United News of Bangladesh

Daisy Edgar-Jones had one important question after being cast as Elinor Dashwood in the new film adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility”: who would play her younger sister, Marianne? A longtime Austen fan, Edgar-Jones had read all the author’s novels and watched as many adaptations as possible. She now stars as the sensible elder sister in the new film, which opens in theatres Friday. Directed by Georgia Oakley, it is the first major film adaptation of “Sense and Sensibility” directed by a woman. For Edgar-Jones, however, finding the right actress to play Marianne was just as important as landing the role herself. The film also features George MacKay, Frank Dillane and Herbert Nordrum. “The film, as I saw it, would kind of live or die by the relationship between those two actors,” Oakley said, recalling the challenge of finding actresses who could convincingly portray sisters. The search led to Esmé Creed-Miles, who already had a history with Edgar-Jones. The two actresses had spent a summer in Yorkshire as teenagers while filming the independent movie “Pond Life” and watching the reality show “Love Island” together. Edgar-Jones said their shared experiences helped them quickly connect with their characters. Their chemistry became clear during an audition session in which they performed challenging scenes, including one where Elinor finally tells Marianne that she is also heartbroken over a man. Creed-Miles said Edgar-Jones felt like family to her, adding that they felt deeply connected to the characters. Their off-screen friendship also impressed Oakley. During the audition session, Creed-Miles even ate some of Edgar-Jones’ lunch while waiting for her turn. Oakley said their natural humour and playful exchanges immediately reminded her of the relationship between Elinor and Marianne. Creed-Miles, whose parents are actors Samantha Morton and Charlie Creed-Miles, began acting at the age of six in a Harmony Korine film. She later starred in the Amazon Prime series “Hanna” but has explored interests beyond acting. Her other pursuits include photography, music and filmmaking. Her photographs from the set have appeared in “Vogue”, while she is also a member of the alternative rock band Cusk and has directed a short film. She was particularly interested in working with Oakley, whose debut film “Blue Jean” follows a closeted gym teacher in England in the late 1980s. Oakley said she was drawn to Austen’s ability to explore complex and challenging themes without presenting her work as an explicit political statement. A more natural look at the Regency era The new film tells the story of the Dashwood family, four women who must rebuild their lives after losing their fortune. Caitríona Balfe plays their mother, while Bodhi Rae Breathnach portrays the youngest sister. Oakley wanted to move away from the polished appearance often associated with period dramas set during the Regency era. Instead, she aimed to present the characters as more natural and relatable. To develop the film’s visual style, she drew inspiration from Andrea Arnold’s “Wuthering Heights” and Kelly Reichardt’s “Meek’s Cutoff”. She also created playlists featuring violin music and referenced dresses marked with raspberry stains and soil. Oakley said she wanted audiences to feel close to the characters rather than view them from a distance. The family’s difficult circumstances, she explained, meant they would not always be concerned about their appearance or how others perceived them. Edgar-Jones welcomed the approach, saying she had not seen an Austen adaptation presented in this way before. Creed-Miles said the film was not intended to reject traditional Regency-era hairstyles or makeup. Instead, it sought to explore aspects of the women’s inner lives that had not been fully shown in earlier screen adaptations. Working on the film also deepened her appreciation of Austen’s work. Creed-Miles said the two actresses’ different levels of familiarity with the author could help make the film appealing to a wider audience, including people who had never read Austen’s novels. She hopes the adaptation will introduce a new generation of viewers to the author and her characters.  

A fusion of music, live drawing and visual storytelling will take centre stage in Dhaka as Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) and the Liberation War Museum jointly present Le Voyage de Rézé on Tuesday evening. The multidisciplinary performance, scheduled for 7 pm at the Liberation War Museum, will take audiences on an artistic journey exploring cultural diversity, human encounters, borders and the connections that bring people together. Created by Les Productions du Bazar, the production combines live music, singing, percussion, illustration and video in an intimate setting where sound and images develop alongside one another. Moving beyond the conventional concert format, the performance brings together songs from different cultures, original compositions, familiar melodies and lesser-known or newly created pieces. Live sketches by artist and illustrator Emé will transform observations of people, places and encounters into drawings before the audience, adding a visual dimension to the musical experience. The four-member team features Rézé, a guitarist, singer and composer whose musical influences include jazz and African and Brazilian traditions; Sofiran, a percussionist and vocalist exploring African, Afro-Cuban and Brazilian rhythms; Emé, who specialises in illustration and live drawing; and Christoo, whose work spans video, photography and artistic production. Together, the artists combine their distinct creative approaches to build a performance in which music, images and movement become interconnected forms of expression. For the artists, travel extends beyond geographical boundaries to encompass the discovery of different people, languages, cultures and personal stories. Through this approach, Le Voyage de Rézé seeks to create a space for cultural dialogue and shared experiences.   The production has been staged at theatres, cultural centres, schools, libraries and festivals across France. The artists have also undertaken international projects in Réunion, El Salvador, Burkina Faso and Brazil, incorporating workshops, exhibitions, meetings and travel journals into their artistic journeys. Alongside its performances, the project maintains an educational and participatory focus. The artists regularly organise intergenerational workshops on music, rhythm, percussion, drawing, photography and video, using creative practice to encourage learning and exchange between generations. The Tuesday performance is open to audiences aged six and above. Registration is required, and interested attendees can confirm their participation by emailing their name and mobile number to communication@afdhaka.org.

