United News of Bangladesh

Advance IMAX tickets for Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey have sold out rapidly in India, with premium seats priced as high as ₹3,300 already booked out nearly a month ahead of its global release. Tickets for the highly anticipated film went on sale just three days ago, opening around five weeks before its worldwide release on July 17. The early rollout of bookings has sparked strong interest among cinema fans, particularly in major Indian cities such as Mumbai and Delhi. The film, which has been shot entirely using IMAX cameras — a first in cinema history — has generated significant buzz globally, contributing to high demand for premium-format screenings. In Mumbai, the most expensive seats are priced at ₹3,300 at PVR Icon in Phoenix Palladium Mall, while recliner and premium seating options at IMAX Wadala and other large-format theatres have also seen rapid sell-outs for opening weekend shows. Reports indicate that sofa seats priced around ₹1,800 at select IMAX venues are already sold out for the opening weekend (July 17–19), with only limited availability left for the opening night. Similarly, several high-end screens in Delhi-NCR, including Select City Walk and Priya, are reporting strong advance sales in the ₹2,100–₹2,400 price range. Despite the premium pricing, many of the best seats have already been booked weeks in advance, with even front-row seats filling up quickly, suggesting strong opening demand for the film in India. Advance bookings for The Odyssey opened in India on June 8, making it one of the first global markets to begin ticket sales for the film. Warner Bros. Discovery India officials said the project marks a milestone in filmmaking, highlighting that Christopher Nolan has spent nearly two decades developing the idea of shooting a film entirely on IMAX cameras. Directed and written by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey is based on Homer’s epic poem and follows Odysseus, King of Ithaca, on his long and dangerous journey home after the Trojan War. The film features an ensemble cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron and Jon Bernthal. The Odyssey is set to release in cinemas worldwide on July 17. #From Hindustan Times

Actor Arjun Rampal has spoken about what he described as the “darkest phase” of his life, revealing that he was dealing with a failing marriage at the same time his mother was diagnosed with cancer. In a recent interview on YouTube talk show Cancelled to Crown, Rampal said the period left him feeling deeply isolated and emotionally drained. “I think the loneliest I have ever felt is when I was not connected with myself the way I am today,” he said, adding that his personal relationships were falling apart while he was struggling internally. He said his marriage was going through serious difficulties and reflected on how relationships often change over time. “Love is not constant. Everything in life is not constant. We are not constant,” he said, adding that sometimes people simply do not grow in the same direction. Rampal said the situation became even more difficult as his mother was battling cancer at the same time. He also mentioned that he had recently lost his father and was drifting away from friends, leaving him feeling as though he was “losing everything” he had built. On the personal front, Rampal is now in a relationship with model and designer Gabriella Demetriades, whom he met in 2018. The couple have since built a family together, welcoming their son Arik in 2019 and Ariv in 2023. The actor separated from his former wife, model and producer Mehr Jesia, in 2018. Reflecting on Gabriella’s role in his life, Rampal said she became a strong support system during a turbulent period. “I was very lucky because I got somebody like Gabriella into my life who I think was a very strong anchor,” he said, adding that she was also going through her own struggles at the time. He said both leaned on each other through difficult circumstances and eventually moved forward together. Rampal also stressed the importance of taking responsibility during hardships instead of blaming others. “You can’t blame. If you blame, you are going to become even more miserable,” he said. With inputs from NDTV

