A tragic incident during a promotional event for the highly anticipated film 'Pushpa 2: The Rule' has cast a somber shadow over its pre-release buzz. A stampede at Hyderabad's Sandhya Theatre during a special screening left one person dead and several injured, including a young boy whose condition has been critical. The event, meant to be a celebration, has sparked intense public debate and emotional responses, with lead actor Allu Arjun facing significant backlash for his handling of the aftermath.
The Tragedy and the Critical Patient
The stampede occurred amidst massive crowds gathered for a pre-release event for Pushpa 2. In the chaos, a young boy suffered severe injuries and was rushed to the hospital, where he remained in critical condition. Distressing footage from the scene showed a child receiving CPR, highlighting the severity of the situation. After a long and anxious wait of 20 days, the boy's father has finally shared a positive health update, stating that his son has begun to respond to treatment. This news offers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise grim episode.
Allu Arjun's Response and Public Backlash
The actions of the film's star, Allu Arjun, have come under intense scrutiny. The actor released a video message expressing his grief over the tragedy. However, this gesture was met with criticism from sections of the public and netizens who felt it was insufficient. Many questioned why he had not personally visited the injured boy in the hospital, a point he later addressed. Allu Arjun explained that he had been advised by authorities not to visit to avoid causing further disruption at the medical facility, a reasoning that stirred mixed emotions among the public.
Further fueling the controversy, a separate pre-release event for Pushpa 2 featuring Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna performing the song 'Angaaron' was labeled a 'publicity stunt' by angry netizens. People expressed fury over what they perceived as a 'celebration' with celebrities while the victims of the stampede were still suffering, creating a stark contrast between the film's glamorous promotions and the on-ground reality of the tragedy.
Other Entertainment Updates
Amidst this serious news, other updates from the Telugu and Hindi film industries provided lighter moments. Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala were seen getting competitive during the 'Angoothi Rasam' ceremony at their wedding, with an emotional Sobhita wiping away tears as Naga Chaitanya tied the mangalsutra. In other news, Ram Charan and Upasana Konidela welcomed a baby girl named Klin Kaara, with the Mega family visiting the hospital. Meanwhile, Naga Chaitanya made headlines for deleting his last picture with ex-wife Samantha Ruth Prabhu.
Style moments also captured attention, with Kiara Advani, Pooja Hegde, and Mrunal Thakur turning heads with their looks. Shraddha Kapoor embodied simplicity and grace in a recent outfit, and Kriti Sanon happily clicked selfies with fans after a gym session. Airport sightings included Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Vijay Deverakonda, Rashmika Mandanna, and Jr NTR, while Mahesh Babu, Chiranjeevi, and Venkatesh were among the celebs at Dil Raju's son's birthday celebration.
The Hyderabad stampede and its aftermath serve as a sobering reminder of the dangers of uncontrolled crowds at major film events. As the injured boy continues his long road to recovery, the incident has prompted a necessary conversation about celebrity responsibility, fan safety, and the immense pressure surrounding blockbuster releases in Indian cinema.
