Allu Arjun has commemorated the first anniversary of Pushpa 2: The Rule, even as criticism continues to surface regarding his alleged lack of adequate support for the victims of the stampede that occurred during the film’s premiere last year. The tragedy unfolded on December 4, 2024, at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad, where massive crowds gathered to see the actor during a special screening. In the chaos, a woman named Revati died, and her young son, Sritej, was severely injured and hospitalised for months.
A year later, Arjun marked the milestone of the film’s release with a social media post celebrating the journey of Pushpa 2. Sharing a behind-the-scenes image with director Sukumar, the actor described the five-year making of the franchise as unforgettable and thanked the audience for their overwhelming love. He expressed gratitude to the entire cast and crew, calling the film’s success a collective achievement. Pushpa 2, which went on to become the highest-grossing Telugu film with a worldwide collection of ₹1871 crore, remains a defining work in Arjun’s career despite the controversy surrounding its release.
However, the anniversary post prompted many online users to revisit the unresolved concerns about the stampede victims. Some reminded the actor that the family who suffered the loss has still not fully recovered. Others criticised the celebratory tone, pointing out that Sritej, the child injured in the incident, is still reportedly in critical condition a year later. Several users accused the actor’s fanbase of celebrating the anniversary loudly while ignoring the tragedy that unfolded due to the overwhelming crowd drawn by Arjun’s appearance at the theatre.
During the initial investigation last year, Arjun, members of his team, and theatre management personnel were arrested before being released on bail. The actor had promised financial and medical assistance to the affected family, but recent statements from Sritej’s father allege that he was not given the support he was assured when he sought further help.
As Pushpa 2 continues to be celebrated for its cinematic success, the conversation around the tragedy has resurfaced, raising questions about accountability, responsibility during promotional events, and whether the families impacted have received justice or closure.
