Jana Sena Party president and Andhra Pradesh deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan has finally expressed his opinion on the tragic Sandhya Theatre stampede incident on December 4, which led to the death of a 35-year-old woman and the hospitalization of her nine-year-old son.
Pawan Kalyan shared his views on the incident but remained diplomatic, refraining from blaming anyone, including his nephew Allu Arjun or the Revanth Reddy-led government in Telangana.
He explained that it is common for people to show love and excitement for film stars, and fans often get carried away when a hero arrives.
"Film stars deserve praise and recognition, which cannot be ignored. So, there was nothing wrong with Allu Arjun going to the theatre to watch the movie," he stated.
He also defended Allu Arjun’s actions of stepping out of his car and waving to the crowd.
"If the actor doesn’t greet the crowd, people may perceive him differently. Pride and arrogance become topics of discussion," he added.
However, he emphasized that proper precautions should have been taken when Allu Arjun went to the theatre.
"The staff should have informed Allu Arjun about the situation beforehand. Once he sat down, they should have taken necessary action," he said.
He acknowledged that even if this was communicated to Allu Arjun, it was possible he couldn’t hear it over the loud cheers from the crowd.
Pawan Kalyan mentioned that he had stopped going to movie theatres long ago, recalling how his brother Chiranjeevi used to go alone, disguised.
"I have also done so in similar situations. In such incidents, I don’t blame the police, as their priority is security," he explained, noting that during his recent tour in Vizianagaram, the police had asked him to stay at the front.
He praised Revanth Reddy as a great leader who rose from the grassroots and noted that his approach was different from the YSRCP's methods. He also pointed out that there were opportunities for benefit shows and ticket price hikes.
“The law should be equal for everyone. If it were Revanth Reddy in that position, he would have been arrested just like Allu Arjun,” he said.
Pawan Kalyan believed Allu Arjun should have acted with more empathy.
“It would have been better if someone from Allu Arjun’s side had visited the victims' homes the very next day. That way, the situation wouldn't have escalated,” he added, stressing the importance of showing support to those affected.
The deputy CM also suggested that Allu Arjun might feel guilty for the woman’s death, believing it occurred because of him.
"He should have reassured everyone that he was there for the victims," he said.
"In cinema, it's a team effort, and everyone should be a part of it. In this case, Allu Arjun has been made the sole culprit, which I believe is not right," he concluded.
