United News of Bangladesh

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary on April 20 with daughter Aaradhya, putting an end to ongoing rumours about their marriage. Dressed in coordinated white outfits, the couple posed for a photo with Aaradhya, which Aishwarya shared on Instagram with a white heart emoji. Abhishek added a splash of colour with red glasses. Their public appearance was warmly received by fans. One commented, “Finally sab thik ho gya…nothing is more important than family.” Another wrote, “So happy to see you guys together in a frame after so long.” Speculation about their relationship had intensified after they were seen separately at Anant Ambani’s wedding. Kesari Chapter 2 Review: Akshay Kumar Fronts a Bold Patriotic Courtroom Saga However, they were later spotted together at the event and at other family functions, including Aaradhya’s birthday and her school’s annual day, reports the Indian Express Most recently, the couple attended a family wedding in Pune, where they danced to their hit song “Kajra Re.” On the professional front, Aishwarya was last seen in Ponniyin Selvan: II, while Abhishek appeared in Be Happy and is set to star in Housefull 5.

Popular wrestling superstar and Hollywood actor John Cena made history at WWE WrestleMania 41, winning his 17th world title and surpassing wrestling's living legend Ric Flair’s legendary 16-title record at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, United States on Sunday night. The dramatic main event saw Cena face Cody Rhodes, with the match turning chaotic when internationally popular rapper Travis Scott interfered, allowing Cena to capitalize on the distraction and secure a controversial win using a 'low blow' and the title belt. The two-night extravaganza, broadcast live on Netflix, attracted 124,693 fans across both nights at the Allegiant Stadium while also enamored wrestling fans across the world, including Bangladesh. In other key moments, popular YouTuber-turned-wrestler Logan Paul shocked the world by defeating one of the most popular wrestlers in the world AJ Styles; Irish superstar Becky Lynch returned from a year-long hiatus to team up with her fellow Irish wrestler Lyra Valkyria and capture the WWE Women's Tag Team Titles, and Dominik Mysterio emerged as the new Intercontinental Champion after defeating Bron Breakker, Finn Balor, and Penta in a fatal-four-way match. ‘A Minecraft Movie’ gives Hollywood major box office boost TNA World Champion Joe Hendry made a surprise appearance, replacing the injured Kevin Owens in his scheduled match against Randy Orton due to Owens’ neck injury. Scottish superstar Drew McIntyre triumphed over Damien Priest in a ‘Sin City Street Fight,’ while the women’s triple threat match saw Iyo Sky retain her Raw Women’s World Championship against Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley. Night one of WrestleMania 41 on Saturday was highlighted by Seth Rollins defeating CM Punk and Roman Reigns in a triple threat match, aided by a shocking betrayal from Paul Heyman, who sided with Rollins. Other winners included the 2025 Royal Rumble winner Jey Uso claiming the World Heavyweight Championship by submitting Gunther, and Tiffany Stratton, who successfully defended her SmackDown Women’s Championship against 2025 Women's Royal Rumble winner Charlotte Flair. In a major announcement before the event, WWE confirmed the acquisition of Mexican wrestling promotion Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide. WWE Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque, popularly known in the wrestling world as Triple H, revealed the move, marking a new chapter in WWE’s international growth. WrestleMania, the flagship event of WWE since its inception in 1985, remains the most iconic and anticipated occasion in professional wrestling, drawing global attention for its high-profile matches and unforgettable moments.

A three-day exhibition and 'Baishakhi Festival' titled 'Crafting The Many Threads of Cultural Textiles' by renowned designer Maheen Khan concluded on Sunday at EDGE Gallery in the capital’s Gulshan area. The event featured nearly a hundred handcrafted pieces designed by Khan, including sarees, Nakshi Kantha, Islamic motifs, Rajshahi silk, and modern embroidery—garnering widespread acclaim from fashion enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs alike.  

