Pawan Kalyan on Allu Arjun and theatre stampede incident: ‘Revanth Reddy would have done the same if it was me…’

Pawan Kalyan defended Allu Arjun's decision to visit the theatre for the premiere show, but said the police officers were right in prioritising public safety over everything else.

By: Entertainment Desk

Chennai | December 31, 2024 03:23 PM IST

3 min read

Pawan Kalyan on Allu Arjun and Revanth Reddy

Pawan Kalyan took a measured stance in the recent Allu Arjun issue.

The Telugu cinema industry’s solidarity was put to test with the recent controversy surrounding Allu Arjun and the stampede at Hyderabad’s Sandhya theatre during the screening of Pushpa 2, which resulted in the death of a woman named Revathi, and the injury of her son. With the case still in court, and Arjun involving himself in a war of words with the Telangana government and the police force, things seem to have finally come to a simmer. Now, superstar Pawan Kalyan, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, and the uncle of the Pushpa 2 star, shared his two cents on the issue. “I don’t think it is right to blame Allu Arjun alone for the incident. Cinema is a collective medium, right? But I believe the issue could have been handled better by the f ilm’s team. It would have been better if team Pushpa or Allu Arjun’s team met the family of the deceased soon after,” said Kalyan.

The ‘Power Star’ also expressed his solidarity with the police force and CM Revanth Reddy’s Telangana government for taking a stance and following the letter of the law. “Not just Arjun, Revanth would have done the same even if it was me. They proved that everyone is equal in front of the law. Sometimes, it is also about sending a message,” said the actor-politican, adding that he understands the pressure on the police force, and during such cases, it is public security that is paramount.

Trying to understand Allu Arjun’s machinations in braving the crowds to watch a premiere show, Pawan Kalyan said, “Acting is not just about the crores of money. It is also about receiving appreciation directly from the audience. To see where they are clapping, where they aren’t etc… Every hero has the right to engage with fans, watch their films in theatres, etc… I stopped after my fourth film, and I remember Chiranjeevi garu and I watching films wearing masks etc… But now, there are cameras everywhere, and it isn’t the same anymore.”

ALSO READ: Pushpa 2 Worldwide Box Office Collection Day 26: Allu Arjun’s blockbuster breaks Baahubali 2’s record, grosses Rs 1760 crore globally

Backed by Mythri Movie Makers, Pushpa 2: The Rule recently crossed the Rs 1760 crore gross mark at the worldwide box office. Starring Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil alongside Allu Arjun, Pushpa 2 has become the highest earning Indian film in the domestic market.

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