United News of Bangladesh

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has praised Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar since its release and expressed high expectations for its sequel, Dhurandhar 2, starring Ranveer Singh. Varma suggested that if the sequel earns between ₹1,500–2,000 crore at the box office, it could significantly challenge the business of South Indian films. In an interview with Variety India, Varma said audiences are deeply invested in the characters and story from the first film. “They shot both parts simultaneously, so it’s essentially one film split into two,” he noted, adding that he expects Dhurandhar 2 to outperform its predecessor. Varma also highlighted the strong promotional efforts for the film in South India. He further credited the original Dhurandhar with redefining action choreography in Bollywood. “You can’t have people flying in the air and kicking mid-air anymore; the action has to be realistic. If Dhurandhar 2 makes ₹1,500–2,000 crore, all South films could be affected since they’re designed in the old-school way,” Varma said. The trailer for Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge was released last Saturday, with Varma praising it on X (formerly Twitter), calling it “STRATOSPHERIC LEVEL” and commending Aditya Dhar’s direction. Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge is among the most anticipated Hindi films in recent years. Directed by Aditya Dhar, it sees Ranveer Singh return as Hamza, also known as Jaskirat, an Indian spy operating in Pakistan. The film also stars R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Danish Pandor, Rakesh Bedi, and Sara Arjun. The first part, released in December last year, was a mega hit, earning ₹1,300 crore worldwide. Initially, the sequel was expected to clash at the box office with Yash’s Toxic, but the release of Toxic was postponed from March 19 to June 4. Dhurandhar 2 will now face competition from Pawan Kalyan’s Ustaad Bhagat Singh, a remake of Vijay’s Theri, both films set to release on March 19 with paid previews on March 18. #From Hindustan Times

Director Aditya Dhar says he is not worried about a possible ban on his upcoming film ‘Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge’ in Pakistan. The action film, starring Ranveer Singh, is scheduled to hit theatres on March 19, with paid preview shows beginning on the evening of March 18. Dhar, who has directed only two films so far, has already gained wide recognition in India. He began his career as an assistant director under filmmaker ‘Priyadarshan ‘and also worked as a lyricist before establishing himself as a director and producer. He currently runs B62 Studios with his brother Lokesh Dhar. His first film, ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’ (2019), was based on India’s military response to the 2016 Uri attack carried out by Pakistan-based militants. The film, starring Vicky Kaushal, became a major box-office success and won four National Film Awards, including Best Director for Dhar and Best Actor for Kaushal. It also earned awards for Best Audiography and Best Music Director, with composer Shashwat Sachdev returning for the ‘Dhurandhar’ franchise. Responding to questions about a potential ban in Pakistan, Dhar said it does not concern him. According to the filmmaker, if Pakistani audiences watch the film, they will understand that it does not target the people of Pakistan but speaks only against terrorism. “If viewers trust us and watch the film once, they will realise it says nothing against the Pakistani public. It only speaks against terrorism,” he said. Despite restrictions, the first ‘Dhurandhar’ gained significant attention in Pakistan. Pirated DVDs reportedly sold for about Rs16, while the film saw more than two million illegal downloads in the country within 12 days of its release. When the film later arrived on Netflix in January, it reportedly became the platform’s top title in Pakistan. Source: NDTV

