52 Blue first look out: Neha Dhupia steps into raw, deglam avatar in debut international film

The first look and trailer of Neha Dhupia’s debut international film 52 Blue has been officially revealed, offering audiences a striking glimpse into one of the most transformative roles of her career. Known for her versatile performances, Neha steps into an entirely new space with this project, appearing in a raw, deglam avatar for the very first time on screen.

Directed by acclaimed Egyptian filmmaker Ali El Arabi, 52 Blue is a poignant coming-of-age story that follows a young Indian football enthusiast’s journey as a migrant worker to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The film explores themes of identity, aspiration, and resilience, set against a deeply emotional family backdrop.

The film also stars Adil Hussain, who plays Neha’s husband, marking their first on-screen collaboration. In a significant departure from her previous roles, Neha will be seen portraying the mother of a young man, bringing depth and emotional gravitas to a character that anchors the narrative.

Shot extensively in Kochi, India, 52 Blue traces the journey of Ashish (Yadav Shashidhar), a young boy growing up under the isolating control of his father on a remote island home. With the quiet strength and support of his mother, and inspired by the memory of his late brother, Ashish eventually finds the courage to break free. His journey takes him across borders as he sets out to meet his idol, Lionel Messi, at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2022 - marking his first encounter with the larger world beyond his confined upbringing.

 

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Produced and directed by Ali El Arabi under his banner Ambient Light, based in Cairo and Los Angeles, the film is executive produced by Tariq Al-Naama, with Krysanne Katsoolis, Joe Matthews, and Katara Studios serving as co-producers.

Sharing her thoughts on the project and her character, Neha Dhupia said, “52 Blue has been one of the most deeply moving and transformative experiences of my career. When I first read the script, what stayed with me was the quiet strength of the mother she doesn’t speak loudly, but her presence shapes her son’s entire world. Playing a mother to a young man for the first time was both challenging and incredibly fulfilling, because it required me to tap into emotions that are raw, instinctive, and deeply human."

Neha further adds, "The deglam aspect of the role was never a concern for me; in fact, it was liberating. It allowed me to completely shed any layers of vanity and immerse myself fully into the life of this woman—her silences, her resilience, and her unconditional love. There’s something very powerful about portraying a character who finds strength in vulnerability."

Neha continues, "Working with Ali El Arabi has been a revelation. His storytelling is so honest and rooted, and he creates an environment where you feel completely safe to explore and push your boundaries. Shooting in Kochi, in such a unique and intimate setting, added so much authenticity to the film. At its heart, 52 Blue is a story about dreams, about breaking free, and about the invisible forces like a mother’s belief that shape who we become. I feel incredibly grateful to be a part of a film that is so universal in its emotions yet so personal in its storytelling. It’s a story that I believe will resonate with audiences across cultures and borders.”

Also Read: Neha Dhupia DENIES joining Karan Johar’s The Traitors season 2, says she is busy with “double date”

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Brahmastra 2 to move forward after Ramayana, says Namit Malhotra at CinemaCon 2026

Namit Malhotra has confirmed that Brahmāstra Part Two is moving ahead, though it will take shape after work on Ramayana is completed. The producer shared the update during the global promotional launch of the mythological epic at CinemaCon 2026 in Las Vegas, where he appeared alongside actor Yash.

The announcement has renewed interest in the planned continuation of the Astraverse, nearly four years after the first film was released in 2022 and teased a larger narrative centred on Dev and Amrita.

Speaking about the sequel’s timeline, Malhotra indicated that the next chapter of the franchise will follow once Ramayana reaches completion. Astraverse to continue after Ramayana wraps up Malhotra’s update marks one of the clearest indications yet about the future of the Astraverse since director Ayan Mukerji began hinting at further developments after the release of Brahmāstra.

The first instalment starred Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Amitabh Bachchan, and concluded with a reveal that set up the backstory of Dev and Amrita, laying the groundwork for the trilogy’s second part.

Speculation around the sequel had intensified in October 2025 after Mukerji shared pictures from a mountain trip. Fans noticed what appeared to be a script in his hands, along with hashtags referencing Part 2 and Om, though the filmmaker did not confirm details at the time.

Malhotra’s latest comments now suggest that development on the sequel remains part of the long-term plan. Ramayana campaign begins globally with early footage reveal At CinemaCon 2026, Malhotra and Yash launched the international promotional campaign for Ramayana by presenting early footage and material from the film. Describing the scale and ambition of the project, Malhotra said the experience of working on the film felt like an “Avatar meets Gladiator moment.”

