Two Bangladeshi multiplexes, Lion Cinemas in Keraniganj and Madhuban Cineplex in Bogura, have begun screening live FIFA World Cup matches instead of films to attract audiences. The initiative, launched amid a shortage of quality movies and declining viewership, has drawn strong public interest. Lion Cinemas has already shown several matches across its four screens, with most shows reportedly going houseful as fans buy multiple tickets to enjoy the games with friends and family.

Madhuban Cineplex started its large-screen broadcasts with the Argentina–Egypt match on Tuesday. Managing Director Sayekhuzzaman said the decision followed a sharp drop in cinema attendance, with some shows drawing as few as ten viewers and causing financial losses. To counter this, the cineplex priced tickets at 100 and 200 taka. If the current response continues, the management plans to screen the semifinal and final matches as well.

The move reflects a creative attempt by theater owners to sustain operations and reconnect with audiences through live sports entertainment.

Bangladeshi singer Asif Akbar has stirred discussion on social media after posting a political statement on his verified Facebook page on Saturday. In his post, he urged people to stay awake in July and claimed that a 'fallen fascist' has returned through three sectors: media, sports, and culture. The post quickly drew attention online, sparking debate among users who either supported or disagreed with his remarks.

The discussion comes amid renewed public engagement around the 2024 mass uprising, which has been a major topic on social media since the beginning of July. Asif, known for his outspoken views on social and political issues, frequently shares his opinions on national matters. His candid comments often attract widespread attention and mixed reactions.

Beyond his social commentary, Asif Akbar remains active in music, releasing new songs and performing in concerts both at home and abroad. His earlier works, including the hit album “O Priya Tumi Kothay,” continue to enjoy popularity among listeners.

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan is set to marry his partner Gauri Spratt on July 5 in a private ceremony at his residence in Bandra, Mumbai. The event will be a modest family gathering rather than a lavish celebration, with attendance limited to close relatives, friends, and a few well-wishers. The announcement has drawn significant attention from fans following the couple’s recent public acknowledgment of their relationship.

A notable aspect of the wedding is the expected presence of Aamir Khan’s two former wives and their children, reflecting the actor’s continued cordial relationship with his previous families. In a recent video message, Aamir emphasized that spending time with family is more meaningful to him than grand festivities, and he sought blessings and good wishes from his fans for this new chapter.

This will be Aamir Khan’s third marriage, while it is Gauri Spratt’s second. Both bring children from their previous marriages, and all four children are expected to be part of the ceremony, symbolizing a blended family beginning.

Amid widespread speculation about their possible wedding at Madison Square Garden in New York this weekend, American pop star Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce have donated 26 million dollars to various charities. Their representative confirmed the donation to The Guardian, noting that the funds were distributed among 20 organizations connected to meaningful places in their lives, including Nashville, Kansas City, and New York City.

The donation list includes City Harvest, Food Bank for NYC, Harvesters in Kansas, and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, as well as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Feeding America, ASPCA, and Education Through Music. Although the announcement did not mention any wedding, preparations in New York suggest a major event. City officials confirmed a special permit for a pre-event celebration at Madison Square Garden, with the main ceremony expected to run from Friday evening to early Saturday morning.

Reports indicate that the city has issued permits costing up to 66,000 dollars per day for street closures around the venue, further fueling speculation about the couple’s anticipated celebration.

The Turkish mega-series 'Kudus Fatihi Selahaddin Ayyubi', based on the life and struggles of Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi, will now be broadcast in Bangla. The show, depicting the legendary Muslim leader and conqueror of Jerusalem, will air from August 2 through a joint initiative of Nagorik TV and the OTT platform Bongo. Viewers can watch it on Nagorik TV every Sunday to Thursday at 8 p.m. and on Bongo at 9 p.m.

The series centers on the liberation of Jerusalem from Crusader control and portrays the political and military efforts to unite the Muslim world. It highlights Ayyubi’s pursuit of justice and his heroic leadership. The production features large-scale sets, striking cinematography, and dynamic performances that recreate the 12th-century historical setting.

At the launch event, senior officials from Nagorik TV and Bongo, along with journalists from leading media outlets, attended the unveiling of the Bangla trailer and poster. The event concluded with a raffle draw awarding prizes including an air conditioner, television, and smartphone.

DC Comics’ new superhero film ‘Supergirl’, released worldwide on June 26, 2026, has failed to meet expectations at the box office. Despite pre-release anticipation, the film received largely negative reviews from critics, who praised lead actress Milly Alcock but criticized the screenplay and direction. Outlets including Variety identified these as the film’s weakest aspects.