From a big-screen return of Peaky Blinders to a bold reinterpretation of The Bride!, March brings a diverse lineup of films across cinemas and streaming platforms. These include major franchise spin-offs, sci-fi adventures, documentaries and psychological thrillers. Here are 10 notable films to watch this month. Peaky Blinders: The Immortal ManFans of the hit series Peaky Blinders will see its story continue on the big screen. The film follows gangster leader Tommy Shelby, played by Cillian Murphy, during World War II as he returns to Birmingham amid German bombing raids. Written by series creator Stephen Knight, the film also features Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Roth and Barry Keoghan. HoppersThe 30th animated feature from Pixar introduces a quirky story about a girl named Mabel whose mind is transferred into a robotic beaver, allowing her to communicate with animals. Voiced by Piper Curda, Mabel soon discovers animals are fed up with human treatment of nature. The Good BoyThis dark comedy thriller stars Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough as a couple who kidnap a rebellious teenager, played by Anson Boon, in an attempt to “reform” him. Directed by Jan Komasa, the film blends psychological tension with unsettling humour. The Bride!Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, this imaginative film draws inspiration from The Bride of Frankenstein. Starring Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale, the story follows a murdered woman revived in 1930s Chicago who goes on the run with a monster companion. SaipanThis sports drama revisits the famous dispute between Ireland captain Roy Keane and national team manager Mick McCarthy before the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Actors Éanna Hardwicke and Steve Coogan portray the pair. Reminders of HimBased on a novel by bestselling author Colleen Hoover, the film stars Maika Monroe as a woman seeking redemption and trying to reconnect with her daughter after serving time in prison. Marc by SofiaIn this documentary, filmmaker Sofia Coppola explores the creative life of fashion designer Marc Jacobs, offering an intimate look at his inspirations and career. Ready or Not 2: Here I ComeThe sequel to the horror-comedy Ready or Not sees Samara Weaving return as Grace, who again finds herself battling wealthy families involved in dark rituals. Project Hail MaryAdapted from the novel by Andy Weir, this sci-fi adventure stars Ryan Gosling as a scientist sent on a solo space mission to investigate mysterious microbes dimming sunlight reaching Earth. AlphaFrench filmmaker Julia Ducournau delivers a dark drama about a teenage girl living in a world threatened by a deadly virus. The film stars Mélissa Boros, Golshifteh Farahani and Tahar Rahim. Together, these films highlight the range of storytelling arriving in cinemas and on streaming platforms this month, from franchise expansions and literary adaptations to original and experimental cinema.   With inputs from BBC

Filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi has spoken about the labels she has faced in her career after her film Boong made history by becoming the first Indian movie to win at the British Academy Film Awards in 2026. Written and directed by Devi, the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival before going on to gain recognition at several international festivals. Ahead of the film’s theatrical release, the filmmakers held a press conference where Devi reflected on how she has often been categorised during her career, including being described as a “woman director” or a “Northeastern filmmaker.” She said she has frequently been placed in multiple boxes because of her background and gender, but she never viewed herself in those terms. Devi said her upbringing in Manipur influenced her understanding of gender roles. She noted that women in the region are particularly strong, joking that men there sometimes have it tougher. The director also said the most difficult part of making Boong was not the circumstances of filming but confronting her own creativity. Having previously worked on the sets of large productions such as Dunki, Talaash, Rang De Basanti and PK, she found the scale of Boong comparatively small. Despite its modest production scale, the film has connected strongly with audiences, particularly children. Devi recalled that young viewers at children’s film festivals in Europe enthusiastically asked for a sequel. However, she said she currently has no plans to make a second part. According to the director, many elements of the film are drawn from her own experiences. She said several scenes were inspired by events she had personally lived through, including crossing a border in a way similar to the film’s protagonist. Devi also explained that the screenplay developed naturally and was written in a style similar to a personal diary. She added that the story reflects both discrimination she has witnessed and the strength of Manipur’s gender-diverse community, which she said has played an important role in empowering society. The filmmaker also believes that films from northeastern India are gaining greater global visibility due to changing times, pointing to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of social media in helping such stories reach wider audiences. The film features child actor Gugun Kipgen, who was nine years old when the film was shot. At the press conference, he said he was disappointed that he could not attend the BAFTA ceremony but described the award as a remarkable achievement. Kipgen also shared that he grew up watching the animated movie Zootopia, and it felt surreal to see Boong nominated alongside its sequel. Devi revealed that the young actor almost left the project during filming because the cast had to train in Thang Ta for certain scenes, which proved physically demanding. Boong tells the story of a young boy growing up in Manipur who embarks on a cross-border journey to search for his missing father. Through the child’s perspective, the film explores themes of identity, displacement, discrimination and resilience while portraying everyday life in the region with warmth and humour. #With inputs from NDTV

Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda are officially married. The couple solemnised their union with a traditional Telugu ceremony held at 10:10 AM today, followed by another ritual in the evening that paid tribute to Rashmika’s Kodava roots. The much-awaited official wedding pictures have now been unveiled. Sharing glimpses from the ceremonies, Rashmika posted an emotional note introducing Vijay as her husband. She described him as the person who helped her understand true love and inner peace, someone who constantly encouraged her to dream big and believe in her potential. She also spoke about how he supported her individuality, her love for dancing freely, and her joy of travelling with friends, adding that she could write an entire book about him. Vijay posted the same photographs with a heartfelt caption of his own. He reflected on a moment when he realised how deeply he missed her presence — how ordinary moments like meals, workouts, and daily routines felt incomplete without her. Calling her his best friend, he announced that on 26.02.2026, she officially became his wife. The wedding festivities included two distinct ceremonies — a morning Telugu wedding honouring Vijay’s heritage and an evening Kodava (Coorg) ceremony celebrating Rashmika’s cultural background. Close sources confirmed that the couple also distributed sweets to paparazzi stationed at the venue. The intimate celebrations took place at the luxury hotel ITC Mementoes, located about 50 kilometres outside Udaipur, with only family members and close friends in attendance. Haldi and Sangeet Celebrations As reported by Cinema Express, the sangeet turned into a lively celebration with the couple dancing alongside loved ones. The playlist was curated with personal favourites, including songs from their own films that fans cherish. Tracks from Geetha Govindam and Dear Comrade — known for showcasing their on-screen chemistry — were among the highlights. Songs like Kalyani Vachaa Vachaa and Inkem Inkem added a nostalgic touch to the evening. The viral track Peelings from Pushpa: The Rise reportedly became the biggest hit of the night, drawing guests to the dance floor and elevating the energy of the celebration. The couple also hosted a close-knit Haldi ceremony at the hotel. While Rashmika and Vijay shared select glimpses of the décor on Instagram Stories, their friends posted behind-the-scenes moments as well. Actor Kalyani Priyadarshan, Ashika Ranganath and Shravya Varma shared cheerful snapshots from the festivities on social media. Vijay offered a detailed look at the ceremony space, which was set up outdoors in a circular arrangement framed by wooden panelling. The ground was covered in soft pink rose petals, with two wooden stools placed at the centre for the rituals. Surrounding them were baskets filled with bright marigold petals, while lush floral décor in warm hues created a garden-like ambience. He also shared close-up images of personalised floral name boards reading “Rushie” — Rashmika’s nickname — and “Vijay,” arranged among lilies, roses and marigolds. Rashmika, meanwhile, showcased customised décor dedicated to their pets — Vijay’s Huskies, Storm and Chester, and her Cocker Spaniel, Aura. Guests in Attendance Several members of the film fraternity travelled to Udaipur to attend the February 26 wedding. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga and actor Kalyani Priyadarshan were among the attendees. Director-actor Tharun Bhascker, filmmaker-actor Rahul Ravindran, actors Eesha Rebba and Ashika Ranganath, and stylist Shravya Varma were also present to celebrate the couple’s big day. Source: NDTV    

