The release of Pushpa 2 made waves at the box office with record-breaking collections on its opening day. However, the celebration was overshadowed by a tragic incident at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad, where a 39-year-old woman lost her life in a stampede during the premiere. This unfortunate event has ignited debates about the safety of benefit shows and their future in Telangana.
In response to the incident, Telangana’s Cinematography Minister, Komatireddy Venkatreddy, announced that the state will no longer allow benefit shows. Theatres in Telangana now face stricter regulations regarding crowd management and safety practices. Adding to the controversy, police filed cases against Sandhya Theatre management, actor Allu Arjun, and his security team, holding them responsible for the mishap.
Sankranthi Releases Face Uncertain Future
The ban on benefit shows will likely impact the highly anticipated Sankranthi film releases. Ram Charan’s Gamechanger, a big-budget production, may face serious challenges. The film has already experienced multiple delays, and its success depends on creating excitement among fans. Special screenings, early morning premieres, and hiked ticket prices are often strategies used to maximize revenue during this festive season. Without these options, the buzz around Gamechanger could drop significantly.
Other Sankranthi films, such as Balakrishna’s Daku Maharaj and Venkatesh’s Sankranthi ki Vastunnam, will also feel the effects of this decision. While Venkatesh’s family drama may not require additional shows, Balakrishna’s mass action film relies on the hype that special screenings generate. These shows help capture the attention of fans and capitalize on the festive mood.
The Bigger Picture: Impact Beyond Telangana
Even if Andhra Pradesh allows special shows, their absence in Telangana could negatively affect box office collections. Sankranthi is a crucial season for filmmakers, and restrictions in one state may reduce the overall profitability of these releases.
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