The criticism has affected its commercial performance. In its first three days, ‘Supergirl’ earned 66 million US dollars globally, including 38 million from North America. With a production cost of about 170 million dollars, producers and distributors are reportedly concerned about recovering expenses. The film’s performance contrasts sharply with last year’s DC release ‘Superman’, which grossed 618 million dollars worldwide.

Meanwhile, Disney and Pixar’s animated film ‘Toy Story 5’ has maintained strong momentum at the international box office. In its second weekend, it earned 89.1 million dollars, bringing its 12-day global total to 585 million. Analysts suggest it may soon surpass ‘Toy Story 4’s 1.07 billion-dollar record to become the franchise’s highest-grossing film.

Ekushey Padak-winning artist, painter, and cultural icon Mustafa Monwar passed away on June 29, 2026, while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka. He was 91. Monwar, a former Director General of the National Institute of Mass Communication, was a leading figure in Bangladesh’s art, culture, and media sectors. He was the son of poet Golam Mostafa and had been active in the arts since childhood, contributing significantly to the development of post-independence cultural media.

He was one of the architects of the red sun at the Central Shaheed Minar and a pioneer of puppetry in Bangladesh. Monwar created the beloved children’s character “Parul” and produced acclaimed television programs such as “Natun Kuri” and “Moner Kotha,” which inspired generations of young viewers. Following his death, social media users shared old clips of his shows, recalling childhood memories and expressing condolences.

Monwar also collaborated with UNICEF’s child-focused “Meena” initiative and organized puppet shows for refugee children during the Liberation War. His creative legacy and humanitarian vision remain deeply respected in Bangladesh’s cultural and media landscape.

Bangladeshi director Mejbaur Rahman Sumon’s film 'Roid' has been selected for official review by the United States’ National Public Radio (NPR), marking the first time a Bangladeshi movie has achieved this recognition. The film’s North American distributor, Bioscope Films, confirmed that NPR, which operates across 1,000 stations nationwide, chose 'Roid' for its review segment after evaluating its content and background. The movie has already been released in multiple theaters across the United States and Canada as Bioscope Films’ 55th distribution.

According to the report, international broadcast exposure is considered crucial for films seeking nominations at major global events such as the Oscars and BAFTAs. Bioscope Films annually attempts to position one of its distributed films for Oscar consideration, following all required steps. The company’s head, Raj Hamid, described the NPR selection as a major success for Bangladeshi cinema, while director Sumon expressed joy that his work would be discussed on a national American platform.

'Roid' stars Mostafizur Noor Imran and Nazifa Tushi in lead roles, with veteran actor Gazi Rakayet in a key supporting role. The film was produced by Bongo and Facecard.

Bangladeshi model, actress, and lawyer Peya Jannatul shared an emotional post on June 23 marking the first death anniversary of her father. In her social media message, she reflected on the brevity of life and expressed sorrow over two additional deaths that deeply affected her on the same day.

Peya mourned the sudden passing of Priya, a young entrepreneur and founder of the fashion brand Pakhi, who died at the age of 32. She recalled their recent conversation about Priya’s dreams and vision for Bangladesh. Peya also expressed grief over the death of choreographer Zakir Hossain, who had worked with her on a film and passed away at 50.

In her post, Peya emphasized that death is everyone’s final destination and urged people to live with kindness and humanity. She concluded by asking for prayers for her late father’s peace and eternal reward.

Popular actor Ziaul Faruq Apurba is returning to OTT nearly two years after his last release, 'Golam Mamun'. He stars as investigative journalist Zahid in the upcoming web series 'Headline', directed by Saleh Sobhan Anim. The series will premiere on the streaming platform Hoichoi on June 25, with its trailer already generating excitement for its intense portrayal of journalism and truth-seeking.

According to the source, the story explores the struggles of uncovering truth while balancing family ties, personal conflicts, and moral dilemmas. Apurba expressed enthusiasm for portraying a layered character that evolves through emotional and realistic challenges. He said the story’s pace, mystery, and contemporary relevance made the project irresistible, promising viewers both entertainment and reflection.

The series also marks the OTT return of Lux star Afsan Ara Bindu after three years. Featuring a star-studded cast including Yash Rohan, Sarika Sabrin, and others, 'Headline' is expected to spark new excitement among OTT audiences with its blend of journalism and crime drama.