Actor and disability rights advocate RJ Mitte, who drew on his experience with cerebral palsy to portray a key character in the acclaimed television series “Breaking Bad,” died on Monday at the age of 34, authorities and his representatives said. Cameron County Justice of the Peace Cyndi Hinojosa told The Associated Press that she declared Mitte dead at around 1:30pm at what she believed was his home in Brownsville, Texas. She said the cause of death was not immediately known and that an autopsy would be conducted. Mitte played Walter White Jr., the son of Bryan Cranston’s chemistry teacher-turned-methamphetamine dealer Walter White, in nearly every episode of the five-season AMC series. The show was recently ranked the best television series of the 21st century in a New York Times poll. Cranston expressed profound grief over the actor’s death, describing Mitte as his “sweet son.” “I met him when he was only 14 years old when he was cast as Walter White Jr., a part he played with such joy and enthusiasm,” Cranston wrote in a Facebook post on Monday night. “Born with Cerebral Palsy, he never — ever — allowed that challenge to be an excuse for anything. He met the demanding shooting schedule head on with great determination,” he added. In an interview with the AP in 2014, Mitte said his experience with disability, including physical therapy, family challenges and high medical expenses, had helped him become a better actor. These issues were also among the themes explored in the series. “You develop a different mentality and you develop a different look at how the world sees you and how you see the world,” he said. “You're able to use that. And I think it's an asset instead of something that would hinder.” Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Mitte moved to Los Angeles in 2006 to pursue an acting career. He initially landed small guest roles on sitcoms before securing his role in “Breaking Bad” in 2007. The series aired from 2008 to 2013. Cranston recalled that Mitte was relatively inexperienced when filming began but gradually developed into a talented actor. “That kid was pretty raw when we started shooting the pilot,” Cranston wrote, “but little by little we watched him grow into a really fine actor.” He added, “I loved him, and thoroughly enjoyed being with him throughout the years on the series, and after the spotlight on Breaking Bad dimmed.” In a statement announcing his death, Mitte’s representatives said he had brought authenticity to his role while using his public profile to raise awareness about disability and promote inclusion. They said he had used “his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation.” Mitte’s subsequent acting credits included the ABC Family series “Switched at Birth” and the superhero satire “Guardians of Justice.” He also worked as a producer on several independent films. Beyond acting, Mitte served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s. He also led his own Mitte Foundation, which supported philanthropic and community initiatives related to disabilities.

Rushnaf Wadud, a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s independent music scene and the lead vocalist of alternative rock band Blunderware, died of heart attack on Monday. The news of his death was confirmed by his friend and longtime bandmate Moktadir Dewan. Rushnaf had also been dealing with long-standing respiratory complications. Known for his distinctive vocal delivery, thoughtful songwriting and experimental musical style, Rushnaf was among the familiar names in Bangladesh’s independent music scene, where he developed a reputation for blending alternative rock with folk-inspired sounds. He rose to prominence as the frontman of Blunderware, a band known for its unconventional musical approach and layered lyrics. One of the group’s best-known tracks, 'Afim Chaash', showcased its distinctive blend of indie rock, folk and blues influences. The song was written by Rushnaf and composed by Blunderware. Rushnaf was also associated with The Attempted Band, where he served as lead vocalist. Songs including 'Ei Bikale' and 'O Moushumi' were among the tracks associated with his musical journey. Beyond music, Rushnaf also explored acting, appearing in the critically acclaimed Bangladeshi anthology film 'Sincerely Yours, Dhaka', released in 2019. The film brought together multiple stories set in the capital, reflecting different aspects of urban life. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief among musicians, filmmakers and listeners, many of whom remember him for his creativity, collaborative spirit and contribution to the country’s independent music culture. Rushnaf’s passing marks a loss for a music scene in which he carved out a distinctive space through his voice, songwriting and commitment to artistic experimentation.

