video Original Lineup for April 2025: Most Hyped Web Series and Films Their original roles are reprised by Kim Min Ho, Lee Sang Jin, Nam Tae Woo, Jo Jin Se, Kim Hyun Kyu, Lee Chung Goo, Lee Jung Hyun, Lee Soo Ji, and Jeon Seung Hoon. Joining them are new faces like Kim Dong Jun, Kim Yo Han, and Oh Dae Hwan. In Season 3, Park Min-Seok’s journey toward his promotion to corporal takes an unexpected turn as he faces mounting challenges. The reappearance of Kim Hyun-Kyu, a formidable figure from Season 1, sets the stage for new conflicts and chaos.

Indian cricketer KL Rahul and Bollywood actor Athiya Shetty have been blessed with a baby girl. The couple shared the joyful news on Instagram on Monday evening, prompting an outpouring of congratulatory messages from Bollywood celebrities, including Shanaya Kapoor and Krishna Shroff. KL Rahul missed Monday’s IPL 2025 match between Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants, where he plays for DC, to be present for the birth of his child. Ahead of the match, Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel addressed Rahul’s absence during a press conference, stating, “KL has joined the team, but we’re unsure about his availability for the game.” A New Chapter for KL Rahul Rahul and Athiya had announced their pregnancy in November 2024. The star batter has been a key acquisition for Delhi Capitals, joining the franchise for ₹14 crore after an intense bidding war involving Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Rahul, who serves as an opener, captain, and wicketkeeper-batter, brings significant experience to DC. Aamir Khan on Dangal: "It Is My Best Film, But I Made One Mistake" He enters IPL 2025 with strong momentum, having played a pivotal role in India's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory. During the tournament, he was slotted at No. 6 in the batting order to provide depth, with Axar Patel taking the No. 5 spot. In the final against New Zealand, Rahul delivered a crucial 34* off 33 balls in a tense situation, contributing to India's title win. Across five matches, he amassed 140 runs at an impressive average of 140.00 and a strike rate of 97.90, with a top score of 42*. Rahul’s IPL Legacy As the 12th-highest run-scorer in IPL history, Rahul has accumulated 4,683 runs in 132 matches at an average of 45.46 and a strike rate of 134.60. His IPL record includes four centuries and 37 half-centuries, with a highest score of 132*. Having previously played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), he is still in pursuit of his maiden IPL trophy. Abhishek Bachchan jokes about stress from Aishwarya’s ‘I Want to Talk’ calls amid divorce rumours Source: With input from NDTV 

Bollywood singer Neha Kakkar found herself in the middle of controversy after arriving three hours late for a live concert in Melbourne. A video circulating on social media shows the singer breaking down on stage while apologizing to the audience, but her emotional plea received mixed reactions. In the video, Neha can be heard addressing the crowd, saying, “Guys, you are really sweet! You have been patient. I hate this—I have never made anyone wait in my life. You all have waited so long, and I’m really sorry! This means a lot to me, and I will always remember this evening. You have taken time out for me, and I promise to make you all dance.” Salman Khan attends Sikandar trailer launch with father Salim Khan However, the crowd’s response was far from sympathetic. Frustrated fans were heard shouting remarks like “Go back! Rest in your hotel,” and “This is not India, you’re in Australia.” Some even mocked her emotional reaction, calling it “good acting” and comparing it to her stint on Indian Idol. Mixed Reactions Online The incident sparked debate on social media, with some users criticizing Neha for being unprofessional, while others defended her, citing possible unforeseen delays. Pakistani Dramas Taking Over 2025: 10 Top Picks for Your Watchlist Before the Melbourne show, Neha had performed in Sydney and shared snippets of the concert on Instagram. Known for chartbusters like Badri Ki Dulhaniya, Coca Cola, Garmi, and Gali Gali, Neha Kakkar remains one of Bollywood’s most popular playback singers despite the recent backlash. Source: With input from NDTV 

