By Bulletin Times 
Allu Arjun Caught in ‘Pushpa 2’ Stampede Controversy: What Really Happened?
The glitter of stardom turned grim when a stampede at a Pushpa 2 screening in Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre on December 4 led to the tragic loss of a young mother’s life and left her son critically injured. All eyes are now on Allu Arjun, the star of the blockbuster, as he faces tough questions about his role in the chaos.
The actor, who is adored by millions, was called to Hyderabad’s Chikkadpally Police Station for questioning on Monday. His surprise visit to the theatre that day is being blamed for triggering the frenzy among fans. Police allege that Arjun’s unannounced appearance led to overcrowding, with fans surging forward to catch a glimpse of their idol.
What followed has been nothing short of dramatic. On December 13, Arjun was arrested at his Jubilee Hills residence under high tension. According to reports, police allegedly entered his bedroom while he was changing, sparking a heated public debate. Though initially sentenced to 14 days in jail, the Telangana High Court intervened hours later, granting him interim bail and criticizing the police for their actions.
Amid the controversy, CCTV footage showing Arjun leaving the theatre under police escort has surfaced. Critics accuse the actor of ignoring warnings to leave, even waving to fans from his car’s sunroof and indirectly fueling the chaos. Arjun, however, has firmly denied these claims. “There was no roadshow. I simply waved to fans before entering the theatre,” he stated.
The tragedy has left the public divided. While some blame Arjun for poor crowd management, others argue that his presence alone isn’t enough to shoulder the entire responsibility. On Sunday, protesters stormed the actor’s home, vandalizing property and demanding justice. Yet, in a surprising turn, the deceased woman’s husband has publicly absolved Arjun of blame, citing the actor’s support, including a ₹25 lakh compensation. The producers of Pushpa 2: The Rise have also contributed ₹50 lakh to the grieving family.
As the investigation continues, this incident serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that come with stardom. For fans, Arjun is a hero on-screen, but the tragic events off-screen have cast a shadow over the celebrations of Pushpa 2. The question now is whether lessons will be learned to ensure the safety of fans at high-profile events.