The release of Allu Arjun’s highly anticipated film, ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule,’ has been a whirlwind of both spectacular success and tragic misfortune. While the movie shattered box office records, grossing a phenomenal ₹168.3 crore net on its opening day alone (with an additional ₹10.1 crore from Wednesday’s premiere), two separate incidents cast a dark shadow over its triumphant debut.
The first incident unfolded in Chennur, Mancherial district, Telangana, where a man named Bajjuri Vinay and his associates unleashed a fit of rage upon a local theater, Srinivas Theatre, after being denied a screening of the film. Their furious reaction involved vandalizing the theater’s glass windowpanes and issuing death threats to the owner, Rajamalla Goud. Police have since filed a complaint and are pursuing charges against Vinay and his accomplices. This incident underlines the extreme lengths some fans are willing to go to secure their viewing experience.
However, a far more devastating incident occurred in Hyderabad on Wednesday night at the Sandhya Theatre during the premiere show. A massive crowd had gathered to catch a glimpse of Allu Arjun and music director Devi Sri Prasad, who were present for the premiere. The overwhelming number of attendees overwhelmed the theater’s capacity, leading to a catastrophic collapse of the main gate. This triggered a stampede, resulting in the tragic deaths of a 35-year-old woman, Revathi, and her 13-year-old son, Sreethej, due to asphyxiation. The police report points to a lack of adequate security measures by the theater management to handle the anticipated large crowd, highlighting negligence in crowd control and safety protocols.
The family of the deceased has filed a complaint, and a case has been registered against Allu Arjun and others under sections 105 and 118(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Chikkadpally police station. While Allu Arjun’s presence undoubtedly contributed to the massive turnout, the responsibility for ensuring public safety rests primarily with the theater management. The investigation will likely focus on determining the extent of negligence and holding those responsible accountable for the tragic loss of life.
The stark contrast between ‘Pushpa 2’s’ phenomenal box office success and the deeply troubling incidents surrounding its release underscores the intense passion and, sadly, the potential for extreme behavior among devoted fans. This event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of effective crowd management and the need for prioritizing public safety in the midst of highly anticipated events. The overwhelming success of the film is now inextricably linked to these tragic events, raising serious questions about the responsibility of both organizers and attendees in ensuring safe and orderly public gatherings.
