In the wake of the tragic stampede incident at Sandhya Theater, Hyderabad, which resulted in the loss of two lives, the Telangana police have significantly tightened their oversight of movie-related events. The unfortunate incident, which also led to the arrest of a prominent star, sparked a nationwide debate about crowd management and event safety. Consequently, all public gatherings in Hyderabad, including film events, now require stringent police permissions.
This increased vigilance was evident during the trailer launch of Ram Charan’s much-anticipated film Game Changer at AMB Mall, Hyderabad, yesterday. With ace director S.S. Rajamouli gracing the occasion as the chief guest, the event was conducted under a blanket of security. Unlike previous events at AMB Mall, where crowds could freely gather, strict measures were enforced this time. Entry was permitted only to those with tickets, and an extensive deployment of police personnel, including constables and SI-level officers, was observed from the mall entrance to the screening area.
The controlled nature of the event surprised many, including members of the film fraternity and journalists, accustomed to more relaxed proceedings. The arrangement ensured that the trailer launch concluded smoothly, without any disruptions or overcrowding. While such meticulous planning may limit the scale of fan participation, it reflects a shift toward prioritizing safety and orderliness at public events.
This move comes in light of growing concerns about safety at high-profile gatherings, especially following the Pushpa sequel’s massive pre-release event, which also saw large crowds and police intervention. Analysts believe that this could set a precedent for how movie events are organized in the future, ensuring that fan enthusiasm is managed responsibly to avoid any mishaps. As the buzz for Game Changer builds, the carefully executed trailer launch has sent a clear message: safety takes precedence over spectacle.