Hyderabad: The premiere of ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’, starring Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna, turned tragic as a stampede outside Sandhya Theatre at RTC Crossroads on Wednesday night led to the death of a 39-year-old woman and left her 9-year-old son critically injured. Thousands of fans had gathered to catch a glimpse of the superstar, turning the event into chaos.

Incident Details

The victim, identified as Revathi from Dilsukhnagar, attended the premiere with her husband, M Bhaskar, and their two children. According to police, the closed gates of the theater collapsed under the pressure of a surging crowd eager to see Allu Arjun, who had made a surprise appearance alongside music director Devi Sri Prasad.

As fans pushed toward the theater, the stampede ensued, trapping Revathi and her son. Efforts by police to resuscitate Revathi at the scene were unsuccessful. She was rushed to Durgabai Deshmukh Hospital, where she was declared dead. Her son was shifted to KIMS Hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Revathi's husband and 7-year-old daughter escaped unhurt.

Chaos at the Event

The incident occurred as the theater hosted a premiere show, and fans exiting the previous screening were caught in the chaos. The crowd grew uncontrollable despite the presence of police, who resorted to mild baton charges to disperse people.

The gates collapsed due to the pressure, exacerbating the stampede. Witnesses reported that the massive crowd had overwhelmed security and police efforts to maintain order.

Authorities Take Action

A case has been registered at the Chikkadpally police station, and an investigation is underway. Officials acknowledged lapses in crowd management and are reviewing protocols for future events to prevent similar tragedies.

A Shadow Over 'Pushpa 2'

The incident has cast a pall over the much-anticipated release of ‘Pushpa 2’, which hit theaters on December 5. Fans and industry members have expressed their grief over the tragedy, emphasizing the need for stricter safety measures during high-profile events.

The shocking turn of events highlights the risks posed by inadequate crowd control at large gatherings, especially for premieres and celebrity appearances. Authorities are being urged to prioritize public safety at such events.