In cinema, Love is often depicted as a grand, sweeping force that transforms lives and provides the pinnacle of human experience. However, Richard Linklater's “Before” trilogy, particularly the first installment, “Before Sunrise”, challenges these conventional notions of romance and love. Released over a quarter of a century ago, the film takes a unique approach in steering away from cinematic tropes and embracing a more authentic portrayal of love.

Palestinian art took on a more secular style from the late 19th century with issues related to “identity, memory, location, and resistance.” Artworks depicting Palestinian life also included a repertoire of “politically potent icons like the cactus and metaphors such as Palestine as the motherland.” The territory’s vibrant arts community was a testament to Palestinian resilience, but now it is losing voices central to its spirit.

Anjan Dutt, the assistant of the renowned filmmaker Mrinal Sen, aspired to one day portray the esteemed director on screen. Mrinal also gave his consent. Dutt insisted on showcasing Mrinal's perspective from a close vantage point. However, the two failed to collaborate in the manner that they wanted. Dutt later expressed regret over this missed opportunity.

In a major casting announcement, Paul Mescal has been confirmed to portray the legendary playwright William Shakespeare in Chloé Zhao's upcoming film, "Hamnet", based on Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 novel of the same name.

Afsana Mimi and Tanvir Hossain's joint venture, "Lal Batir Nil Porira", clinched the top spot at the West Meet East Screenplay Lab, which is part of this year’s Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF).

Dev Patel, the Oscar-nominated actor, ventures into his directorial debut with the action-packed revenge narrative titled "Monkey Man". Universal Pictures is set to theatrically release the film on April 5. Jordan Peele produced the movie under his Monkeypaw Productions banner, with the film unveiling its first trailer on Friday morning.

Justin Timberlake is set to make his highly anticipated return to the music industry with the release of his new album this year. Marking the arrival of his first major solo musical project since 2018, the "Selfish" music video debuted on January 25. This video single acts as a special prelude to the upcoming launch of his album "Everything I Thought It Was" in March.

Although he began his acting career on the theatre stage, Fazlur Rahman Babu gradually became a regular face in TV dramas before making a name for himself in cinema.

The Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) commenced on Saturday, aiming to showcase 252 films from 74 countries throughout the duration of the event.

Bengali folk artiste Ratan Kahar – renowned as the creator of the song "Genda Phool", which gained popularity after Indian musician Badshah's rendition in 2020, is slated to receive the esteemed Padma Shri Award. In expressing his appreciation, Kahar underscored the Indian government's acknowledgment of his contributions to the field of folk music. At the age of 88, he sees this recognition as a source of pride and plans to attend the award ceremony.

The channel is introducing five new cartoon series dubbed in Bangla, adding to its already impressive lineup. Notably, “Sisimpur” season 16 is making a return, bringing joy to its dedicated fan base.

Truly a ‘jack of all trades’, Rafiath Rashid Mithila is a generational talent. Very active now in Tollywood, Kolkata’s film industry, she reached new heights with last year’s “Myself Allen Swapan”. The actor, development worker, singer, writer and PhD student drops by The Daily Star for a candid shoot and a chat.

Tripods, cameras, and an empty sofa awaited in anticipation at the Samson H Lounge at Dhaka Club for the arrival of an icon who has time and again broken conventional norms, working in iconic movies to leave an everlasting imprint in audiences' hearts. The room, once bustling with activity, hushed into silence as the legendary actress made her entrance.

Based on Mohammad Nazim Uddin's story, the series contains a stellar cast including Siam Ahmed, Safa Kabir, Manoj Pramanik, Abdullah Al Sentu and A K Azad Set, amongst others.

Global superstar Jennifer Lopez is set to produce a new film featuring the beloved children's character, Bob the Builder. The iconic handyman, who first graced CBBC screens 25 years ago, will undergo a cinematic transformation in this upcoming project.

The singer has well-rounded training with different musical instruments and wants to start as a break-out star in 2024.

Actors Equity Bangladesh’s President Ahsan Habib Nasim, General Secretary MM Kamrul Hasan Rawnak, Organising Secretary Saju Khadem, and Law and Welfare Secretary Urmila Srabonti Kar have donated Tk 2.5 lakh each.

Under the direction of Shawkat Hossain Sajib, the school will stage the play on Monday, January 29, at 7:00pm at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy's National Theatre Hall. Prachyanat, which is renowned for its socially and politically aware grand theatrical presentations, is going to stage the epic play as part of its biannual school productions.

In a chilling teaser dropped by the makers on Thursday, R Madhavan's haunting voice invites audiences into a sinister game of sorcery, entangling the characters portrayed by Ajay Devgn and Jyotika in Vikas Bahl's upcoming supernatural drama film, "Shaitaan”.

In a heartfelt tribute to the late actor Irrfan Khan, the Mahalaxmi-based experimental arts performance space, G5A, is set to present "Irrfan (1967 – 2020): A Retrospective". The event, organised by G5A Cinema House and filmmaker Nikkhil Advani, aims to celebrate Irrfan Khan's enduring contribution to cinema through iconic roles in films like Maqbool, Yogi, Rana, Ashoke, and Saajan.