Before arrest, Pushpa 2 star Allu Arjun had clarified 'numbers are temporary but...'

Telugu superstar Allu Arjun, who recently celebrated the massive success of Pushpa 2: The Rule, is facing a grim turn of events. The actor was arrested in Hyderabad on charges related to a tragic stampede at Sandhya Theatre, which claimed the life of a woman and injured her son during the film’s premiere. This shocking development comes just a day after Arjun made a heartfelt statement about his gratitude for his fans and the overwhelming love for the blockbuster film.

The Tragic Incident at Sandhya Theatre

Amidst the euphoria, the premiere event in Hyderabad turned tragic. On December 4, fans rushed into Sandhya Theatre, resulting in a stampede that left 35-year-old Revathi dead and her son injured. Police intervened with a mild lathi charge to manage the chaos, but the damage was done. Three individuals were later arrested for their alleged roles in the incident.

Speaking at the success meet, Arjun addressed the tragedy with visible emotion. “The incident at Sandhya Theatre was deeply shocking. It took me hours to process it. My heart goes out to the grieving family,” he said. He pledged to meet the family personally and extend support. Arjun also announced a financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the family and confirmed that the team would cover medical expenses for the injured.

Allu Arjun's Statement to Fans

During the same meet, Arjun’s genuine connection with his audience was evident. Reflecting on the success of Pushpa 2, he emphasized the importance of fans over box office numbers. In a post shared by Mythri Movie Makers he said, "I have to say something about the box office number. The number you see is a reflection of the people's love. The numbers are temporary but the love that is etched in your hearts will remain forever, thank you for that love."

"I always believe that numbers have to be broken and yes, it is nice to be in this spot...to enjoy this state. Probably for 2-3 months, I'd like to be on this spot and enjoy these records. However, within 2-3 months, hopefully by next summer, I would want these records to be broken. It doesn't matter which film industry, be it Telugu, Tamil, or Hindi. It does not matter but I want these records to be broken," Allu Arjun added.

Rashmika Mandanna, who plays Srivalli in the film, also shared an emotional note ahead of the movie’s release. “Pushpa started way back in 2021, but for me, it began during COVID-19. This film has been a journey of emotions and connections,” she wrote, expressing her gratitude to the team and fans.

Police Action and Allu Arjun’s Arrest

On Friday, Arjun was taken into custody by Hyderabad police for questioning. He was accompanied by his father, Allu Aravind, brother Allu Sirish, and father-in-law Kancharla Chandrasekhar Reddy. The police are investigating crowd control lapses and have filed a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).

Pushpa 2: The Rule has shattered box office records, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of 2024. The movie raked in a staggering Rs 1,000 crore globally within its first week, marking a milestone in Indian cinema.

Director Sukumar and co-stars Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil also joined the celebration. The movie continues to draw packed audiences, with cinema halls experiencing unprecedented demand.

While Pushpa 2 continues to dominate the global box office, the shadow of the tragic incident looms over its success. For Arjun, who has always placed his fans at the forefront, the events mark a bittersweet chapter in his illustrious career.