The Pakistani drama industry flourishes with its gripping narratives and deep-rooted heritage. In 2025, trending content spans drama, romance, and comedy, stirring audiences with emotional depth. Available on widely accessible YouTube, these dramas are racking up millions of views. Let’s explore the top Pakistani dramas dominating the digital space in 2025. Top 10 Trending Pakistani Dramas in 2025  . Meem Se Mohabbat Penned by Farhat Ishtiaq and directed by Ali Hassan, this drama unfolds deep connections in unexpected moments, blending tenderness with heartbreak. Roshi, a carefree girl, lands an internship where she meets Talha, a grieving single father devoted to his traumatized son, Mohid. Their unexpected bond sparks change. The series stars Ahad Raza Mir and Dananeer Mobeen in key roles, supported by Khadija Saleem and Mekael Diwan. Read more: April 2025 Hindi Films Lineup: Top 10 Most Hyped Bollywood Releases Since its debut on December 5, 2024, Hum TV’s YouTube channel has aired the binge-worthy series every Wednesday and Thursday. Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbVdwtmx18sv5yjgfkIOpaSBt8sZrTh76 Aas Paas Starring Ali Ansari and Laiba Khan in lead roles, this drama follows Arshia, a determined young woman striving to reunite her family after her father’s abandonment. She crosses paths with Dr. Saham, a dedicated professional with his own struggles. Together, they embark on a journey where their devotion to family is tested, challenging their own happiness. Mohammad Iftikhar Iffi’s direction and Samra Bukhari’s writing elevate the romantic series. Read more: April 2025 South Indian Film Slate: 12 most hyped releases Launched on March 2, 2025, ‘Aas Paas’ finds its audience daily on HarPalGeo TV’s YouTube platform. Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdZNFVCDo_1fl-kRzohA6tAAXHCk8P4Df Judwaa Helmed by Furqan Adam and written by Fizza Jafri and Orooj Binte Arsalan, this series features Aina Asif in a dual role. The supporting cast includes Adnan Raza Mir, Shahood Alvi, Sabreen Hisbani, and Zhalay Surhadi. ‘Judwaa’ tells the story of twin sisters with identical faces but opposing personalities and destinies. One gentle and reserved, the other bold and fearless. Fate leads them through unexpected, dramatic twists. Read more: Amazon Prime Video Original Lineup for April 2025: Most Hyped Web Series and Films From February 6, 2025, onwards, this captivating drama now airs every day on Hum TV’s YouTube. Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbVdwtmx18suuF0meUSymnXvbc6yCtoQd Mann Mast Malang Starring Danish Taimoor, Sahar Hashmi, and Ali Raza, this series boasts Ali Faizan as its director and Nooran Makhdoom as its writer. This drama series follows two families, once united by their children’s engagement, who become sworn enemies after a single incident. As the story unfolds, former fiances Kabeer and Riya begin to grow closer, eventually falling in love. Their relationship faces the challenge of reconciling their feuding families as they fight to make their love successful at any cost. Read more: Top 10 Netflix English Originals to Watch in April 2025: Movies, Series, and Shows Since February 21, 2025, the marathon-worthy show continues to be airing on HarPalGeo’s YouTube channel every Friday to Sunday. Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdZNFVCDo_1fTLEzoy2KPER3pvFw4QFxY Dil Wali Gali Mein With Sajal Ali and Hamza Sohail taking centre stage, this romantic comedy thrives under the direction of Kashif Nisar and the writing of Zafar Mairaj. In this love, comedy, and family feud, Deeju and Mujji, college sweethearts, are swept up in a storm of rivalry. They plan a court marriage until fate has other plans. Read more: March 2025 K-Drama Fever: 10 Most-hyped Shows Worth Binge-Watching Kicking off on March 2, 2025, the irresistible watch has been a daily treat for viewers on the YouTube platform of Hum TV. Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbVdwtmx18suslhoh5aIL_XJRDGIO_Y2D

