In the wake of a tragic incident at Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre, where a stampede during the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule resulted in the death of a woman named Revathi and critical injuries to her young son, tensions have escalated. Members of the Osmania University Joint Action Committee (OU JAC) have directed their grievances toward Tollywood actor Allu Arjun, leading to a protest at his residence in Jubilee Hills.
On December 22, 2024, a group identifying as OU JAC students gathered outside Allu Arjun’s home, demanding justice for the victims of the Sandhya Theatre stampede. The protesters called for the actor to provide financial compensation of ₹1 crore to Revathi’s family, citing his moral responsibility given the event’s association with his film. The demonstration escalated as some individuals reportedly pelted stones and tomatoes at the property, causing minor damage and leading to a confrontation with the actor’s security personnel.
Law enforcement authorities responded promptly to the disturbance, arresting six individuals involved in the protest. These persons were charged with trespassing and vandalism. Subsequently, they were produced before a magistrate and granted bail, each required to provide two sureties of ₹10,000.
The catalyst for the protest was the tragic stampede on December 4, 2024, during the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule at Sandhya Theatre. The event, which drew an overwhelming crowd, resulted in the unfortunate death of Revathi and left her son critically injured. In the aftermath, allegations of inadequate crowd management and insufficient safety measures have been directed at the theatre management and event organizers.
As of now, Allu Arjun has not issued a public statement addressing the protest at his residence or the demands made by the OU JAC members. Previously, following the Sandhya Theatre incident, the actor expressed condolences to the bereaved family and emphasized his commitment to supporting the victims. However, specific details regarding any assistance provided remain undisclosed.
The incident has sparked a broader debate about the responsibilities of public figures in ensuring the safety of events associated with their work. While some argue that the onus lies primarily with event organizers and venue management, others believe that celebrities should play a proactive role in advocating for and ensuring the well-being of their fans during such events.
The protest by OU JAC students at Allu Arjun’s residence underscores the heightened emotions and demands for accountability following the Sandhya Theatre tragedy. As investigations continue and discussions about event safety and celebrity responsibility unfold, it remains to be seen how the involved parties will address the concerns raised by the public and affected families.