Bangladeshi filmmaker Rezwan Shahriar Sumit’s political drama MASTER has won the Best Screenplay award in the World Competition section of the 53rd Belgrade International Film Festival (FEST), which ended on Sunday, adding another major international accolade to its growing festival success. The screenplay, co-written by Sumit and Sabbir Hossain Shovon, was recognised by the festival jury for its narrative structure and exploration of political corruption, betrayal and personal transformation. In its citation, translated from Serbian, the jury described MASTER as “a compelling political drama exploring themes of betrayal, corruption, and the moral choices of a man entering the halls of power.” The jury also praised the film’s tense atmosphere and portrayal of a character’s changing relationship with power, noting that stories from smaller nations often reflect shared realities and resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.

British actor Robert Pattinson has turned to a darker subject in his new film “Primetime”, portraying the host of an American television programme that targeted suspected child abusers. Pattinson, who has already appeared opposite Zendaya in “The Drama” and played a key role in the summer blockbuster “The Odyssey”, takes on the role of NBC journalist Chris Hansen, the host of “To Catch a Predator”. The television show, which aired from 2004 to 2007, featured sting operations targeting men suspected of seeking sexual encounters with children. It attracted large audiences but also raised questions about the boundaries between investigative journalism, police work and reality television. Speaking to BBC News at the London Film Festival screening of “Primetime”, Pattinson said the film's subject was particularly disturbing to him as a parent. He welcomed his first child with partner Suki Waterhouse in March 2024. “It's both the most terrifying thing that can happen to you, whether you're a parent, or even if you're not,” he said. “It's the most unimaginable sin possible,” he added. The A24 crime thriller examines how the television programme turned efforts to expose suspected child abusers into compelling entertainment. Pattinson said the show presented the idea that society could tackle child abuse quickly, but its popularity also raised difficult questions about turning such cases into television entertainment. “The show was this kind of microcosm of saying, 'oh, we can do something about [child abuse], and we can do something about it really, really, really quickly,” he said. “And in some ways, that's correct, but it also makes for incredibly powerful TV, and that's when it gets into slightly dicey territory.” Asked whether public attitudes towards such entertainment had changed, Pattinson said mainstream television had moved away from the format, but similar content had found a new home on social media. He said he became interested in the project after noticing the return of predator-catching videos that followed a format similar to the early 2000s television show. “And I was just interested as to why that was happening,” he said, adding that the trend had grown into a major form of social media content. Hansen himself has criticised the film, describing it as “bizarre” and “detached from reality” in a video posted on X. Director Lance Oppenheim acknowledged the criticism, saying the film was deliberately designed that way. “I always thought of this movie as more of a fever dream than something that was representational portrait,” he said. Oppenheim said the film examines the longstanding public fascination with watching people face punishment in front of others. “It's happened for thousands of years,” he said. “I wanted to make something that interrogated that.” Oppenheim is also co-directing a much-anticipated documentary about Elizabeth Holmes with Nathan Fielder. He described the project as a special film that he hoped everyone would watch. From ‘Twilight’ to possible Oscar recognition Pattinson, 40, first gained widespread popularity as vampire Edward Cullen in the “Twilight” film series, alongside Kristen Stewart. He had earlier attracted attention as Cedric Diggory in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”. Since then, he has appeared in major productions, including Christopher Nolan's “Tenet”, while also building a reputation for taking on unconventional independent films. The actor has had a busy year, with “Dune: Part Three” still to come. He is also expected to return as Batman in the next film in the franchise, although production has reportedly been paused. Asked when work on the Batman film would resume, Pattinson offered little detail, saying, “We don't know yet, but yeah, working on it.” His performance in “Primetime” has also prompted speculation that he could receive his first Academy Award nomination. Reflecting on his recent projects, Pattinson said he felt grateful for the opportunities he had received. “I am eternally grateful that I got these jobs,” he said. “But then [to have] been able to even do them, this is one of the best years of my life.” Source: BBC

Filmmaker Julia Loktev’s nearly six-hour documentary, “My Undesirable Friends: Part II - Exile,” follows Russian journalists who fled their country after Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Opening in selected theatres this weekend, the film concludes Loktev’s five-year project, which began in 2021 with independent journalists facing increasing government pressure under President Vladimir Putin. Many journalists fled Russia within hours of the invasion, while Loktev continued documenting their lives and reporting from exile. She said the film explores perseverance and how journalists maintain hope and continue working as public attention shifts elsewhere. Loktev, who was born in the former Soviet Union and moved to the United States at nine, filmed her subjects using an iPhone. Her earlier documentary, “My Undesirable Friends: Part I - Last Air in Moscow,” was shortlisted for an Oscar nomination. Russian authorities have designated dozens of media outlets and journalists as “foreign agents,” restricted their advertising and imprisoned journalists. Many independent newsrooms have relocated abroad. One subject, former journalist Peter Ruzavin, joined Ukraine’s army, saying journalism alone could not change reality. Loktev hopes to make a third instalment if Russia’s political situation changes. She said the film reminds audiences that ongoing problems persist even after public attention moves on.

