Theatre organisation Ethik has announced that it will confer the Ethik Youth Award 2026 on 17 emerging theatre practitioners from 17 theatre groups across Bangladesh, recognising their contributions to contemporary stage practice.

Following the government’s decision last December to withhold permission for nearly a dozen concerts by foreign artists due to the country’s overall situation, questions naturally arose about the fate of the Dhaka festival.

Several Bangladeshi films slated for release this Eid-ul-Fitr were initially planned to be shot in India. Producers and directors had made preparatory visits to locations in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai, and discussions with artistes and crew members were already underway. However, prolonged delays in obtaining permits, visa complications, and growing unease in recent times regarding cross-border collaboration between Bangladeshi and Indian artistes and technicians have now forced a rethink. As a result, Sri Lanka is emerging as the new shooting destination for Bangladeshi cinema, replacing India.

Official announcements have already been made for three of her upcoming films: Mejbaur Rahman Sumon’s “Roid”, Raihan Rafi’s “Andhar”, and N Rashed Chowdhury’s “Shokhi Rongomala”.

Actor Siam Ahmed is gearing up for another Eid release, following last year’s “Jongli”, with his upcoming film “Rakkhosh”, directed by Mehedi Hasan Hridoy, best known for “Borbaad”.

For over a decade, cinematic universes trained audiences to think in timelines, phases, and post-credit scenes. Films evolved into chapters, chapters evolved into phases, and phases evolved into cultural calendars. Watching a movie stopped being about a single story and started feeling like homework with a very expensive visual budget. In 2026, that structure looks different—driven by audience behaviour, financial realities, creative priorities, and measurable performance data across film and streaming.

“Tartuffe” is a bold and witty critique of religious hypocrisy, deception, and unquestioning belief. The play centres on Orgon, a wealthy man who blindly trusts Tartuffe, a fraudulent holy man.

The 16-day festival, which runs until January 31, will be open to the public and staged across multiple venues in the capital. The announcement came at a press conference held at DrikPath Bhaban.

Veteran South Korean actor Ahn Sung Ki has reportedly died at the age of 74 following a prolonged battle with cancer, according to local media reports. His passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans, colleagues and members of the film industry.

he travel disruption follows a major geopolitical development. On Saturday morning, US President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cila Flores, had been taken into US custody after an overnight military operation.

“One Battle After Another” emerged as the top winner at the Critics Choice Awards today (January 5), taking home the prize for best picture. Its filmmaker, Paul Thomas Anderson, was also honoured with the award for best director.

After more than two decades of silence, Bangladeshi metal band Stentorian has returned with a new single, “Chaya Britto”, marking a significant moment in the band’s long and complex journey.

Recently, she has also garnered significant acclaim for her performances in web films, particularly earning praise for her chemistry with actor Afran Nisho. Audiences warmly received her work in "Daagi" and "Amolnama" last year.

Several actors, including Prabhas and Allu Arjun, have come close with blockbuster releases, while Ranbir Kapoor may still reach the mark with upcoming projects. For now, however, Akshaye Khanna stands as the only non-Khan actor to achieve the milestone within a single calendar year.

Bachchu had been suffering from multiple health complications for some time and was taken abroad for advanced treatment in July this year. After returning to Bangladesh, his condition appeared stable. He was scheduled to undergo a surgical procedure on Sunday evening, but died earlier in the day at 12:30pm at a private hospital in Dhanmondi.

The film has been produced with an eye on the Cannes Film Festival, the director said, adding that the story addresses the discrimination women continue to face in contemporary society.

Beyond his personal practice, Chowdhury’s most enduring contribution came in 1994, when, through sustained personal effort, he established the Narayanganj Institute of Fine Arts. The institution went on to play a pivotal role in decentralising art education and nurturing cultural practice outside Dhaka, shaping generations of young artists in the region.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has directed Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), owned by Shah Rukh Khan, to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad ahead of the upcoming season, citing “recent developments.”

Actor Anil Kapoor has reportedly acquired the rights to his 2001 political drama “Nayak”, fuelling speculation about a possible sequel nearly 25 years after the film’s release.

Addressing his fans in an emotional message, Tausif said, “I may not have become a big star, but my greatest achievement is that songs I sang a decade and a half ago are still listened to with interest and will continue to be. What greater achievement can there be for an artiste? Please do not spread rumours about me without knowing the truth.”