Videos emerging from the pre release event showed fans rushing towards the venue, and the barricades being broken.
Published Sep 23, 2024 | 11:48 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 23, 2024 | 11:48 AM
The crowds at the 'Devara' pre-release event. (Screengrab)
Amid high anticipation, the makers of Devara: Part 1 cancelled the pre-release event scheduled at the Novotel Hotel in Hyderabad for Sunday evening, 22 September.
The event was cancelled owing to overcrowding and subsequent security concerns. With Devara being Jr NTR’s solo release after six years, hordes of fans from various parts of the state descended at the venue to catch a glimpse of their favourite star.
Videos emerging from the Devara pre-release event showed the fans rushing towards the venue by breaking the barricades.
Devara: Part 1, directed by Koratala Siva is set to release on 27 September. The Telugu movie will feature Bollywood actor Janhvi Kapoor opposite the RRR (2022) star. This is her debut film in Tollywood.
Responding to fans’ criticism of the lack of proper planning, the makers released a statement on X.
Noting that the pre-release event was planned around Ganesh immersion and because of the possibility of rains in the city, the makers said they couldn’t plan an outdoor event.
The release read: “Even though it didn’t rain today (Sunday) conditions wouldn’t have been favourable for an outdoor event to happen even if we had planned it.”
“The massive turnout of fans despite our best efforts became uncontrollable as barricades were broken due to the overwhelming crowd. For the safety of everyone we had to make the tough decision to call off the event.”
Further, the organisers apologised, saying, “We understand that many of you travelled from different parts of the country to celebrate and see your hero. We hope everyone is safe and has returned home safely. We deeply apologize for the inconvenience and are truly sorry for the situation.”
We were eagerly waiting for this day as we’ve worked hard on this film for years and wanted to celebrate it on a grand scale especially since its the first solo release of our beloved Man of Masses NTR after 6 years. However we faced many challenges.
Pre Release Event was…
— Devara (@DevaraMovie) September 22, 2024
The lead actor, Jr NTR also released a video statement apologising to the fans and expressed hope to meet the fans in theatres on 27 September.
In his video message to his fans, Jr NTR said, “I am deeply saddened that Devara’s event has been cancelled, especially because I was looking forward to it so much. You all know, I am always eager to meet you. I was looking forward to sharing many interesting details about Devara and explaining the efforts put into the film. However, the event couldn’t happen for security reasons. I share your disappointment. My pain is more than yours.”
Jr NTR also defended the makers, saying, “In my opinion, it is wrong to blame the producers or organisers for the cancellation of the event.”
We regret being in this situation but are forever grateful to our beloved Man of Masses NTR’s fans. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
The biggest celebration awaits. See you in theatres on Sept 27th.#Devara #DevaraOnSep27th pic.twitter.com/oSXa2ga6Za
— Devara (@DevaraMovie) September 22, 2024
Meanwhile, Devara: Part 1 will be released in Kerala by Dulquer Salamaan’s Wayfarer Films. The production and distribution house acquired the Kerala distribution rights for the Jr NTR-starrer.
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
