Popular actor Allu Arjun finds himself at the center of a controversy following a tragic stampede incident during the screening of his blockbuster film Pushpa 2. The incident, which claimed a fan’s life, has sparked debates about inflated ticket prices and crowd management.
The stampede occurred during the initial days of Pushpa 2’s release, when ticket prices were reportedly inflated, and extra shows were added to meet high demand. Criticisms emerged, suggesting that the actor’s surprise visit to the theater with his wife Sneha Reddy and co-star Rashmika Mandanna contributed to the chaos.
According to an Indian Express report, Telangana Police stated that Allu Arjun had arrived at the theater unannounced and allegedly refused to leave despite the swelling crowd. The actor, however, denied these allegations, asserting that he bore no responsibility for the tragic events.
Allu Arjun was arrested last month under Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 118(1) (punishment for causing hurt). The Telangana High Court granted him interim bail the following day, allowing him to continue his work as investigations proceed.
The incident has drawn attention to broader issues within the film industry. Critics argue that inflated ticket prices and unregulated crowd gatherings often lead to dangerous situations.
Despite the controversy, Pushpa 2 continues to dominate the box office, recording an astounding collection of ₹1,760 crore as of January 1, 2025. The film has cemented Allu Arjun’s status as one of India’s top actors, even as he faces scrutiny over the recent events.
The Telangana Police are currently investigating the case to determine the factors that led to the stampede. Authorities are also examining the role of unregulated ticket pricing and crowd management in preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Sources By Agencies