Producer Ekta Kapoor has said the release timing of her upcoming horror comedy Bhooth Bangla, starring Akshay Kumar, was a deliberate and well-planned decision, despite it arriving shortly after two major action releases. The films Dhurandhar 2, directed by Aditya Dhar, and Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, led by Yash, are set to clash at the box office on March 19. Dhurandhar 2, the sequel to the 2025 blockbuster, grossed over ₹1,300 crore worldwide following its December release. Bhooth Bangla, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Priyadarshan, is scheduled to hit theatres on April 10. Speaking during a media interaction, Kapoor said the timing works in her film’s favour. “By the time our film releases, both Dhurandhar and Toxic would have had a good run. Some school exams will be over and it will be a holiday period,” she said, adding that family audiences are especially drawn to such entertainers. Kapoor said her aim was to offer variety at the box office. “Families enjoy watching different kinds of films. The idea is to provide another form of entertainment and ensure there is space for diverse genres,” she added. Bhooth Bangla marks the reunion of Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan after a 14-year gap. The film is presented by Balaji Motion Pictures, a division of Balaji Telefilms Ltd, in association with Akshay Kumar’s banner Cape of Good Films. Arijit Singh addresses fans after stepping away from playback singing Calling Akshay and Priyadarshan “soulmates,” Kapoor said she was thrilled to bring them together again. She revealed that Akshay immediately agreed to the project on the condition that Priyadarshan would direct it, while the filmmaker later fine-tuned the script after coming on board. The film also stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Paresh Rawal, Tabu and Rajpal Yadav, along with a posthumous appearance by veteran actor Asrani, who died in October 2025. Describing the ensemble cast, Kapoor said the combination of actors in Priyadarshan’s signature comic style was “deadly”. When asked whether Bhooth Bangla could become a franchise, Kapoor said franchises cannot be planned in advance. “If a film works, it automatically turns into a franchise,” she said.  #From Hindustan Times

The 79th British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards were held at the Royal Festival Hall in London on February 22, celebrating excellence in global cinema. Paul Thomas Anderson’s political thriller One Battle After Another led the night with 14 nominations and walked away with six awards, including Best Film and Best Director, cementing its position as the biggest winner. The film’s lead actor, Leonardo DiCaprio, and supporting actor Sean Penn also received top honours. Ryan Coogler’s vampire drama Sinners, which had 13 nominations, won three awards, marking a record for a film directed by a Black filmmaker. Its supporting actress Wunmi Mosaku and original score by Ludwig Göransson were recognised. India celebrated a milestone with the Manipuri-language film BOONG, backed by Farhan Akhtar, winning in the Children’s & Family Film category. Other notable winners included Hamnet (Outstanding British Film), I Swear (Supporting Actor Robert Aramayo), and Frankenstein, which won multiple technical awards such as Costume Design, Production Design, and Make-up & Hair. The awards were hosted by Scottish actor and writer Alan Cumming, who guided the ceremony through a star-studded evening celebrating both established and emerging talents in the film industry. Other major categories recognised works across Cinematography, Editing, Sound, Special Visual Effects, and animated films, with Zootropolis 2 taking the animated film prize. The public-voted EE BAFTA Rising Star Award went to Robert Aramayo. The ceremony highlighted the growing diversity in cinema, recognising global voices alongside British talent, and celebrated achievements across storytelling, performance, and technical excellence.   With inputs from NDTV

Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan are set to reunite on screen after nearly 47 years, and the excitement among fans is palpable. On Saturday, the makers of the much-anticipated film, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, released a captivating promo that quickly went viral. Tentatively titled #KHXRK, the film will feature the two legendary Tamil cinema icons in the lead roles, with music composed by Anirudh Ravichander. The film marks a historic collaboration between the two superstars, who last appeared together on screen nearly five decades ago. The promo opens with director Nelson, standing in the corridor of a hotel, pondering which room to enter first. Music director Anirudh, humming a tune, approaches him and gives him two options: "Shanmughapriya or Kokilapriya?" When Nelson asks if these are "heroines," Anirudh, with a look of mild condescension, corrects him, "They are raagas." Nelson, in his usual innocent manner, then chooses "Karagarapriya" and heads into a room. The room, numbered 7, is revealed to be Kamal Haasan’s. Though Kamal is not visible, the scene shows him making a decision about his blazer. Nelson comments, "Super sir, Rajini sir has chosen this as well," prompting Kamal to swap his original choice for the alternative. Next, we see Nelson in Rajinikanth's room, where the superstar changes his shoe selection after hearing Nelson’s mention that the same shoes looked good on Kamal. Both stars, now sporting retro looks, step out of their rooms simultaneously and get into a car, with Nelson and Anirudh in the backseat. Anirudh asks, "Sir, there's a theme music that's a mix of Beethoven and Bappi Lahiri. Shall we listen?" Kamal Haasan responds, "We’ll listen to that later. First, we need to ask, who’s the hero?" Rajinikanth chimes in, "Isn't he asking? Tell us, who’s the hero?" The car speeds away, leaving fans eagerly awaiting more. The film, produced by Red Giant Movies, will feature cinematography by renowned director and cameraman Rajeev Menon. The production house shared an emotional message earlier in the day, stating, "History rarely repeats itself... but when it does, it becomes a celebration for generations. The reunion of these two towering legends is a moment of immense pride for Red Giant Movies. #KHXRK will be a celebration of the legends we've adored on screen. A special thanks to director Nelson, whose vision made this historic moment possible, and to Rockstar Anirudh for bringing it to life. Today's the day. The time is 12:07 PM. #RedGiant17." Source: NDTV