Florida police have officially closed their investigation into the death of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, concluding that he died of natural causes and that there was no evidence of criminal activity. The Clearwater Police Department on Friday released a 72-page report detailing its review of witness statements, medical records, surveillance footage and an examination of Hogan's body. Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, died on July 24 last year at the age of 71. Investigators said there was no indication that his death resulted from anything other than natural causes. “There has been no evidence to indicate any criminal wrongdoing related to his death,” the report stated, adding that the case has been closed as a non-criminal investigation. According to police, Hogan was at his Florida home when he stopped breathing. His wife, Sky Daily Hogan, along with a home health aide and an occupational therapist, were present at the time. After calling emergency services, they performed CPR until firefighters and paramedics arrived. Family members told investigators that Hogan had been dealing with several serious health problems in the weeks leading up to his death, including leukemia, an irregular heartbeat, pneumonia and kidney failure. He had also undergone multiple surgeries and hospital treatments over the years. Police said early comments from the occupational therapist led to speculation that a recent surgery may have contributed to Hogan’s death through damage to a nerve involved in breathing. However, the therapist later clarified that he had been shaken by the emergency situation and had spoken inaccurately. The local medical examiner previously determined that Hogan died from a heart attack and decided that a full autopsy was unnecessary. A separate private autopsy commissioned by the family reached the same conclusion, finding no evidence that trauma or toxic substances contributed to his death. Hogan was one of the biggest stars in the history of WWE and played a key role in transforming professional wrestling into a global entertainment phenomenon. He headlined the first WrestleMania in 1985 and became one of the sport’s most recognizable figures. During his career, he faced legendary wrestlers including Andre the Giant, Randy Savage and The Rock, as well as WWE co-founder Vince McMahon. Hogan won at least six WWE championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. He was removed from the Hall of Fame in 2015 after recordings surfaced of him using racist language, but he later apologized and was reinstated in 2018. A private funeral attended by family and close friends was held several weeks after his death at a church in Florida.

Here are a selection of the winners at the 2026 Tony Awards. Best Musical“Schmigadoon!” Best play“Liberation,” by Bess Wohl Actress in a leading role in a playLesley Manville, “Oedipus” Actor in a leading role in a playJohn Lithgow, “Giant” Musical revival“Ragtime” Play revival“Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman” Actress in a leading role in a musicalCaissie Levy, “Ragtime” Actor in a leading role in a musicalJoshua Henry, “Ragtime” Actor in a featured role in a playAlden Ehrenreich, “Becky Shaw” Actress in a featured role in a playLaurie Metcalf, “Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman” Actress in a featured role in a musicalShoshana Bean, “The Lost Boys” Actor in a featured role in a musicalAli Louis Bourzgui, “The Lost Boys” Direction of a musicalZhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch, “Cats: The Jellicle Ball” Direction of a playJoe Mantello, “Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman” Original score“Schmigadoon!” (Music & Lyrics: Cinco Paul) Book of a musical“Schmigadoon!” Cinco Paul Choreography"Cats: The Jellicle Ball," Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons Play"Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman” Joe Mantello

Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens’ musical “Ragtime”, nearly 30 years after its creation, continues to resonate with audiences as it returns for its third Broadway run at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater. The production, which has earned 11 Tony nominations including Best Revival, tells the interconnected stories of three families in New York at the turn of the 20th century, originally adapted from E.L. Doctorow’s 1975 novel with a book by the late Terrence McNally. Sushmita Sen says she built her wealth on her own amid renewed 'gold digger' debate Blending fiction with historical figures such as Emma Goldman, Booker T. Washington, J.P. Morgan, Henry Ford and Harry Houdini, the musical explores themes of immigration, race, class and identity. Cast members say audiences are increasingly connecting with its contemporary relevance, with many returning to watch the show with family members across generations. The revival is a strong contender for Best Musical Revival at the Tony Awards, alongside productions like “Cats: The Jellicle Ball” and “The Rocky Horror Show”, with multiple acting nominations for its cast. Director Lear deBessonet said the production remains unchanged, but audiences are interpreting it differently, noting its reflection of present-day social realities. The Broadway run is scheduled to conclude on August 2, with a national tour planned for 2027.

Actress Sushmita Sen is once again making headlines after former IPL chairman Lalit Modi defended her against past accusations of being a "gold digger," describing her instead as a successful and wealthy woman who earned her fortune through her own efforts. The debate dates back to July 2022, when Modi publicly announced that he was dating the former Miss Universe by sharing photographs of the two together. The announcement sparked widespread discussion on social media, with some users labeling Sen a "gold digger." Responding to the criticism at the time, Sen wrote on social media that she prefers "diamonds" over gold and dismissed the allegations. She also shared a photo with her daughters, Renee and Alisah, saying she was happy, unmarried and surrounded by love. Four years later, Modi revisited the issue during an interview with Humans of Bombay, where he rejected the accusations against Sen. "She's not a gold digger; I am a diamond digger," Modi said, adding that Sen is financially successful and owns an impressive collection of diamonds. According to Modi, the actress has built her wealth independently and enjoys a luxurious lifestyle that includes high-end accessories, luxury vehicles and an upscale home. Sen remains one of Bollywood's most recognized personalities and has often spoken openly about her unconventional career choices and decision to embrace motherhood while continuing her acting career. The actress is widely regarded as a self-made star, having established a successful career in the entertainment industry after becoming Sushmita Sen, the first Indian woman to win the Miss Universe crown in 1994.

