Renowned actors Ilias Kanchan and Azmeri Haque Badhan have been appointed as members of two different jury boards for the 23rd edition of the Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) next year. 

Over recent years, director Vicky Zahed has made a name for himself through notable projects on television and OTT platforms. Known for blending mysteries, thrillers, and science fiction with local narratives, his latest venture is a web-film titled “Ondhokarer Gaan”. The trailer for the film debuted yesterday evening.

Today, four movies, both local and international, are hitting theatres nationwide. Among the Bangladeshi releases are “Priyo Maloti” and “Makorshar Jall”, while Cineplex audiences can also enjoy the Hollywood titles “Kraven the Hunter” and “Mufasa: The Lion King.”

The words spoken by the titular Man of Steel throughout the first teaser trailer for “Superman” are rich with symbolism. “Krypto, home. Take me home,” are the only words he speaks in the footage, which debuted today after a press preview on December 17, introduced by writer and director James Gunn.

Actress Zakia Bari Mamo made her debut with the film “Daruchini Dwip”, earning a National Film Award for her very first role. Since then, her journey has been marked by success. She has solidified her position by showcasing her talent across three platforms: television dramas, films, and OTT.

Renowned actor Mosharraf Karim has been featured in a short film developed by Jahangirnagar University’s Drama and Dramatics Department. The film is an adaptation of Shahaduzzaman’s celebrated short story “Mohashunnye Cycle”.

Azmeri Haque Badhan, known for her powerful portrayals of female characters such as Rehana in “Rehana Maryam Noor” and Sultana in “Guti”, is an active advocate for women's rights.

Oscar-winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan and his wife, producer Emma Thomas, are often seen as the epitome of a power couple. The pair first crossed paths at University College London, bonding over their mutual passion for film. 

During the campaign at Dhaka University, Mehazabien actively engaged with students and helped put up posters for the movie. At one point, she accidentally placed a poster over a graffiti mural of Sohagi Jahan Tonu, a Victoria College student and theatre activist who became a rape and murder victim in a 2016 case. The incident was immediately met with backlash from students, who called on Mehazabien to personally remove the poster and apologise for her actions.

In trying to modernise, however, the creators seem to have lost some of the emotional depth that made the show resonate in the beginning. Rishi and Dimple’s struggles with balancing ambition and love feel predictable and lack the emotional weight needed to truly resonate.

Tama Mirza and Afran Nisho notably collaborated for the first time in the hit “Surongo”. Now, the duo is set to reunite in the upcoming movie “Daagi”.

Currently in production, the first season of “Pagla Hawa” will soon premiere on Gama Flix's YouTube channel, offering audiences a unique lens to explore the cultural shifts and humor within rural Bangladeshi life.

Director Nuhash Humayun shared through a press release, "After committing a sin, some people feel remorse, while others don’t. In ‘Waqt’, I’ve delved into this psychological aspect. Writing and directing the story was a challenging experience for me. The narrative revolves around five main characters, which makes it particularly demanding. Even working with one character can be tough, let alone five. However, thanks to everyone’s support, I believe the project turned out well."

Scheduled for release during Eid-ul-Fitr 2025, “Borbaad” is already generating buzz for its ambitious scale and promises of groundbreaking action sequences. The project is being touted as a potential record-breaker in Bangladeshi cinema, with an unprecedented production budget of Tk 15 crore.

The Suman Mukhopadhyay directorial film “Putulnacher Itikatha” also known as “The Puppet’s Tale” is set to compete at the Big Screen Compilation line-up at the 54th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). 

Superstar Shakib Khan’s highly anticipated film “Borbaad” began shooting on October 20, with much of the production taking place in Mumbai. Throughout the process, strict confidentiality has been maintained to prevent any leaks regarding the film’s scenes or the looks of the cast, heightening the excitement among fans.

As the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences reveals the contenders in 10 key categories, these two heavyweights are leading the charge, with “Emilia Pérez” garnering six mentions and “Wicked” securing four.

Tom Cruise has received the US Navy’s highest civilian honour in recognition of his “exceptional contributions” to the armed forces through his film roles.

"Priyo Maloti", directed by Shankha Dasgupta, is a story deeply rooted in the lives of ordinary people. "It’s our story, the story of our lives. It’s completely original. The audience will get to experience a film with a fresh, authentic narrative," Mehazabien explained. "There is always a demand for good stories, and this film delivers just that."

The film has received a “U” grade censor certificate, deeming it suitable for audiences of all ages. “Priyo Maloti” has already been showcased at the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) and the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), earning official selections and widespread acclaim. Despite its deeply local context, the film’s themes resonate universally, allowing international audiences to connect with its story and characters.