Sonam Kapoor, soon to welcome her second child, shared a glimpse of her Seemantonnayan ceremony, describing it as an emotional and deeply meaningful celebration. Taking to Instagram, Sonam posted a reel featuring family and close friends, including Anil Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Shabana Azmi, Khushi Kapoor, Masaba Gupta, Anupam Kher, and Sanjay Kapoor. She reflected on the significance of Seemantonnayan, the third of the sixteen sacred sanskars in Sanatan Dharma, commonly known as the “hair-parting ritual,” which honours the mother and the life she carries. The ceremony is also celebrated in different regions of India under names such as Godh Bharai, Shrimant, Dohale Jevan, Shaad, Seemantham, Valaikappu, Pulikkudi, and Sadhabhakshan, with the essence remaining the same: blessing, love, protection, and celebration of new life. The ritual involves the husband parting the hair of the expecting mother to promote the healthy development of the fetus, ensure maternal mental well-being, and ward off negative energies. Sonam expressed that the presence of her closest friends and family made the occasion even more special. “This ancient ritual felt even more meaningful because all my best friends in the world showed up for me. My whole family did too. I felt so held. And to my mum, my mother-in-law, and my sister — thank you for organising everything and making me feel so deeply loved, cherished and celebrated. I will never forget this. A lap full of blessings. A heart overflowing with gratitude,” she wrote. In November 2025, Sonam had announced her second pregnancy. Recently, she shared an Instagram picture of herself in a vibrant hot-pink wool suit, captioned simply, “MOTHER.” Sonam Kapoor married businessman Anand Ahuja in a lavish ceremony in May 2018, after years of dating. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Vayu, in August 2022.

A sequel to the Brad Pitt-led blockbuster F1 is officially in development, producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed. Speaking at the annual Academy Awards luncheon in Los Angeles, Bruckheimer said work has begun on a follow-up to the racing drama, which was released last summer. However, he did not provide a timeline or confirm whether Pitt will return to reprise his role. The film stars Pitt, 62, as veteran driver Sonny Hayes, who makes a comeback to Formula 1 with the fictional team APXGP. The project was co-produced by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and was filmed during the 2023 and 2024 Formula 1 seasons, including scenes shot at major race weekends such as the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. F1 earned $630 million worldwide, making it Apple Original Films’ most successful theatrical release so far. The movie has also received four Oscar nominations this year, including a nod for best picture. Bruckheimer said he was pleased by the film’s awards recognition and described working with Pitt as a thrilling experience. He noted that production faced delays due to industry strikes but ultimately succeeded in drawing global audiences. Speculation about a sequel had been circulating for months. During a recent Apple TV press event, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali hinted at future developments, telling fans to “stay tuned.” In addition to the F1 sequel, Bruckheimer revealed he is developing several other projects, including Heat 2, another Days of Thunder film, a new Top Gun installment and a further entry in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. He also mentioned a project related to UFOs. Reflecting on changes in Hollywood, including studio mergers and the rise of artificial intelligence, Bruckheimer expressed optimism about the future of cinema. He said audiences will continue to seek live entertainment, adding that filmmakers must deliver content people want to see in theatres.   With inputs from BBC