The film features an ensemble cast led by Ranbir Kapoor as Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita, with Yash portraying Ravana. The cast also includes Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. Other actors appearing in the film include Kajal Aggarwal, Rakul Preet Singh, Arun Govil, Kunal Kapoor, Adinath Kothare, Sheeba Chaddha and Indira Krishnan.

With Ramayana positioned as a major global-scale mythological adaptation and Brahmāstra 2 expected to follow after its completion, Malhotra’s update offers the strongest indication yet that the Astraverse storyline remains in active planning.

Also Read: Namit Malhotra says Ramayana will feel ‘new’ to global audiences; calls it “the first story of the universe”

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Ahaan Panday to play gangster in Ali Abbas Zafar’s next, Jimmy Sheirgill joins cast: Report

Following the success of Saiyaara, breakout actor Ahaan Panday is set to step into a markedly different space with his second feature film. As per a report by Variety India, the actor will portray a gangster in filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar’s upcoming action-romance.

The role signals a shift from Ahaan’s debut performance as a troubled musician dealing with past trauma in Saiyaara. For the new project, the actor has reportedly undergone intensive preparation that includes hand-to-hand combat and weapon training to align with the physical demands of the character’s aggressive screen presence.

The report also states that Jimmy Shergill has joined the cast in a pivotal role. The film marks his return to a collaboration with Yash Raj Films after more than two decades. One of his most notable earlier associations with the banner remains Mohabbatein, in which he appeared alongside Shah Rukh Khan.

Details about the storyline and other casting elements have not been officially confirmed at this stage. However, the project is being described as a high-energy action-romance centred on a love story set against a violent backdrop. Production on the film began in Mumbai on April 3 and is scheduled to continue there through the month. Reportedly, the next leg of the shoot is expected to take place in London in May. The makers are aiming to wrap filming by July, with a theatrical release planned for early 2027.

Also Read: Ahaan Panday reveals intense 7-hour daily training routine for next with Ali Abbas Zafar: “There’s a certain physical requirement”

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SCOOP: Kartik Aaryan and Luv Ranjan's next to go on floors in October 2026

Kartik Aaryan is among the busiest actors of B-Town, signing on for films left, right, and centre. While he is presently juggling between Anurag Basu's next film and Kabir Khan's directorial, we have exclusive scoop that Kartik and Luv Ranjan have been meeting off late to strategise on their next collaboration after the historic success of Pyaar Ka Punchnama Franchise and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety.

Reliable sources confirm that Kartik Aaryan has given a go-ahead to Luv Ranjan's next film, and it will go on floors towards the end of 2026. "Luv Ranjan has been keen to partner with Kartik Aaryan for a while now, and the duo have been jamming on multiple subjects over the last 6 months. After multiple rounds of discussions, they have finally locked in on an exciting idea, which falls right in the world of the Punchnama franchise. Kartik has okayed the script and has tentatively allotted dates from the end of 2026, starting in October," a source shared with Bollywood Hungama, adding further that Kartik too has been keen on this reunion for the longest time, as he believes his mentor gets the best out of him.

Luv Ranjan too is excited for this, as he is teaming up with his protege after a long gap, and is confident of creating a big impact with the next. "Luv Ranjan is doing what he does best - making a romantic comedy. Earlier, he was planning to make an action film, but all those plans were dropped when he was organically drawn towards a hilarious concept. He started developing it, and the role has turned out perfect for Kartik's image."

Kartik has 3 films lined up for release in the next 12 months - Nagzilla, Anurag Basu's next and Kabir Khan directorial. He kicks off Captain India and Luv Ranjan's film from June and October, respectively.

Also Read: Kartik Aaryan is currently learning how to fly a plane for Captain India

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Sonu Nigam sells agricultural land parcels worth Rs 1.95 crore in Raigad: Report

Singer Sonu Nigam has sold agricultural land parcels worth Rs 1.95 crore in Maharashtra’s Raigad district through four separate transactions registered on April 7, 2026, according to property registration records reviewed by CRE Matrix. The parcels, spread across more than 1.9 hectares of paddy fields in Mauje Savele in the Karjat region, were acquired by a mix of investors and local buyers. The cluster of transactions reflects continuing demand for agricultural land in areas within driving distance of Mumbai, where interest in agri-tourism and green energy-linked land use has been rising.