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan considers Dangal the finest performance of his career, though he admits making one minor mistake in the 2016 sports drama. Aamir, who portrayed Mahavir Singh Phogat in the Nitesh Tiwari-directed film, revealed that veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan was the first to notice the flaw. “It’s difficult for me to pick a favorite film, but Dangal is my best-acted one,” Aamir said at the Red Lorry Film Festival, where his 1988 film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak was screened. “There’s just one shot where I slipped out of character, and Mr. Amitabh Bachchan caught it immediately.” The Scene That Stood OutAamir recalled asking Amitabh for feedback after a screening. “He said, ‘Very good, but in one shot, you were out of character.’” The scene in question occurs during a wrestling sequence. “I stood up and said, ‘Yes,’ but Mahavir Phogat would never say that. He would have said ‘Waah’ or ‘Shabash’—something more in line with his character. ‘Yes’ felt too English, too Mumbai. That mistake slipped through editing,” Aamir admitted. Yash’s ‘Toxic’ to release on March 2026, set for box office clash with ‘Love & War’ Despite this, Dangal remains one of Bollywood’s most celebrated films. A Record-Breaking FilmBased on the real-life story of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, Dangal follows his journey training his daughters, Geeta and Babita Phogat (played by Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra). Geeta went on to win a gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Abhishek Bachchan jokes about stress from Aishwarya’s ‘I Want to Talk’ calls amid divorce rumours The film also starred Zaira Wasim, Suhani Bhatnagar, Sakshi Tanwar, and Aparshakti Khurana. Dangal became the highest-grossing Indian film, earning around ₹2,000 crore worldwide. Source: NDTV 

Set to open Tuesday in Arlington, near Dallas, the National Medal of Honor Museum will showcase the experiences and sacrifices of those awarded the nation’s highest military distinction—from the Civil War to the ongoing war on terrorism. More than 3,500 individuals have received the Medal of Honor, which is granted by Congress for acts of extraordinary bravery in combat. Retired U.S. Army Colonel Jack Jacobs, a Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient, hopes visitors understand that honorees are not “spectacular supermen” but ordinary individuals who embody essential values. He emphasized that remarkable acts—both in combat and everyday life—are carried out by regular people who recognize the need for action. Jacobs earned his Medal of Honor for bravery on March 9, 1968, when his unit was ambushed by the Viet Cong. After his commander was gravely injured, Jacobs, despite sustaining a severe head wound, reorganized his troops and repeatedly ran through enemy fire to rescue the wounded. He saved 13 soldiers and a U.S. adviser but lost many comrades in the battle. “You wear the award for those who can’t,” he reflected. According to Alexandra Rhue, the museum’s senior vice president of engagement, the institution prioritizes personal narratives. “Visitors first get to know the individuals before learning about their heroic actions,” she said. The exhibits highlight recipients from diverse military branches, backgrounds, and conflicts. Museum President and CEO Chris Cassidy hopes the stories will inspire visitors. “Everyone needs courage in some way,” he said. “Our goal is to share Medal of Honor stories to help people find bravery in their own lives.” The museum includes an interactive exhibit featuring video responses from more than 60 living Medal of Honor recipients, including Jacobs. A grand celebration on Saturday, ahead of the official opening, will include musical performances, fireworks, and a drone show. Located near Globe Life Field and AT&T Stadium, the museum is set to become a significant landmark in Arlington.  

Sensational young Bangladeshi multitalented artist and singer Zulfikar Noor, popularly known as Angel Noor, has recently suffered a mild stroke, the artist himself confirmed to various media outlets. Speaking about his condition, Noor informed the media that he had been suffering from hypertension for a long time due to personal issues. Doctors believe this led to the stroke. The singer revealed that the incident occurred suddenly four to five days ago, in the middle of the night. The left side of his face became numb, making movement difficult. Hollywood director arrested for swindling Netflix out of $11 million “Right now, I can move my face slightly, but doctors have said it will take some time for a full recovery. Please keep me in your prayers,” the singer stated. Currently studying at North South University, Angel Noor first gained recognition on social media for his cover songs before releasing his own original tracks. Many of his self-written songs quickly went viral. His breakthrough song 'Jodi Abar' turned him into a sensation, even catching the attention of renowned Indian singer Arijit Singh, who shared Noor’s song on his X (formerly Twitter) account, writing, “What a song!” HC orders screening of 'The Remand' on July Uprising Besides singing, Noor has also showcased his talent on acting and modelling. He has been featured in TV commercials and 'HoiChoi' original courtroom drama 'Mobaroknama' alongside popular actor Mosharraf Karim. Noor also made his theatrical debut with Iqbal H Chowdhury’s film 'Boli' (The Wrestler), playing the son of the protagonist Nasir Uddin Khan.  

