King calls ‘Bulletproof’ track a personal milestone ahead of Lukkhe

Prime Video India, in collaboration with Warner Music India, has released ‘Bulletproof’, a high-energy hip-hop track from its upcoming original series Lukkhe. The song, composed by King, Amira Gill and Karan Kanchan, is now available across music streaming platforms.

Positioned as a bold anthem, Bulletproof blends sharp lyricism with pulsating beats, capturing themes of resilience, self-belief and perseverance. Performed by King and Amira Gill, with lyrics penned by King and Manreet Khara, the track reflects an unapologetic tone, aiming to connect with listeners through its raw, high-impact energy.

Speaking about the song, King described it as a personal milestone. “Bulletproof is a deeply personal track, shaped by my journey, my struggles, wins, and the mindset to keep pushing forward. Lukkhe gave me the chance to not only create music but also step into acting for the first time, which feels like a big milestone. Grateful to Amira, Karan, and the entire team for bringing this to life, this one’s truly special,” he said.

Lukkhe, directed by Himank Gaur and produced by Vipul D Shah and Rajesh Bahl, marks King’s acting debut. The series also stars Raashii Khanna, Palak Tiwari and Lakshvir Singh Saran in key roles, alongside an ensemble cast. Backed by Optimystix Entertainment and White Guerrilla LLP, the series is created and executive produced by Agrim Joshi and Debojit Das Purkayastha.

Lukkhe is set to premiere on May 8 on Prime Video in Hindi, streaming across India and in more than 240 countries and territories. The release of Bulletproof serves as an early glimpse into the show’s tone, setting the stage for a narrative driven by ambition, grit and music.

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Several single-screen cinemas yet to open bookings for Bhooth Bangla from April 17 due to show-sharing dispute with Dhurandhar The Revenge

The horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla was scheduled for release on April 10, but it was pushed by a week after it failed to secure the desired number of shows amid the Dhurandhar The Revenge wave. The makers, as well as the industry at large, hoped that with Bhooth Bangla releasing on April 17, there would be no issues with regard to showcasing. However, that’s not the case. Less than 24 hours remains for the release and yet, most of the single screens are yet to commence bookings.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “Jio Studios has requested that Dhurandhar The Revenge be allotted 50% showcasing in single screens. Their argument is that the film continues to perform well and still has a lot of gas left in the tank. The fact that it collected Rs. 6.50 crores on Tuesday has further strengthened their case for retaining shows. On the other hand, Bhooth Bangla’s distribution team has requested full showcasing. They believe that Dhurandhar The Revenge has already enjoyed a dream run for four weeks and that it is now time for their film to get its fair share of shows. Moreover, they have cited ticket sales for the paid previews and the overall advance booking trends to argue that Bhooth Bangla, too, has the potential to succeed, as there is clearly demand for it.”

Bhooth Bangla will have paid previews from tonight, Thursday, April 16. The source added, “Single-screen cinemas have been permitted to host one night show of Bhooth Bangla as part of the paid previews. However, due to the ongoing showcasing dispute, they are yet to open bookings for Friday, April 17.”

As of 8:00 am on April 16, several single-screen cinemas in Mumbai, including Inox Dadar, Citylight, Plaza, Chitra, New Excelsior, MovieTime Star City, Roxy, MovieTime Dahisar, Maratha Mandir, Mukta A2 Orion Santacruz, Gold Cinemas (Dadar, Thane, Santacruz and Borivali), PVR Le Reve, MovieMax Andheri, Bharatmata, MovieTime Suburbia and Anand Thane, are yet to commence advance booking for Bhooth Bangla for April 17. Even certain two-screen cinemas like Mukta A2 Jai Hind Lalbaug, Sun City, Topiwala Goregaon and Ajanta CineX have not yet started selling tickets for Friday.

The issue is not limited to Mumbai. In other cities, too, the issue persists. Delhi’s Delite and Liberty, as well as Jaipur’s iconic Raj Mandir, have also not yet opened bookings for Bhooth Bangla from April 17.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar pays tribute to legendary Asrani on working with him in Bhooth Bangla: “It was like a masterclass every single time”

Ranbir Kapoor makes history as only Bollywood star on TIME 100 list

In a major global milestone, Ranbir Kapoor has been named among TIME Magazine’s 100 most influential people, becoming the only Bollywood actor to feature on this year’s prestigious list. The recognition places him alongside global icons across industries, further cementing his growing international impact.

The superstar, last seen in Animal, continues to balance a thriving career with his personal life, embracing fatherhood with daughter Raha. While his on-screen choices have consistently drawn attention, this latest honour highlights his influence beyond the box office, particularly in shaping contemporary storytelling in Indian cinema.