The largest transaction involved a 0.718-hectare parcel identified as Hissa No. 1B. It was purchased for Rs 75 lakhs by Anil Prabhaker Kadu, Nitin Prabhaker Kadu and Anthony Thomas George Vaz. The deal attracted a stamp duty payment of Rs 4.5 lakhs.

In another transaction, Nitin Prabhaker Kadu acquired a 0.607-hectare portion marked Hissa No. 1A for Rs 50 lakhs, with stamp duty amounting to Rs 3 lakhs. A separate 0.405-hectare parcel comprising Hissa No. 1A and 2 was jointly purchased by Anil Prabhaker Kadu and Anthony Thomas George Vaz for Rs 50 lakhs.

The fourth and smallest parcel measured 0.208 hectares and formed part of Hissa No. 1B. It was acquired by Gaurav Gautam and Nidhi Upadhyay for Rs 20 lakhs, with stamp duty of Rs 1.2 lakh paid on the transaction.

All four agreements were registered on the same day, indicating a structured sale of multiple land holdings in the locality. The Karjat belt has been attracting attention due to improving connectivity and its proximity to Mumbai, factors that continue to support interest in agricultural and second-home investments in the region.

Earlier this year, in February 2026, Sonu Nigam’s father Agam Kumar Nigam purchased a 1,197 sq m land parcel along with an existing ground-plus-one-floor residential and commercial structure at Madh Island for Rs 10 crores, according to documents accessed through Liases Foras.

The property, known as Mango Villa and located within Suchak Cooperative Housing Society Limited, includes a 2,329 sq ft IT structure across two levels and an additional 725 sq ft residential unit. The deal was registered on February 18, 2026, with stamp duty of Rs 50 lakhs and a registration fee of Rs 30,000. The sellers were Swapna Kak and Rani Doshi, also known as Rani Amar Verma.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Sonu Nigam remembers his iconic song ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ as ISAMRA distributes WHOPPING Rs. 100 cr in royalties to 26,000 singers; Anup Jalota gets emotional; Sanjay Tandon recalls journey from Rs. 51,000 to 100 cr

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Sreeleela becomes the new face of Santoor as brand targets younger audiences

Santoor, a name long linked with a distinct identity, is signalling a fresh shift with actor Sreeleela stepping in as the new face of the brand. The move marks a noticeable change in how the legacy beauty brand is choosing to engage with today’s younger consumers.

Known for her youthful energy and strong connect with Gen Z and millennial audiences, Sreeleela brings a distinctly contemporary presence to the brand — one that reflects evolving ideas of beauty and self-care rooted in confidence.

While Santoor has traditionally been associated with a specific beauty narrative, this shift points to a broader, more inclusive conversation around everyday beauty and personal care for younger consumers. Details of the campaign featuring Sreeleela are expected to be revealed in the coming days.

Also Read: Sreeleela on staying rooted despite the fame, “It is a journey where you are constantly learning, unlearning, and relearning”

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Akshay Kumar leases Andheri duplex for Rs 1.44 lakh monthly rent: Report

Akshay Kumar has leased out his duplex apartment in Andheri West to pilot Anny Divya, one of India’s youngest wide-body aircraft commanders, according to property registration data reviewed by CRE Matrix.

The duplex flat is located on the 11th and 12th floors of the Sky Pan building in the Oberoi Complex on New Link Road. The apartment also includes an attached terrace. The property has been licensed at a starting monthly rent of Rs 1.44 lakh. The agreement was registered on April 7, with the lease tenure fixed at 24 months and the rent effective from March 1.

Registration records identify the landlord as Akshay Kumar Bhatia, the actor’s legal name. The leave and license agreement reportedly does not include a rent escalation clause. In a notable departure from common practice in Mumbai’s rental market, the deal also does not include a security deposit.

Stamp duty and registration charges for the agreement totalled Rs 9,700. Of this amount, Rs 8,700 was paid as stamp duty and Rs 1,000 as registration fees. The payment was processed through State Bank of India and registered with the Inspector General of Registration office in Mumbai on April 7.

Speaking of the professional front, Akshay is currently busy with the promotions of Bhooth Bangla, scheduled to release on April 16.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar pulls playful prank on Wamiqa Gabbi in Bhooth Bangla BTS video

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