The controversy surrounding the stampede at the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule in Hyderabad continues to spiral, bringing with it significant political, legal, and public scrutiny. The incident, which tragically resulted in the death of a woman and left her son critically injured, has placed Telugu superstar Allu Arjun at the center of a heated debate over responsibility and accountability.
Hyderabad Police released CCTV footage from Sandhya Theatre showing Allu Arjun and his team leaving under tight security. This came after the actor, in a press conference, denied being approached by the police during the screening to leave the premises. Contradicting this, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Ramesh claimed that Allu Arjun’s team obstructed attempts to inform him about the stampede and its casualties, including the hospitalization of an 8-year-old boy. The ACP stated that the actor’s manager, Santosh, was the initial point of contact but prevented direct communication with Allu Arjun.
The Telangana government, led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, has alleged that Allu Arjun attended the premiere without official permission, despite the police denying security arrangements due to the theatre's limited infrastructure. The Chief Minister further asserted that police were forced to remove the actor when the situation escalated.
In response, Allu Arjun maintained that his presence at the theatre followed police directives and denied any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, protesters from the Osmania University Joint Action Committee vandalized his Jubilee Hills residence. The group, demanding justice for the deceased and compensation of ₹1 crore, hurled tomatoes and damaged property. Allu Arjun, who was not at home during the attack, has yet to comment on the incident.
The controversy has sparked a political row, with opposition parties accusing the Congress-led Telangana government of targeting the actor for political reasons. BJP leader Amit Malviya called the actions against Allu Arjun "state-sponsored terrorism," alleging it stemmed from his refusal to campaign for the Congress. Similarly, BRS leader KT Rama Rao criticized the government for its "high-handed behavior," labeling the treatment of the actor as undignified and unwarranted, particularly given his lack of direct involvement in the tragedy.
The incident has become a flashpoint for broader discussions about public safety at large-scale events, celebrity accountability, and the intersection of politics and cinema. As investigations continue, the focus remains on delivering justice to the victims and clarifying the circumstances that led to the devastating stampede.