The earnings of Indian film actors are often shrouded in secrecy, but occasionally, reports surface revealing the staggering sums that top stars command. While male superstars frequently charge over Rs 100 crore per film, leading actresses are steadily narrowing the pay gap. The title of India’s highest-paid actress has now changed hands, with Priyanka Chopra securing an unprecedented Rs 30 crore fee for her much-anticipated comeback film.  Priyanka Chopra is set to return to Indian cinema after nearly six years, starring in SS Rajamouli’s upcoming film alongside Mahesh Babu. This project also marks her return to South Indian cinema after two decades. According to “Bollywood Hungama”, Priyanka’s remuneration for the film is the highest ever received by an Indian actress for a single project.  A source close to the production revealed, “The delay in announcing her participation was due to extensive negotiations. Priyanka was firm on her fee, and rightly so. Why should only male actors command eight-figure salaries in our industry?”  While Priyanka has previously commanded even higher fees—reportedly $5 million (approximately Rs 41 crore) for Amazon Prime Video’s Citadel—the six-hour runtime of the series justified the amount. DiCaprio’s film delayed as Warner Bros reshuffles releases However, her Rs 30 crore earnings for Rajamouli’s upcoming jungle adventure, currently known as SSMB29, set a new benchmark for female stars in Indian cinema.  Before Priyanka’s latest signing, Deepika Padukone held the record for the highest-paid Indian actress with her Rs 20 crore remuneration for Kalki 2898 AD. Alia Bhatt, a younger counterpart, is said to charge up to Rs 15 crore per film, while other leading actresses such as Kareena Kapoor Khan, Katrina Kaif, Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, and Samantha Ruth Prabhu reportedly earn Rs 10 crore or more per project.  Since moving to the US in 2015, Priyanka has made only sporadic appearances in Indian films. Her last theatrical release was The Sky Is Pink (2019), following Jai Gangaajal (2016). With inputs from Indian media

Norm Clarke, a former Associated Press sports writer who later became a well-known celebrity columnist in Las Vegas, has died at the age of 82 after a long battle with prostate cancer. Clarke passed away Thursday at a hospice center in Las Vegas, his brother Jeff Scheid confirmed. Recognizable by his signature eye patch—worn since losing his right eye in a childhood accident—Clarke gained prominence with his Vegas Confidential column for the Las Vegas Review-Journal from 1999 onward. His coverage of celebrity news, including high-profile scoops such as Britney Spears' brief Las Vegas marriage in 2004 and Michael Jackson’s unexpected return to the city in 2006, made him a household name. “Norm’s Review-Journal column was so popular he became a celebrity in his own right,” said the newspaper’s Executive Editor Glenn Cook. A Career Spanning Sports, Breaking News, and Hollywood GossipBefore his Vegas years, Clarke built his reputation as a skilled and aggressive journalist with the Associated Press. He joined the AP in 1973, covering the back-to-back World Series-winning Cincinnati Reds, known as the Big Red Machine. His reporting on Pete Rose’s contract disputes, departure to Philadelphia, and retirement was both groundbreaking and, at times, contentious—culminating in a face slap from Rose years later after Clarke named him one of Las Vegas’ worst tippers. Cartoon Network Legend David Steven Cohen Passed Away Clarke’s journalistic tenacity extended beyond sports. He led AP’s coverage of the deadly 1977 Beverly Hills Supper Club fire in Kentucky, running a mile to the scene due to traffic gridlock. He was the first to interview a busboy who saved lives by warning diners to evacuate. His exhaustive reporting continued for 16 straight hours. In the 1980s, Clarke was reassigned to Las Vegas, where he covered the tragic MGM Grand Hotel fire, which killed 85 people. Later, as a reporter for the Rocky Mountain News, he chronicled Denver’s successful bid for an MLB franchise and produced award-winning investigative pieces on illegal sports betting. A Love for Journalism, Adventure, and StorytellingClarke’s career was marked by a deep love for storytelling. As a teenager in Montana, his first paid assignment—covering a basketball tournament for $5—sparked a lifelong passion. His adventurous spirit extended beyond journalism. He twice ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, and was trampled during the first-ever running of the bulls in Tecate, Mexico. In his final years, Clarke completed his memoir, Power of the Patch, which he wanted to be distributed for free in schools and libraries in the cities where he worked. Melinda Gates reflects on life after divorce, emphasises thriving, personal growth He is survived by his wife, Cara Roberts Clarke, his siblings Nancy Morast and Newell Clarke, and his godson’s family. A memorial service will be scheduled later. Source: With input from agency