.custom-image-hover .vc_single_image-wrapper {
    position: relative;
    overflow: hidden;
}

.custom-image-hover .vc_single_image-wrapper::before {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%;
    background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); /* This is the initial overlay color and opacity (black with 50% opacity) */
    opacity: 0; /* Starts as invisible */
    transition: opacity 0.3s ease; /* Smooth transition for the effect */
    pointer-events: none; /* Allows clicks on the image/link beneath the overlay */
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
}

.custom-image-hover .vc_single_image-wrapper:hover::before {
    opacity: 1; /* Becomes fully visible on hover */
    background: rgba(255, 0, 0, 0.5); /* This is the hover color (red with 50% opacity) */
}