Brand names, not filmmakers or stars, are said to rule the box office these days. But Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” led by twin Michael B. Jordans, proved a bloody exception to modern movie rules, launching with $45.6 million in ticket sales in U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday. “Sinners,” a Warner Bros. release that cost about $90 million to produce, was a bold gamble on originality — albeit with genre elements — and one of the most bankable American directors in Coogler. The “Creed” and “Black Panther” director wrote and produced “Sinners,” a 1932-set vampire movie about bootlegging brothers (both played by Jordan) who open a juke joint in their Mississippi hometown. “A Minecraft Movie,” the year’s biggest Hollywood hit, followed close behind in second, collecting $41.3 million in its third week of release. That gave Warner Bros., after a handful of disappointments, an enviable one-two punch at the box office with one original, director-driven movie and one IP-based property. “A Minecraft Movie,” which Warner Bros. co-produced with Legendary Pictures, has amassed $720.8 million worldwide in three weeks of release. Pam Abdy and Mike De Luca, co-chairs of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, celebrated the two films’ resonance with moviegoers. The studio accounted for a remarkable 64% of the domestic box office for the Easter weekend. “Movies have the power to transport us to worlds only seen on the big screen, and Warner Bros. Pictures remains committed to bringing singular in-theater experiences to audiences looking for bold movies, both original and those based on beloved existing properties,” Abdy and De Luca said in a statement Sunday. But all eyes were on the performance on “Sinners,” which Warner Bros. went to extreme lengths to secure. Abdy and De Luca agreed to give Coogler not just a cut of gross ticket sales but ownership of the film after 25 years — a virtually unheard of concession. But Coogler and Jordan, whose collaborations stretch back to “Fruitvale Station,” make up one of the industry’s most potent director-actor duos. Reviews (98% “fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes) were stellar for “Sinners” and audiences, too, were enthralled by its supernatural twists. The film earned an “A” CinemaScore from moviegoers. Ibrahim Al Hajjaj to star in sequel to Saudi IMAX comedy 'Ambulance' Overseas, “Sinners” faced a more uphill battle. It collected $15.4 million in 71 international markets. Domestically, “Sinners” attracted a diverse audience: 38% Black, 35% white, 18% Hispanic and 5% Asian. Before “Sinners,” dual roles had been rough business for Warner Bros. The studio saw flops in both “The Alto Knights” (a period gangster film featuring a doubled Robert De Niro) and “Mickey 17” (a sci-fi movie with two Robert Pattinsons). But the strong opening for “Sinners,” which should be sustained in the coming weeks given the strong word of mouth, cements Coogler’s place as one of a handful of filmmakers whose name draws big audiences. Another would be Jordan Peele, whose “Nope” (2022) debuted similarly with $44.3 million. Angel Studios’ “The King of Kings,” an animated tale of Jesus’ life aimed at Christian audiences, capitalized on the Easter weekend, grossing $17.2 million in its second week of release. That was nearly equal to its opening weekend ($19.1 million), and brought “The King of Kings” to a domestic total of $45.3 million. Bleecker Street’s “The Wedding Banquet,” Andrew Ahn’s reimagining of Ang Lee’s 1993 queer comedy of errors, opened on 1,142 North American screens with $922,906 in ticket sales. “The Wedding Banquet,” a hit at the Sundance Film Festival, stars Lily Gladstone, Bowen Yang, Kelly Marie Tran and newcomer Han Gi-chan.