Adding a special touch to this achievement, actor Ayushmann Khurrana penned the biographical note for Kapoor in the magazine. Reflecting on his craft and impact, Khurrana wrote, “There are actors who chase legacy and there are actors who become one through their craft. Ranbir Kapoor is the latter. In an industry as prolific and passionate as Indian cinema, we often measure greatness in decibels—box-office numbers, fan frenzy, opening weekends. But every once in a while, an actor shifts something quieter yet far more enduring: our emotional vocabulary as an audience”.

“Ranbir has been doing that film after film. In a world where performances are often amplified, Ranbir internalizes. He shows our culture through quiet restraint. He represents the India that is finally learning how to listen to itself and leaves a mark through simple authenticity. Globally, actors like Ranbir become important cultural bridges. He embodies an India that is evolving not just in scale but also in sensitivity”, the note on the website further read.

Khurrana went on to write, “Our cinema is influencing the world. Ranbir isn’t just a movie star—he’s a storyteller talking to a global audience and telling them stories of a fabled, mythical country where epics like The Ramayana have inspired other civilizations and cultures”.

On the professional front, Kapoor has an exciting slate ahead. He is set to headline Ramayana, a two-part epic directed by Nitesh Tiwari, which boasts a massive ensemble cast. Additionally, he will reunite with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Love & War, marking their collaboration after his debut film in 2007.

The TIME 100 list also features other notable Indian names, including chef Vikas Khanna and Sundar Pichai, reflecting India’s growing global influence across diverse fields.

With this recognition, Ranbir Kapoor not only reinforces his standing as one of Bollywood’s most nuanced performers but also emerges as a significant cultural voice representing Indian cinema on the world stage.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt shares glimpse of anniversary trip with Ranbir Kapoor in Lech: “Tu saath hain toh din raat hain”

Assi set for digital premiere on ZEE5 on April 17 after theatrical run

After sparking conversation and earning critical acclaim during its theatrical run, Assi is set for its digital premiere on Hindi ZEE5 on 17th April. Directed by Anubhav Sinha and produced by Benaras Media Works and T-Series Films, Assi features a powerful ensemble cast including Taapsee Pannu, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Kani Kusruti, Revathy, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Naseeruddin Shah, Supriya Pathak, and Seema Pahwa.

A hard-hitting courtroom drama, Assi follows a lawyer (Taapsee Pannu) who takes on a brutal rape case, confronting not just the crime but the systemic apathy surrounding it. In a striking moment, the film underscores a grim reality—nearly 80 rape cases reported in a single day—amplifying the urgency of its narrative. It traces the journey of a survivor and her partner (Kani Kusruti and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub), whose lives are shattered by violence, as they navigate trauma, societal judgment, and an unforgiving legal system. Anchored in the reality of rising sexual violence and delayed justice, Assi shines a light on the emotional and social aftermath often left unspoken.

Raw and unflinching, the film goes beyond the courtroom to explore the human cost of such crimes—the resilience it demands and the silence it challenges. Its honesty and emotional depth struck a chord with audiences in theatres, and it now aims to reach a wider global audience on ZEE5.

Kaveri Das, Business Head – Hindi ZEE5 and Chief Channel Officer, &TV, said, “Assi is the kind of film that naturally sparks quiet, difficult, yet necessary conversations. At Hindi ZEE5, we are committed to stories that invite reflection and meaningful engagement without being overtly didactic. We believe cinema can create space for such moments, leaving a lasting impact well beyond the screen”.

Director and Co-Writer Anubhav Sinha added, “Assi is not just a film, it’s a reflection of the times we live in. We wanted to tell a story that doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, while also focusing on the resilience of the human spirit. I’m glad that with Hindi ZEE5, the film will now reach an even wider audience and get the merit it deserves”.

Taapsee Pannu shared, “Playing this character was one of the most challenging experiences for me as an actor. Assi is not an easy watch, but it’s an important one. It’s a story that needs to be told with honesty and sensitivity, and I hope audiences connect with its intent and message as it reaches them on Hindi ZEE5”.

With its gripping narrative and powerful performances, Assi is a thought-provoking film that lingers long after the credits roll.

Don’t miss the digital premiere of Assi on 17th April, only on Hindi ZEE5.

Also Read: What should Taapsee Pannu do to return to the big league? Trade experts share their views: “She needs to reinvent herself like Shah Rukh Khan and offer audience something new. Had she done intense love story like Tere Ishk Mein, it would have worked for sure”

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.”

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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”

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