Popular Bangladeshi singer Asif Akbar has called for recognizing entertainment as the country's sixth basic need, citing a severe shortage of recreational opportunities. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, he emphasized that entertainment is vital for mental development, especially for children, and that its absence fosters violence, jealousy, and frustration. He argued that sports and cultural activities are the most effective ways to nurture creativity and emotional well-being.

Asif also highlighted the cultural vision of late President Ziaur Rahman, recalling his meetings with musicians in 1979–80 that helped shape the country's band music scene. He noted that Zia had removed import duties on Western instruments, which contributed to the 1990s band music boom. Asif praised the current government for fully withdrawing a previously imposed 5% duty in the 2026–27 budget, saying it would strengthen the foundation of Bangladeshi music amid the rise of AI-generated music.

He further urged the government to launch a nationwide cultural revolution, stressing that entertainment is a fundamental right for children and essential for building a healthy, prosperous nation.

Bangladeshi actor Mosharraf Karim reportedly faced an unpleasant situation in Kolkata while visiting with his wife, actress Robena Reza Jui. The incident gained attention on social media on Tuesday morning and was later covered by news outlets. Reports claimed that some individuals allegedly linked to the Awami League attempted to harass the actor outside his hotel on Sunday night, shouting abusive words before he quickly left the area.

However, Mosharraf Karim later told a media outlet that the situation was exaggerated online and that nothing significant had occurred. He urged people not to believe rumors spread on social media, saying the incident did not contain enough substance to be considered newsworthy. The general secretary of the Actors’ Association, Rashed Mamun Apu, said he had no information about the matter.

According to the report, Mosharraf Karim and his wife are currently in Kolkata for personal leisure, not for professional work, and are expected to return to Dhaka within a few days.

The political satire film 'The University of Chankharpul' was released last Friday and received an enthusiastic response from audiences on its opening day. Screenings at Star Cineplex in Bashundhara City and Lion Cinemas in Keraniganj saw notable attendance from university students as well as viewers from diverse backgrounds. After the afternoon show, the director, executive producer, and cast interacted directly with the audience, who praised the film’s bold political message, cinematic style, and portrayal of contemporary realities.

Viewers highlighted how the film captured campus life, hall culture, power politics, and the fading dreams of youth through humor and satire, while realistically exposing the darker sides of political leadership. Directed by Akash Haque and produced by Md. Hafizuddin Munna, the film is inspired by Rono Anwar’s short story 'Jhora Patar Dukh Bilash'. It has already won the FIPRESCI Award at the Dhaka International Film Festival and the Hiralal Sen Medal and Best Screenplay Award at the Amar Bhashar Film Festival.

The filmmakers plan to organize special screenings at around 50 universities with support from film clubs to make the film accessible to students at low cost.

Celebrated filmmaker Steven Spielberg’s latest movie, 'Disclosure Day', is set for a global release on June 12, including screenings at Star Cineplex in Bangladesh. The film marks Spielberg’s return to the genre that blends mystery, technology, and the unknown, themes that have defined some of his most acclaimed works.

While the full plot remains undisclosed, the story reportedly revolves around extraterrestrial beings, their arrival on Earth, and a massive government conspiracy to conceal the truth. The cast includes Emily Blunt as a weather reporter who experiences mysterious contact with aliens, Josh O’Connor as a man holding proof of interworld communication, and Colin Firth as a powerful official determined to keep the secret hidden. The screenplay is written by David Koepp, who previously collaborated with Spielberg on 'Jurassic Park'.

Spielberg’s recent projects, such as 'The Fabelmans' and 'West Side Story', explored personal and musical narratives, but 'Disclosure Day' signals his return to large-scale science fiction storytelling.

Bangladeshi film actor and road safety activist Ilias Kanchan is currently receiving the second phase of chemotherapy treatment in London for a brain tumor. According to Liton Ershad, vice chairman of the ‘Nirapad Sarak Chai’ movement, Kanchan’s physical condition remains unstable, showing periods of slight improvement and deterioration. The ongoing treatment phase is expected to continue until July.

Liton stated that no final decision has been made about bringing Kanchan back to Bangladesh before his treatment is completed. Depending on medical advice, he may return temporarily in August after the second phase ends. Liton also mentioned that the actor’s prolonged illness has affected his mental state, leaving him somewhat weak and forgetful, though he continues to communicate normally.

Kanchan, who has been staying at his daughter’s residence in London since April last year, has requested prayers from the public and urged continued support for the ‘Nirapad Sarak Chai’ movement, which he founded after losing his wife in a 1993 road accident.