'Deadpool' blasts North America box office records

Superhero movie "Deadpool" dominated the North American box office on its debut weekend, taking in a record breaking $135 million and leaving its competitors in the dust, industry estimates showed Sunday.

Actors Ryan Reynolds (L) and Morena Baccarin, seen on February 9, 2016 in New York City, star in "Deadpool", which claimed the biggest-ever February and R-rated debut (AFP Photo/Astrid Stawiarz)

Starring Ryan Reynolds as a Marvel Comics character, the film's blow out reception in theaters propelled it to the biggest-ever February and R-rated debut, said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at comScore.

With Monday being a public holiday in the United States, Dergarabedian predicted the Fox production's initial haul could climb to a "mind-boggling $150 million."

Far behind in second place was "Kung Fu Panda 3" -- Dreamworks' computer-animated comedy that follows the adventures of Po as he evolves from martial arts student to teacher -- which took in $19.7 million, industry tracker Exhibitor Relations said.

Featuring the voices of Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman and Angelina Jolie, it has garnered $93 million since its release.

Also making its debut -- in third place -- was "How to be single," a comedy about solo life set in New York City starring Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson and Leslie Mann.

It saw $18.8 million in ticket sales over Valentine's Day weekend.

Fourth place went to fellow new release "Zoolander 2," which snagged $15.7 million.

Starring, directed and co-written by Ben Stiller, the comedy that dips into the fashion world also features Penelope Cruz and Owen Wilson.

Coming in fifth was "The Revenant," a grisly survival and revenge thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The critically acclaimed film, which has been showered with Oscar nominations, took in $6.9 million.

Rounding out the top 10 were:

-- "Hail, Caesar!," $6.6 million

-- "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," $6.2 million

-- "The Choice," $5.3 million

-- "Ride Along 2," $4.1 million

-- "The Boy," $2.9 million

Priyanka Chopra cast as baywatch villain

Who is afraid of Priyanka Chopra? Dwayne Johnson that’s who. The 33-year-old actress, currently winning the West as Quantico's Alex Parrish, has been casted as the villain in next year's Baywatch movie.

The Rock, who co-stars opposite Chopra, reveals just why in an Instagram video, reports NDTV.

In the video, much appreciation comes for Priyanka including "the biggest star out of India, one of the biggest stars in the world," "insanely talented, relentlessly smokin' and extremely dangerous."

People Magazine, which carried an exclusive seaside picture of Priyanka and The Rock, reports that the actress will play the villainous Victoria Leeds in the film. The cast includes Zac Efron and Alexandra Daddario.

Scheduled for 2017, the Baywatch film is the big screen adaptation of the cult beachside series about lifeguards that ran from the late '80s to the late '90s, NDTV adds.

It made stars of actors like David Hasselhoff , Yasmine Bleeth and Pamela Anderson, it reports.

Kevon Cooper reported for suspect action

Kevon Cooper, the Lahore Qalandars all-rounder, has been reported for bowling with a suspect action, a Pakistan Super League (PSL) media release read on Wednesday (February 17).

Cooper was reported by match officials after Lahore's clash against Quetta Gladiators at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday.

The West Indian is now placed on the warning list and may continue to to be selected to play and bowl for his team, but will be barred from bowling if umpires spot another infringement.

Under the PSL suspected illegal bowling action policy, if a player is reported while on the warning list, the player shall be suspended from bowling for the remainder of the tournament and from bowling in any matches organized by the PCB until he is cleared or upon conclusion of any ineligibility period.

This is the third time that Cooper's action has come under the scanner. He was pulled up by the on-field umpires during IPL 2014 and once more in 2011 during the Caribbean T20 league after which he had to undergo a remedial program in Perth.

In six matches this season, Cooper has taken six wickets at an average of 26.16 and economy of 9.23, that includes a 3 for 25 against Peshawar Zalmi that gave Lahore one of only two wins in the season so far.