Breaking away from the war-soaked legacy of its predecessor, Kesari Chapter 2 carves its path through the high-stakes world of courtroom drama. Released on April 18, 2025, this Akshay Kumar-led film places its strength in sharp dialogues, layered emotions, and legal confrontations. Let’s evaluate the filmmaking finesse, star appeal, and box office trajectory of the Bollywood historical drama Kesari Chapter 2. Narrative Depth of Kesari Chapter 2 Subtitled ‘The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh,’ this chapter revisits one of colonial India’s darkest hours, seldom explored on screen. Inspired by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat’s The Case That Shook The Empire, the film leans into its charting of familiar territory with dignity rather than daring. Anchored by the tireless resolve of C. Sankaran Nair, it delves deep into his courtroom quest for justice following the brutal Jallianwala Bagh massacre. As legal proceedings unmask imperial deceit and media manipulation, Nair’s defiance ignites both a legal and emotional uprising. Read more: Top Pakistani Dramas in 2025 Showcasing Strong Female Leads Filmmaking: Direction and Screenplay in Harmony When storytelling meets sincerity, it leaves a lasting imprint, and this film does just that under the assured vision of Karan Singh Tyagi. His approach isn’t weighed down by the need to sensationalise history but rather to let the gravity of its truth speak for itself. Each frame feels like it was carved with both reverence and restraint. It offers a cinematic experience that balances commercial storytelling with historical depth. Even the few dramatised moments stay rooted in emotional honesty, never tipping into artificiality. What’s especially refreshing is its resistance to the typical post-interval slump; the pacing remains taut and engaging throughout. The dialogues, shaped meticulously by Sumit Saxena, feel less like scripted lines, deliberate truths waiting to strike. Credit also flows to Tyagi and Amritpal Singh Bindra’s subtle strength in co-shaping the screenplay. With this creative collaboration, the drama avoids overblown patriotism, opting instead for quiet, piercing dignity. Read more: May 2025 Bollywood Releases: 10 Most Hyped Hindi Films To Watch Star Cast Led by Akshay Kumar Akshay delivers a performance that transcends his usual action-packed persona. Stepping into the shoes of C. Sankaran Nair, he masterfully portrays the transformation of a British loyalist into a passionate truth-seeker. His ability to channel the inner conflict of a man torn between loyalty and morality introduces a unique depth to his character. Every monologue, carefully crafted and executed, is a moment of defiance and a raw human reaction to the forces of manipulation. In contrast, R. Madhavan, as Neville McKinley, serves as the perfect foil to Akshay’s stoic intensity. His portrayal of an eloquent, somewhat eccentric opposing counsel presents a refined complexity to their courtroom clashes. These verbal duels are poised as ideological battlegrounds, where each word carries the weight of colonial repression and personal belief. Ananya Panday shines as Dilreet Kaur, a co-counsel whose quiet determination adds gravitas to her role. She navigates her character’s legal prowess and personal pain with remarkable maturity. Meanwhile, Regina Cassandra’s portrayal of Nair’s wife, Palat Kunhimalu Amma, anchors much-needed support to Nair's tumultuous journey. Read more: May 2025 Amazon Prime Video Originals Streaming Lineup: Movies, Series, Shows Finally, Simon Paisley Day brings a chilling presence as General Dyer, whose backstory adds a layer of tragic complexity to his villainous role. His portrayal sheds light on the dark psychology driving colonial violence. Visual Brilliance and Score: Production Set, Cinematography, and Music The production design by Rita Ghosh flawlessly brings the pre-Independence era to life. It extends from the bustling streets of Amritsar to the bloodied grounds of Jallianwala Bagh. The colonial courts, the grandeur of the Viceroy’s parties feels genuine yet not overly staged. Every single detail is meticulously crafted to evoke the period’s oppressive atmosphere.  Debojeet Ray’s cinematography, paired with Tyagi's direction, adds a visual depth that enhances the emotional weight of the story. The music elevates the experience further with Shashwat Sachdev’s stirring compositions, like ‘O Shera’ and ‘Kithe Gaya.’ Azeem Dayani’s background score underscores the tension and drama. A poignant moment arrives with the nostalgic revisit of ‘Teri Mitti,’ an emotional callback to the first film, binding the narrative together beautifully. Read more: Sunny Deol's Jaat Movie Review: Is It Worth Watching Box Office Strength and Audience Verdict Bankrolled by the collaborative strength of Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films, the film’s box office journey began with steady momentum. Its opening day pulled in Rs 7.75 crore, which is around BDT 11.02 crore (Rs. 1 = BDT 1.42); a respectable start. The second day witnessed a healthy uplift, recording Rs 9.5 crore (BDT 13.51 crore), 22.58 percent growth from day 1. As of midday on April 20, the third-day earnings stood at Rs. 0.6 crore (BDT 0.8 crore), pushing the total to Rs. 17.85 crore (BDT 25.38 crore). Despite stiff competition from Sunny Deol’s roaring comeback in Jaat, the movie’s hold remains promising. Audience reception shines brightly too, with an IMDB rating of 8.6- a testament to its impact beyond mere numbers. Verdict Kesari Chapter 2 Movie Review reflects a gripping courtroom journey wrapped in patriotic depth and emotional weight. Akshay Kumar’s compelling portrayal of C. Sankaran Nair marks one of his most restrained yet stirring performances. The historical drama arrived with an impressive box office turnout, holding audience attention despite its creatively mixed echoes. A fine blend of storytelling and purpose, Karan Singh’s direction emerges as a dignified sequel worth watching. Read more: 10 Best Films, Documentaries on Palestine That Everyone Should Watch

Ibrahim Ali Khan recently made his acting debut with Nadaaniyan, sharing the screen with Khushi Kapoor. Despite the buzz surrounding the film, it failed to meet expectations and received a lukewarm response upon release. Both Ibrahim and Khushi were heavily criticized on social media for their performances. Nevertheless, Ibrahim’s family — including Soha Ali Khan and Sharmila Tagore — have shown unwavering support, recognizing that he is just starting out in his career. In a recent interview with Filmfare, Ibrahim opened up about his bond with his mother, Amrita Singh. Reflecting on her influence, he said, “She pampers me, praises me, and keeps me grounded. She does it all.” Earlier, while promoting her comeback Bengali film Puratawn, veteran actress Sharmila Tagore shared her thoughts on Nadaaniyan and Ibrahim’s performance. She candidly remarked, “The film wasn’t great, but Ibrahim looked very handsome and gave it his best. These things shouldn’t always be said publicly, but to be honest, the movie wasn’t strong. In the end, it's the quality of the film that matters.” Ibrahim Ali Khan responds to Palak Tiwari dating rumours: "She's Sweet" Responding to her comments, Ibrahim acknowledged her perspective and added, “She’s seen it all. Like we were discussing, things are tougher now than before. I’m sure my dad also had challenges being her son, considering my grandmother was a huge star. He must’ve felt that pressure. I think she saw him struggle in his early films too.” He continued, “So she understands what it’s like. She’s been through it. And what have I even accomplished yet? Sure, I’ve done one film, but what does that really mean? The fact that she believes in me — that’s what matters most.” As of now, the spotlight is on Ibrahim’s next move in the film industry. Source: With input from NDTV

Pakistani dramas led by dynamic, resilient women are shaping the television landscape like never before. Blending drama, romance, and light-hearted humour, this content wave continues to capture audiences with its emotional depth. Streaming freely on YouTube, these gripping narratives have turned casual viewers into devoted followers. Let’s explore the standout Pakistani dramas led by strong women, capturing both hearts and headlines alike. Must-Watch Pakistani Dramas Led By Powerful Women Characters . Aas Paas At the core of this romantic series is Arshia, whose world is built on hope and resilience. She dreams of piecing together the fragments of her broken family after her father walks away. In the midst of her struggle, fate introduces her to Dr. Saham, a man balancing personal sacrifices with professional dedication. Their lives intertwine, testing both their loyalty to loved ones and their capacity for personal joy. Behind her composed strength, Arshia quietly fights an uphill battle against a world quick to judge a daughter’s hope. Her journey is about both family and carving space for herself in a world fractured by betrayal. Read more: May 2025 Bollywood Releases: 10 Most Hyped Hindi Films To Watch Helmed by Mohammad Iftikhar Iffi and written by Samra Bukhari, this drama headlines Laiba Khan and Ali Ansari as the central characters. Since its debut on March 2, 2025, HarPalGeo TV’s YouTube platform has aired the binge-worthy series every day. Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdZNFVCDo_1fl-kRzohA6tAAXHCk8P4Df Judwaa Two faces, one bond, and a future shaped by difference- this narrative threads through the lives of twin sisters portrayed by Aina Asif. While one radiates quiet grace and caution, the other thrives on defiance and bold choices. Destiny, however, writes its own script, steering them through life-altering surprises. Read more: May 2025 Amazon Prime Video Originals Streaming Lineup: Movies, Series, Shows The gentle sister silently wrestles with the weight of being overlooked in favor of her outspoken twin. Meanwhile, the fearless one bears the scars of her impulsive decisions. Their individual struggles shape a story where survival is as much about the heart as it is about fate. Penned by Orooj Binte Arsalan and Fizza Jafri, this series flourishes with Furqan Adam as its director. Adnan Raza Mir, Sabreen Hisbani, Zhalay Surhadi, and Shahood Alvi assume supporting roles. Marking its start on February 6, 2025, the marathon-worthy show continues to be aired every day on Hum TV’s YouTube. Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbVdwtmx18suuF0meUSymnXvbc6yCtoQd Read more: Sunny Deol's Jaat Movie Review: Is It Worth Watching Dastak Crafted under the direction of Marina Khan, this drama series boasts Sarwat Nazir as its writer. In this emotionally layered tale, Sohai Ali steps into the shoes of a woman left to rebuild her life post-divorce. She is determined to shield her son’s future from the shadows of her past. With society's judgement pressing in, her path to independence becomes her quiet rebellion. She stands at the crossroads of survival and dignity, refusing to let the world define her by loss. Every step forward is a hard-won reminder that identity is not inherited or gifted; it is earned through courage. Feroz Kadri, Ali Raza, and Momina Iqbal round out the lead cast. Read more: 10 Best Films, Documentaries on Palestine That Everyone Should Watch Launched on January 24, 2025, “Dastak” finds its audience every Friday and Saturday on the ARY Digital YouTube Network. Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb2aaNHUy_gGJruANTdvOM5HBVpvmXySY Dayan Shattered by a cruel twist of fate, Nihaal’s once-simple life collapses overnight. The tragedy leaves her altered—no longer the same girl, but a woman shaped by resolve, fuelled by a hunger for justice. Beneath her quiet strength lies a heart scarred by betrayal yet unwilling to surrender. Her journey is about both healing alone and confronting the very people who reduced her world to ruins. Read more: Top 10 Netflix English Originals Releasing in May 2025 With this plot, “Dayan”, scripted by Amber Azhar and Fatima Faizan, excels with Siraj ul Haq as its director. Mehwish Hayat embodies the protagonist role, while Ahsan Khan and Hira Mani play the other pivotal roles. The HarPalGeo YouTube network reserved Monday and Tuesday slots for the saga after its debut on February 24, 2025. Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdZNFVCDo_1egEMTIHT4pl8uPq2Wyef_P Read more: April 2025 K-Drama Lineup: Top 10 Binge-worthy Premieres Umme Ayesha (Season 2) Directed by Saleem Ghanchi, the drama highlights the creative writing of Huma Hina Nafees. In the series, a life steered by devotion and unshakeable belief, Umme Ayesha walks a path where faith lights every choice she makes. Her world, disciplined and peaceful, collides with Azmeer, a spirited soul unbound by tradition, living life by modern codes. One careless act on his part tears through her serene existence, forcing her to battle both circumstance and inner doubt. Behind her composed demeanour, Ayesha’s strength is stretched thin as the world tests the depth of her convictions. Holding firm to her values becomes both her greatest shield and her heaviest burden. Taking centre stage, Kanwal Khan stars as the titular character, with Farhan Ahmed Malhi playing Azmeer. Read more: Pakistani Dramas Taking Over 2025: 10 Top Picks for Your Watchlist Fresh episodes have found their way to YouTube via Hum TV since its kick-off on March 2, 2025. Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdZNFVCDo_1fbyTV0rfKFS7GOuoJmRKxb

Saudi actor and comedian Ibrahim Al Hajjaj is set to reprise his role in a sequel to the comedy film Esaaf (Ambulance), the first Arabic-language feature to be released in IMAX format. The follow-up will again be helmed by British director Colin Teague, known for his work on Doctor Who and Torchwood, according to Variety. Ambulance debuted on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone as IMAX’s inaugural Arabic release. The screwball comedy centres on two quarrelling Saudi paramedics who discover a briefcase containing SAR 2 million (approximately $533,300), inadvertently drawing them into a dangerous kidnapping and ransom scheme. The film follows Al Hajjaj’s box office hit Sattar (2023), a wrestling-themed comedy that grossed over $30 million, largely within Saudi Arabia. Sattar remains the highest-grossing Saudi film since the country lifted a 35-year ban on commercial cinemas in 2017. 'Star Wars' fans wave lightsabers as an upcoming film gets announced in Japan Penned by Alberto Lopez (Rupture), Ambulance is co-produced by Al Hajjaj’s House of Comedy, Talal Anazi’s Black Light Operations, and Peter Smith, former head of MBC Studios, in collaboration with Saudi Media Company. The film premiered to a full house at Muvi Cinemas’ IMAX screen in U Walk, Riyadh on April 15, attended by media, celebrities, and industry professionals. It is set to compete at the upcoming Saudi Film Festival—the Kingdom’s longest-running film event—and will soon roll out across the Gulf and Middle East.

