In a significant move following the tragic stampede at the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule in Hyderabad, Telangana’s cinematography minister, Komatireddy Venkata Reddy, has announced that the state will no longer allow benefit shows for any films. The decision comes after the tragic incident at Sandhya Theatre, where one fan died, and another was critically injured during a crowded screening attended by actor Allu Arjun.
The incident occurred on December 4, just before the film’s official release. Southern states often hold benefit shows to raise funds for films, inflating ticket prices for these special screenings. However, chaos erupted when Arjun, along with the film’s cast, attended the premiere, which led to a stampede. Tragically, the crowd asphyxiated a woman, killing her, and rushed her son to the hospital in critical condition.
Minister Komatireddy expressed his deep condolences to the victim’s family, criticizing both the film’s producers and Allu Arjun for not ensuring adequate safety measures or permissions. He stated, “It is tragic to see a family suffer like this. I appeal to the film’s producers and the hero to support the grieving family.” The victim’s husband had recently recovered from a liver transplant, and now he has lost his wife, while his son remains in the hospital.
The minister also expressed disapproval of Allu Arjun’s decision to visit the already overcrowded theatre, stating that there was “no need” for his presence. He announced that from now on, the government would not allow any film benefit shows in Telangana. Additionally, he emphasized that any future visits by celebrities to theatres will require prior government approval and security measures.
In the aftermath, authorities have filed a case against Allu Arjun and his security team for failing to inform the police beforehand, as well as against the theatre management for not ensuring proper crowd control. The actor’s team has reached out to the victim’s family to offer financial assistance.
