Stampede at Theatre During Allu Arjun Event Leaves Boy Injured; Chaos Erupts Amid Sudden Star Appearance

A tragic incident unfolded during the highly anticipated premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad.

A stampede-like situation led to the death of a 35-year-old woman and left her nine-year-old son critically injured. Fans had gathered in massive numbers to see the film’s lead actor, Allu Arjun, creating chaos that spiraled out of control.

Chaos Outside Sandhya Theatre

The tragedy struck on Wednesday evening as fans surged toward Sandhya Theatre to catch a glimpse of Allu Arjun, who attended the event alongside music director Devi Sri Prasad.

The overwhelming crowd caused the main gate of the theatre to collapse, intensifying the situation.

In an attempt to manage the unruly crowd, police resorted to lathi charges. However, despite their efforts, the stampede turned fatal. The injured boy was rushed to a private hospital and remains under critical care.

Authorities revealed that thousands had gathered not only to watch the sequel of the blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise but also to see the film’s production team. Additional police reinforcements were deployed to prevent further chaos.

Negligence and Legal Action

In the aftermath, Hyderabad police registered a criminal case against Sandhya Theatre and its management for their failure to ensure crowd control.

The case falls under IPC Sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 324 (voluntarily causing hurt). A senior officer at Chikkadpally police station confirmed that the theatre would be sealed as part of the investigation.

Revathi, the deceased, hailed from Dilsukhnagar. She had attended the premiere with her husband, Bhaskar, and their two children. Her son, Sriteja, an ardent fan of Allu Arjun, is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Begumpet.

Speaking to reporters, Bhaskar recounted the horrifying incident:
“Our son Sri Teja is an Allu Arjun fan, and we came to the cinema for him. Everyone calls our son Pushpa. When Allu Arjun arrived, the situation escalated. Police performed CPR, and my son regained consciousness before being rushed to the hospital.”

Protests and Industry Accountability

The tragedy sparked protests outside Sandhya Theatre, with demonstrators demanding accountability from the theatre’s management and compensation for the grieving family.

Many protestors called for a ban on midnight premieres, citing safety concerns.

Revathi’s relatives have appealed for immediate support from the Telugu film industry, urging filmmakers and actors to prioritize safety at public events.

Actor Allu Arjun’s team expressed their sorrow over the incident, stating:
“The incident that happened at Sandhya Theatre last night is really unfortunate.

The boy is currently undergoing treatment in the hospital. Our team will provide the necessary help to the family.”

Pushpa 2: The Rule – The Hype and Controversy

Pushpa 2: The Rule, directed by Sukumar, is the sequel to the 2021 blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise.

Starring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil, the film has generated immense anticipation, with its release planned across 10,000 screens in multiple languages.

Initially slated for a 3D release, delays in post-production led to screenings being limited to 2D and 4DX formats.

Amid the excitement, ticket prices were hiked in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, prompting petitions in court. Despite objections, the Telangana High Court allowed the release to proceed.

Safety Concerns in Public Events

Videos from the scene showed chaotic visuals of fans rushing to see Allu Arjun, with some attempting to administer CPR to Sriteja amid the commotion.

The collapse of the main gate and insufficient crowd management highlighted lapses in safety measures.

The incident underscores the need for stringent regulations and proactive measures to ensure public safety at high-profile events. Critics have pointed out the responsibility of event organizers to prevent such mishaps.

As Pushpa 2: The Rule prepares for a massive box-office opening, the tragedy at Sandhya Theatre casts a shadow over its release. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of prioritizing crowd safety, especially during high-stakes events.

The Telugu film industry, fans, and authorities must come together to ensure such incidents are not repeated.

As Revathi’s family mourns their loss, the spotlight remains on holding the responsible parties accountable and fostering safer environments for movie enthusiasts.