Stampede at ‘Pushpa: The Rule’ Show Sparks Tollywood Safety Debate
A tragic stampede during a benefit show of Pushpa: The Rule at Sandhya Theatre, Hyderabad, on December 4, which resulted in the death of a woman, has raised serious concerns over the safety of Tollywood premieres and benefit shows. The incident has not only cast a shadow over the tradition of special screenings but also added to the controversy with the arrest of star Allu Arjun, who spent a night in jail despite being granted interim bail by the Telangana High Court.
Director Hemanth Madhukar defended Allu Arjun, asserting, “I think Allu Arjun has no role in the stampede. Such unfortunate incidents are beyond the star’s control.” He likened the tragedy to overcrowding mishaps at cricket matches, concerts, and political rallies, emphasizing the broader challenges of managing large gatherings.
Longstanding Tradition of Benefit Shows
Benefit shows, a hallmark of Tollywood, have long drawn fans eager to catch early screenings of films by top stars like Chiranjeevi, Mahesh Babu, and Jr. NTR. Fans often pay premium prices for these events, which not only generate revenue but also help build positive buzz around a movie.
“Fans boost openings by spreading good word-of-mouth, making these shows vital for films,” Madhukar noted. He pointed out that benefit shows for Pushpa: The Rule in North India and Vijayawada proceeded without incident, suggesting local factors played a role in Hyderabad’s tragedy.
Poor Venue Selection and Safety Concerns
Industry insiders questioned the choice of Sandhya Theatre, known for its overcrowding issues even on regular days. “Brahmaramba-Mallikarjuna theatres in Kukatpally have hosted similar events without chaos due to better crowd management,” a producer explained.
Experts highlighted the need for stricter safety measures, including crowd control and enhanced police deployment, during such events. Madhukar advised families and elders to avoid shows dominated by passionate fans to ensure their safety.
Government Ban on Special Shows
In response to the incident, the Telangana government banned benefit and midnight shows, impacting producers of upcoming blockbusters like Game Changer and Daku Maharaj. Producers fear significant revenue losses and may urge the government to reconsider the ban in favor of enhanced safety protocols.
“An outright ban could hurt the industry. Stricter regulations might be a more balanced solution,” a producer suggested.
Balancing Fan Frenzy with Safety
Fan enthusiasm has been a hallmark of Tollywood for decades, with benefit shows serving as a bridge between stars and their audiences. However, the incident at Sandhya Theatre has raised urgent questions about managing fan frenzy and ensuring public safety during such events.
As Tollywood grapples with the fallout, the tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the need for caution and better preparedness to prevent such incidents in the future.
