Besides its stupendous box office performance, Pushpa 2: The Rule also made national headlines a few days ago after its lead star Allu Arjun was arrested on charges of being responsible for the stampede that occurred at Sandhya Crossroads theatre in Hyderabad on December 4, at Pushpa 2 premiere show, leading to the demise of a 35-year-old woman and critical injuries for her 9-year-old son who had been declared brain dead a few days ago. The actor had received interim bail and was released a day after. On Saturday, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed his opinion on the incident, criticising Allu Arjun for his irresponsible conduct.
Talking at the Telangana assembly on Satuday, Revanth Reddy said, “On December 2, Sandhya theatre management had submitted their request to Chikkadpally Police station for additional forces, stating that the Pushpa 2 cast and crew members will be visiting the venue. On December 3, the Chikkadpally circle inspector reverted in writing that they won’t be able to provide any additional security because they wouldn’t be able to control the situation given the constrained spaces surrounding Sandhya theatre.”
Revanth Reddy went on to criticise Allu Arjun for arriving at the venue despite not having permissions. He said, “He came via RTC X Roads, showing up from his car’s rooftop, and created an entire roadshow without any due notice and despite not having permission to do so. RTC X roads has high-density traffic; it has several theatres. Which is why the police refused to grant permissions to the team. And yet, the actor came here, created a roadshow.”
The Chief Minister also criticised the Telugu film industry members who expressed their solidarity towards the Pushpa 2 actor, calling them out for their lack of apathy towards the grieving family. “Did Allu Arjun break a leg or hurt himself, that they showed up at his place showing such solidarity? Have they even thought of visiting the little boy or his grieving family? Looking at this, I don’t understand what these industry folks think.”
Revanth Reddy also clarified that no permissions for benefit shows or any similar previleges would be granted to Telugu movies in the near future, as long as he is in power.