  Akshay Kumar's latest film, Kesari Chapter 2, had a quiet start at the box office, bringing in ₹7.5 crore on its first day, as reported by Sacnilk. The movie, which also features R Madhavan and Ananya Panday, is a historical courtroom drama centered around the life of renowned lawyer C. Sankaran Nair. Despite being made on an estimated budget of ₹150 crore, the film saw limited footfall on Friday, with overall theatre occupancy averaging 20%. Attendance picked up slightly throughout the day—from 12.67% in the morning to 27.80% for the night shows. 'Star Wars' fans wave lightsabers as an upcoming film gets announced in Japan Kesari Chapter 2 delves into the events surrounding the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, a tragic episode in India’s colonial history that took place on April 13, 1919, during Baisakhi in Amritsar. Thousands had assembled at Jallianwala Bagh to peacefully protest the Rowlatt Act and demand the release of leaders Dr. Satyapal and Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew. The peaceful gathering turned deadly when Brigadier General Reginald Dyer ordered his troops to open fire without warning. According to the Ministry of Culture, 1,650 bullets were discharged until the ammunition was depleted. British reports claimed 291 deaths, while Indian accounts estimate the death toll exceeded 500. This film serves as a spiritual sequel to the 2019 release Kesari, which portrayed the Battle of Saragarhi where 21 Sikh soldiers of the British Indian Army stood against 10,000 Pashtun fighters. The original film featured Parineeti Chopra in a pivotal role. Source: NDTV  

The Force was with many Japanese, as well as visitors from abroad, at a “Star Wars” event on Friday where Lucasfilm announced that the next installation in the franchise will hit theaters in May 2027 starring Ryan Gosling. Appearing on stage before a lightsaber-waving crowd at Makuhari Messe center outside Tokyo, Gosling showed a photo of his childhood bedsheets, plastered with illustrations from the space epic created by George Lucas, AP reports. “I guess I was dreaming about ‘Star Wars’ even before I saw the film,” Gosling said. Shawn Levy, who will direct the movie, told the crowd that “Star Wars: Starfighter” will not be a prequel or a sequel, but a new standalone adventure with new characters set several years after “Episode Nine.” Filming starts later this year, he said. Levy, who also directed the 2006 film “The Pink Panther” and the recent Netflix series “Stranger Things,” said little else, noting: “I can’t say much about it because I understand the rules.” Only the title was shown on a giant screen, although that was enough for the crowd to burst into cheers. The event, called Star Wars Celebration, which runs through Sunday, is full of "Star Wars"-themed merchandise including T-shirts, toys, books, manga comics, AC chargers, cellphone covers, autographs, posters and more. Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt role may face dramatic end The Lego booth featured a man wearing the ominous black mask and cloak of Darth Vader, made out of Legos. The deep-breathing villain also appeared as traditional Japanese lacquerware decorating earphones in a limited edition of 10, each selling for 990,000 yen ($7,000). Darth Vader T-shirts were more affordable at 8,000 yen ($56). “It makes me so happy to think everyone here loves ‘Star Wars,’” said Yoshiki Takahashi, 26, who was holding a remote-controlled R2-D2 miniature robot. “I love the directing, the sound of the gun and the lightsaber, but above all the story, with great fight scenes and, of course, human drama,” he added. Another Japanese man, who said he goes only by Hiro, was dressed as the “Star Wars” character Mandalorian, in a detailed costume he made himself, complete with a plastic sword and armor. Also present were “Star Wars” fans from around the world, including a robed Raul Herrera, a computer science teacher from Chile, who was there with friends. “All of them,” said Herrera, when asked which ‘Star Wars’ films he’d seen. “The sense of commitment of the characters, I really like it.” With offshoot stories spanning generations and literally the cosmos, “Star Wars” is one of the highest-grossing franchises of all time since its 1977 debut, starring Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker. It may be natural that “Star Wars” appeals to Japanese: Its story about a samurai-like hero who befriends various characters along his journey echoes the nation’s fables, as well as legendary Akira Kurosawa films.