The minister was responding to the stampede incident that occurred during the premiere show of Allu Arjun's 'Pushpa 2: The Rule'.
Published Dec 06, 2024 | 1:51 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 06, 2024 | 1:51 PM
File photo of Komatireddy Venkat Reddy. (Supplied)
Telangana Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkata Reddy on Friday, 6 December speaking to the media announced that the government, going forward will not permit any benefit shows for the films.
The minister was responding to the stampede incident that occurred during the premiere show of Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2: The Rule on Wednesday, 4 December, that killed one woman identified as Revathi (39) and hospitalised her eight-year-old son.
The stampede occurred at the iconic Sandhya Theatre, at RTC X roads in Hyderabad after Allu Arjun arrived at the theatre. Revathi, a resident of Dilsukhnagar, had come to watch the Pushpa 2 premiere show along with her husband Bhaskar and their two children, Sri Tej (9) and Sanvika (7). As the crowd pushed through the gates, Revathi and her son Sri Tej fell unconscious amidst the commotion.
Speaking with the TV channel TV 9, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy expressed his condolences to Revathi’s family. Further criticising the film team for not taking proper precautions and permissions prior, he said, “It is very sad to see the family suffer like that, as a cinematography minister, I am appealing to the film’s producers and hero to support the family. The husband recently recovered from a liver transplant, and now his wife is no more and his son is in the hospital.”
The minister also criticised Allu Arjun for visiting the already crowded theatre, “There was no need of visiting the theatre at night, one life is lost, anything can be brought back, but if a life is lost, no one can do anything.”
Stating that from now on the government will not give permission for benefit shows, the minister appealed, “From now on”he suggested, “If the hero wants to visit a theatre, they can go with their own security and can also take the permission of the government for security.”
Komatireddy Venkat Reddy reiterated that there won’t be any benefit shows, and appropriate guidelines will be provided through the proper channel soon.
Benefit shows are generally permitted for high-budget films ahead of their release to boost the film’s collection.
A case has also been registered against actor Allu Arjun, his security team, and the management of Sandhya 70mm Theatre.
(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula)
