Telugu superstar Allu Arjun, riding high on the success of Pushpa 2: The Rule, was arrested on Friday morning by Hyderabad police in connection with the tragic stampede incident at Sandhya Theatre during the film’s premiere. The December 4 incident claimed the life of 35-year-old M. Revathi and left her son critically injured.
Allu Arjun, the fourth individual apprehended in the case, was taken from his residence to the Chikkadpally Police Station for questioning. His arrest has triggered widespread outrage, with fans and industry colleagues rallying behind the actor. Rashmika Mandanna, Nani, Vivek Oberoi, Varun Dhawan, and political leader Jagan Mohan Reddy have all voiced their support, criticizing the arrest as unjust.
Actor-politician Ravi Kishan, a collaborator of Allu Arjun, expressed his disappointment, calling the day a “black mark” for the film fraternity and Arjun’s global fanbase. He told ANI, “It is a black day for the entire acting fraternity, the film industry, and all his fans around the world. Allu Arjun is a taxpayer who has brought tremendous business to cinema, he is a National Award-winning actor and he is a very civilized person. Do you have any personal grudge against him? The Congress government, the Chief Minister, and the administration there must answer why they treated this artist in such a manner. What is the reason? What personal revenge is behind this? Are you making a personal transition? Today, it feels like any artist could be dragged and treated this way just because they belong to a certain state governed by Congress. I don’t understand why this is happening. It’s a huge question mark, and they will have to answer it. His fans, not just across India but worldwide, deserve answers. They must understand why this is happening to someone from their community. This is a very sad day, and it hurt all of us. Because I personally know that a gentleman like him is being treated as if he were a terrorist, being pulled out of his house like that. What kind of impact it would’ve had on his children, his family members. This is a very sad day.”
Allu Arjun Gets Interim Relief: BJP, BRS Leaders Slam Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Over ‘Unfair Arrest’
Allu Arjun’s father, renowned filmmaker Allu Arvind, brother Allu Sirish, and other family members were present during the arrest. Reports indicate that the actor was displeased with police entering his private space, expressing his concerns before leaving with them.
The stampede unfolded when Arjun and the Pushpa 2 team visited the Sandhya Theatre to celebrate the film’s screening. The massive crowd that gathered to catch a glimpse of the star led to the chaos. Addressing the tragedy, Allu Arjun expressed his heartbreak, pledging financial support of Rs 25 lakh to the bereaved family and covering medical expenses for the injured boy.
Director Sukumar, visibly shaken, also apologized for the incident. “My heart is broken. I apologize to the family and assure you we will always support you,” he said at the film’s success meet.
The arrest has raised questions about crowd management during public events, with many calling for accountability from the local administration rather than blaming the star.