Telangana CM Bans Benefit Shows in Tollywood After Tragic Incident
Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has announced a ban on benefit shows in the Telugu film industry. The decision comes after a tragic stampede at Sandhya Theater during the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule, where a woman lost her life, and her son was critically injured.
The announcement was made during a meeting on Thursday at the Police Command and Control Room in Banjara Hills. This meeting was attended by 36 key figures from the film industry, including producer Dil Raju, actor Nagarjuna, actor Venkatesh, and filmmakers like Trivikram and Harish Shankar. Government officials, such as Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Director General of Police Jitender, were also present.
Focus on Safety and Crowd Management
Producer Dil Raju, representing the Telangana State Film Development Corporation, confirmed that the discussions centered on various issues, particularly crowd safety at film events. CM Revanth Reddy made it clear that benefit shows would no longer be allowed, emphasizing the need to manage large crowds and ensure public safety during promotional events.
The Chief Minister urged celebrities to take responsibility for controlling their fanbase and ensuring that events are safe. He assured the film industry of continued government support but stressed that safety and law-and-order measures must be prioritized.
Calls for Stricter Protocols
In response to the Sandhya Theater tragedy, Revanth Reddy vowed to implement stricter safety protocols for film-related events. He also urged the industry to take an active role in promoting social causes, such as drug prevention and women’s safety. Additionally, he encouraged collaboration with the government to promote Temple Tourism and Eco-Tourism in Telangana as a way to boost the state’s tourism sector.
Industry Leaders Share Suggestions
During the meeting, several Tollywood leaders shared their ideas for the future of the industry. Filmmaker K. Raghavendra Rao supported the government’s initiatives and proposed hosting an International Film Festival to elevate Telangana’s global profile. Actor Nagarjuna suggested building world-class studio facilities in Hyderabad to make the city a global cinema hub.
Murali Mohan highlighted the growing competition in the film industry and the importance of safe promotional events. He expressed sorrow over the Sandhya Theater incident and called for improved safety measures.
Shyam Prasad emphasized turning Hyderabad into a premier international film destination. Similarly, producer Daggubati Suresh Babu discussed the need to make Hyderabad a central hub for global streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon.
Honoring Tollywood’s Legacy
Director Trivikram Srinivas acknowledged the contributions of leaders like Marri Chenna Reddy and actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao in establishing Hyderabad as a major film city. He praised their role in the city’s growth as a filmmaking hub.
Support for Victim’s Family
In a gesture of solidarity, actor Allu Arjun, Mythri Movies, and director Sukumar donated ₹2 crore to the family of Revati, the woman who lost her life in the stampede. Allu Arvind, producer and father of Allu Arjun, handed over the cheque to Dil Raju, who promised to use the funds to secure the future of Revati’s son, Sri Tej, who is still recovering from critical injuries.
Commitment to Collaboration
The meeting concluded with both the government and industry leaders pledging to work together to address urgent issues while ensuring the growth of Tollywood. Public safety and social responsibility were highlighted as top priorities for the future of the film industry.
