As per reports, the screening of Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandana starrer Pushpa 2 was halted for 15-20 minutes at Mumbai's Gaiety Galaxy Theatre after the intermission following complaints. This came a day after a stampede killed a woman during the premiere of the film at Hyderabad's Sandhya Theatre.
A day after the death of a woman in a stampede in Hyderabad, the screening of Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandana starrer Pushpa 2:The Rule, got embroiled in another controversy at Mumbai's Gaiety Galaxy Theatre after an unidentified person sprayed a 'mysterious substance' which caused coughing, throat irritation, and vomiting among the audience.
Videos on social media show panic-struck moviegoers running out of the hall covering their faces. As per reports, the screening was halted for 15-20 minutes after the intermission following complaints.
According to reports the matter is currently under investigation.
According to a report by India Today, efforts are on to ascertain what spray was used inside the theatre. Police reportedly suspect that a spray which was meant to be used outside in an open space must have been used inside the theatre.
Expressing grief over the death of the woman in Hyderabad, actor Allu Arjun in a video message said, "Deeply heartbroken by the tragic incident at Sandhya Theatre. My heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving family during this unimaginably difficult time. I want to assure them they are not alone in this pain and will meet the family personally. While respecting their need for space to grieve, I stand committed to extend every possible assistance to help them navigate through this challenging journey."
On Wednesday, a woman later identified as Revathi was killed in a stampede while her eight-year-old was also critically injured at Hyderabad's Sandhya Theatre during the premiere of Pushpa 2.
The son remains in critical condition and is undergoing treatment at a private hospital. Following the death, protests took place outside the theatre seeking strict action against the management and ex-gratia for the deceased's family.
On Wednesday, December 4, a massive crowd reportedly gathered at the movie theatre which led to the stampeded. The situation escalated once Allu Arjun arrived at the location. The crowd gathered and rushed forward to catch a glimpse of the star.
A case has been registered against Sandhya Theatre following the death of the woman in a stampede on Wednesday night.
As per reports, Hyderabad Police have filed a case against the theatre and its management for negligence and failure to ensure crowd safety. Along with this, a case has also been registered against Allu Arjun's team for failure to notify the police about the actor's arrival in advance.
A case has been filed under IPC Sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), now corresponding to sections 105 and 118, respectively of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.