Hyderabad: The arrest of Tollywood superstar Allu Arjun in connection with a tragic stampede at the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule at Sandhya Theatre has sent shockwaves through the film industry. The manner in which he was questioned and subsequently arrested by the police has drawn widespread concern from his colleagues, fans, and prominent figures in the entertainment world. Calls for a fair investigation have been growing louder across social media platforms.
The Tragic Incident
The stampede occurred on December 4 during a special screening of Pushpa 2, resulting in the death of a 35-year-old woman. Her young son sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment, while several others were also hurt in the unfortunate incident. The tragedy has triggered an outpouring of grief and anger from the public and film fraternity alike.
Industry Stands in Solidarity
Prominent figures from Telugu, Hindi, and other film industries have voiced their support for Allu Arjun, with many highlighting the broader issues of crowd control and safety at public events. Celebrities such as Raza Murad, Varun Dhawan, Nani, Rahul Ramakrishna, Adivi Sesh, and Sundeep Kishan have expressed their solidarity with the actor.
Celebrity Reactions
- Rashmika Mandanna: “I can’t believe what I am seeing right now. It is disheartening to see everything being blamed on a single individual.”
- Varun Dhawan: “Safety protocols are not something an actor can handle alone. The incident in Hyderabad is deeply painful, and my condolences go out to the victims.”
- Nani: “I wish the kind of enthusiasm government authorities and media show in anything related to people from cinema was also there for the regular citizens. We would have lived in a better society. We are all at fault here. One person is not responsible for this.”
- Raza Murad: “Actors cannot be held responsible for crowd control, it lies with the theatre’s management. It is not a crime to be popular or to work in hit films. The crowd’s presence was a result of the actor’s popularity, not his direct actions.”
- Rahul Ramakrishna: “The failure of law and order is not one man’s fault or responsibility. Aren’t cinemas and theatres public spaces? Isn’t an individual allowed to visit one according to their choice?”
- Adivi Sesh: “What happened in that theatre was horrible and unfortunate. A mother lost her life. But what’s happening today feels extremely harsh against Allu Arjun.”
- Nithiin: “The incident is heartbreaking. Collective responsibility is needed in preventing such tragedies in the future.”
Family Support and Public Reaction
Allu Arjun’s family has stood by him during this challenging time. Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Arjun’s uncle, Pawan Kalyan, visited his residence in Jubilee Hills following the arrest. Later, actor Chiranjeevi, accompanied by his wife Surekha, also met with Allu Arjun to show their support.
Netizens have also come forward in large numbers, condemning the arrest and demanding a fair investigation. Hashtags like #AlluArjun, #WeStandWithAlluArjun, #AlluArjunArrested, and #AlluArjunArrest have been trending on social media platforms, reflecting the public’s strong sentiment on the matter.
Call for Fair Investigation
Fans and industry members argue that the responsibility for crowd control lies with the theatre’s management and local authorities, not with actors. As discussions around the incident continue, calls for accountability and better safety protocols at public events are gaining momentum. While the tragedy has left a mark on the industry, the arrest of Allu Arjun has sparked a broader debate on the accountability of actors versus event organizers and law enforcement.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of ensuring safety at large gatherings, and the film industry’s call for a fair investigation into Allu Arjun’s arrest continues to grow louder.