Hyderabad: Telangana bans benefit shows to avert Pushpa 2 stampede-like situation

Hyderabad: Telangana government has decided to ban benefit shows in the state following the stampede during the Pushpa 2 premiere show at Sandhya Theatre in Chikkadpally, Hyderabad.

Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy announced that no further permissions will be granted for such events. He said the decision has been taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

What Are Benefit Shows?

Benefit shows, also known as fan shows, are special screenings organized to celebrate the releases of movies, especially those featuring top stars. These events are often held early in the morning or late at night, allowing fans to gather and showcase their enthusiasm for their favorite actors.

The recent announcement is expected to have an impact on the film industry, particularly on filmmakers and fan groups who traditionally rely on these events to promote movies and build excitement.

Pushpa 2 Stampede: A Tragic Incident

On December 4, chaos erupted during the benefit show of Pushpa 2 at Sandhya 70mm Theatre in Chikkadpally, resulting in the death of a woman and injuries to multiple attendees, including children.

According to reports, the theatre management failed to implement adequate security measures or arrange separate entry and exit points for the arrival of lead actor Allu Arjun and his team. At around 9:30 PM, when Allu Arjun arrived at the venue, the crowd surged toward the theatre, creating a stampede-like situation.

Revathi, a 35-year-old woman from Dilsukhnagar, her husband Bhaskar, and their 13-year-old son Sri Tej were caught in the chaos. They struggled to move or breathe as the crowd surged. Police officers managed to rescue the family, performed CPR on Sri Tej, and rushed them to Durgabai Deshmukh Hospital. Tragically, Revathi was declared dead by the doctors, and her son was shifted to another hospital for further treatment.

Case Filed Against Theatre and Security Team

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Chikkadpally Police registered a case against Sandhya Theatre management and Allu Arjun’s security team. The case, filed under Section 105118(1) r/w 3(5) of the BNS Act, is based on a complaint lodged by Revathi’s family members.

Police stated that the theatre management had been informed of Allu Arjun’s arrival but failed to make the necessary arrangements to manage the large crowd. An investigation is ongoing to determine accountability and ensure justice for the affected family.

Minister’s Statement and Industry Impact

Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring public safety at film screenings. “We will not grant permissions for any benefit shows in Telangana going forward. This decision is necessary to regulate the film industry and prevent such tragedies from recurring,” he said.

The decision has drawn mixed reactions. While some have praised the government’s efforts to prioritize safety, others, particularly fans and industry insiders, are concerned about the impact on promotional strategies for big-budget films.