Actor Imran Khan and his girlfriend Lekha Washington were among more than 400 people detained in Mumbai during protests linked to the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Police detained protesters at August Kranti Maidan and other locations across the city to prevent unauthorised gatherings. Before his detention, Imran told ANI that he had joined the protest as a citizen to question restrictions on freedom of movement and the suppression of people’s voices. He said he was not representing any organisation or making specific demands. Zayn Marie, who was detained alongside her cousin Imran, later shared a video from inside a police van, making a humorous reference to his debut film Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. The CJP called the protest in New Delhi against alleged manipulation of voter lists during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and changes involving Form 6, which is used for voter registration. Imran made his lead acting debut in the 2008 romantic comedy Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, produced by Aamir Khan. He later starred in films including I Hate Luv Storys, Delhi Belly and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan before taking a break from acting. Source: NDTV

Ajay Devgn and Tabu-starrer Drishyam 3: The Conclusion continued its strong box office performance on Friday, October 9, earning Rs 14.50 crore nett in India on its eighth day and taking its domestic nett collection to Rs 260 crore. The film's worldwide gross collection has crossed Rs 400 crore, reaching Rs 407 crore, according to trade tracker Sacnilk. Its India gross collection stands at Rs 312 crore, while overseas markets contributed another Rs 6 crore on the second Friday, bringing the total overseas gross to Rs 95 crore. The film recorded around 5.83 lakh admissions on Day 8, taking its cumulative footfalls to approximately 1.07 crore. Its Friday collection also marked an 11.5% increase from the previous day. Drishyam 3 opened with Rs 62 crore nett in India on October 2. It earned Rs 53.50 crore on Saturday and Rs 61 crore on Sunday, taking its opening-weekend total to Rs 176.50 crore. Collections declined during the following weekdays, with the film earning Rs 21 crore on Day 4, Rs 19.50 crore on Day 5, Rs 15.50 crore on Day 6 and Rs 13 crore on Day 7. Its first-week domestic nett collection stood at Rs 245.50 crore. About Drishyam 3Directed by Abhishek Pathak, Drishyam 3: The Conclusion is the third and final instalment in the Hindi Drishyam franchise. Although the original story originated in Malayalam cinema, the Hindi third instalment follows a different storyline from its Malayalam counterpart. The film follows Vijay Salgaonkar, a family man who has repeatedly used careful planning to protect his loved ones. In the latest chapter, he faces renewed pressure as another investigation threatens to uncover his long-hidden secrets. Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay Salgaonkar, while Tabu reprises her role as Meera Deshmukh. Jaideep Ahlawat plays SP Rajveer Singh Tomar. The ensemble cast also includes Shriya Saran, Rajat Kapoor, Prakash Raj, Ishita Dutta, Mrunal Jadhav, Kamlesh Sawant, Saurabh Shukla and Neha Joshi. Written by Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh, the film is produced by Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak. Star Studio18 presents the film.

Songs, dance and recitations featuring works by Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam marked Chhayanaut’s Autumn 2026 cultural programme at St Joseph Higher Secondary School in the capital on Friday, bringing together students from four educational institutions and artistes of the cultural organisation. The programme, titled “Jog De Re Aj Soman Tane”, was jointly organised by Chhayanaut and St Joseph Higher Secondary School on the school premises in Mohammadpur. Students from St Joseph Higher Secondary School, St Joseph International School and College, Excel Academy and Nalanda High School took part alongside Chhayanaut performers. The programme opened with a collective song and dance presentation of Rabindranath Tagore’s “Shorote Aaj Kon Otithi”, with students from all participating institutions singing and Chhayanaut artistes performing the dance. The Nalanda High School segment featured a collective song and dance presentation of Tagore’s “Alor Omol Komolkhani”, followed by a group recitation of his “Shorot (Aji Ki Tomar Modhur Muroti)”. Mehereen Fatema performed “Tomra Ja Bolo Tai Bolo”, while Sudarshana Alokananda Kundu sang “Bhorer Jhiler Jole”, a composition by Kazi Nazrul Islam. The segment also included a group recitation of Sunirmal Basu’s “Sobar Ami Chhatra”. Excel Academy presented a collective song and dance performance of Tagore’s “Dekho Dekho, Dekho, Shuktara Ankhi Meli Chay”, with students singing and Chhayanaut artistes dancing. Arunabho Dey performed “Tomar Mohan Rupe”, while Epshita Sikdar sang “Shorot, Tomar Arun Alor Anjali”, both by Tagore.