Dhallywood actress Shobnom Bubly has announced the birth of her second child with actor Shakib Khan, sharing the joyous news with her fans and well-wishers through her verified Facebook page on Friday. In her post, Bubly wrote, “We are delighted to share that we have been blessed with a baby girl on May 11. Our hearts are filled with gratitude and happiness as we welcome this precious new member to our family.” Dhallywood megastar Shakib Khan appeals for wellbeing of Ilias Kanchan The actress also expressed her gratitude to her followers for their continued support, prayers, and well wishes. “Please keep our daughter in your prayers,” she added. The star couple previously welcomed their son, Shehzad Khan Bir.

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

Singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has drawn criticism over a lyric in his 2026 song Aroma, which some social media users have described as offensive to the transgender community. The controversy resurfaced on June 1, coinciding with the start of Pride Month, as users and content creators on social media began analysing the song’s meaning and questioning its language. Although Aroma was originally released on April 23, debate over a particular verse emerged weeks later. Content creator Faith Michael expressed disappointment in an Instagram reel, saying, “The queer community did not expect this from you.” Michael said the track had initially been part of their playlist, but the meaning of the lyrics became clearer after online discussions prompted a closer review. “I translated the whole song. So apparently the song is about celebrating the idea of traditional masculinity and the best way to glorify masculinity is by putting the queer community down.” They further questioned the intent behind the lyrics, saying, “I seriously did not expect this from Diljit Dosanjh. He's working in the entertainment industry which is built, shaped and sustained by countless queer people. Did nobody question the lyrics before it was released? Did no one stop to think about the message it sends? Hope there's an explanation because being a chakka or hijra is not the same as being weak.” Several other creators also raised concerns, suggesting that reactions to the issue appeared selective, while others noted that Dosanjh also has queer fans who may feel hurt by the perceived message. The debate soon spread to X, where many users criticised the lyrics and questioned the message they believed it conveyed. As of now, Diljit Dosanjh has not issued any public response to the controversy.  #From NDTV

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is reportedly set to marry his girlfriend, Gauri Spratt, in a private ceremony on July 5, according to media reports. The actor, who was previously married to Reena Dutta and filmmaker Kiran Rao, introduced Gauri to the media during celebrations marking his 60th birthday last year. At the time, he revealed that she was working with his production house. Before making the relationship public, reports had suggested Khan was dating someone outside the film industry. Speaking to reporters at the event, the actor joked that he had successfully kept the relationship hidden from the media. He also disclosed that he and Gauri had been together for around 18 months before going public, noting that her residence in Bengaluru helped them stay away from public attention. Originally from Bengaluru, Gauri Spratt is the daughter of Rita Spratt, a former salon owner. According to her professional profile, she studied at Blue Mountain School and later completed a fashion styling and photography course at the University of the Arts London in 2004. She currently manages a BBlunt salon in Mumbai and is reportedly the mother of a young son. Khan married his childhood friend Reena Dutta in 1986, and the couple have two children, Junaid and Ira. They divorced in 2002 after 16 years of marriage. He later married Kiran Rao in 2005 after the two met during the production of the Oscar-nominated film Lagaan. The couple separated in 2021 but continue to co-parent their son Azad. In a recent interview with Navbharat Times, Khan described himself as fortunate to have found happiness with Gauri. He said her presence had brought him peace and that the couple were enjoying their life together. Over the past year, Khan and Gauri have appeared together at several public events, including the Macau International Comedy Festival in China. Source: NDTV