The recent arrest of Tollywood star Allu Arjun by the Chikkadapally police following a stampede incident at Sandhya Theatre has sparked significant discussions across the Telugu film industry. Megastar Chiranjeevi, upon hearing about the arrest, immediately halted his shooting and visited Allu Arjun’s residence to offer support. Similarly, Mega Brother Nagababu also met with Allu Arjun and his family. After Arjun’s release on interim bail the next day, both Chiranjeevi and Nagababu made separate visits to express solidarity. However, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan’s complete silence on this issue has raised eyebrows. Despite reports suggesting that Pawan Kalyan was in Hyderabad during the time of the arrest, he chose not to visit or comment on the matter.
Pawan Kalyan Deflects Media Questions
During a visit to Kadapa’s RIMS Hospital to meet Galiveedu MPDO Jawahar Babu, who is undergoing treatment, Pawan Kalyan addressed the media. When asked about Allu Arjun’s arrest, he displayed visible impatience and redirected the focus to more pressing issues. “What is the situation here? Ask relevant questions. If people are dying here, will we talk about movies? Think bigger. There are more important issues than cinema,” he said. This response has drawn mixed reactions, with some appreciating his broader perspective and others criticizing his indifference towards a family-related issue.
Tragedy at Sandhya Theatre
The stampede at Sandhya Theatre, which occurred during the premiere of Pushpa 2, led to the tragic death of a woman, while her son remains hospitalized. The Telangana Police acted swiftly, arresting Allu Arjun on charges related to the incident, though he was later granted interim bail. The Tollywood industry, including prominent figures like the Mega family and producer Dil Raju, condemned the incident and took steps to address the situation. Their collective efforts, including financial and emotional support for the affected families, highlighted the industry’s solidarity in times of crisis.
Government’s Stance and Ongoing Case
Amid the fallout, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced stricter regulations on benefit shows and ticket pricing, citing the Assembly’s decision. Reports indicate that influential figures like Dil Raju and Allu Aravind played key roles in managing the aftermath. A compensation package of ₹2 crores was announced for the bereaved families, showcasing a commitment to support the victims. However, legal proceedings against Allu Arjun are expected to continue, keeping the case under scrutiny.
This incident has not only spotlighted safety issues in cinema events but also brought into focus the varying responses of key figures, including Pawan Kalyan’s notable silence, which continues to be a topic of debate in the industry.