Following the tragic stampede at the premiere of Pushpa 2, which resulted in the death of a woman, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy took a firm stance on regulating movie-related events. In a crucial meeting with key members of the Telugu film industry on Thursday, December 26, Reddy made it clear that moving forward, any roadshows or events involving actors would require prior police approval. This move came after the incident raised concerns about crowd control and safety at public film promotions.
Reddy emphasized that actors should refrain from attending premieres if there is a risk of disturbing public order, and he further underlined that events without police permission would not be permitted. The CM’s decision followed the unfortunate incident at the Pushpa 2 premiere, which resulted in the tragic loss of a life. The stampede highlighted the need for stricter regulations to ensure the safety of the public during high-profile film events.
The meeting, held at the Telangana Police’s Integrated Command and Control Centre, saw the presence of notable figures from the film industry, including actors Akkineni Nagarjuna, Daggubati Venkatesh, and director K. Raghavendra Rao. Political leaders, including Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, were also in attendance.
During the meeting, the CM reiterated his position on the issue of ticket pricing, rejecting proposals to increase ticket prices for upcoming film releases. He stated that his government would not grant further privileges for movie screenings, emphasizing that the focus should remain on ensuring the safety and well-being of the public.
In addition to the discussions on ticket prices and event regulations, Reddy also encouraged industry leaders to align with his government’s broader initiatives. These included campaigns against drug abuse, promoting women’s safety, and supporting tourism projects such as eco-tourism and temple tourism. He called for the industry to play an active role in promoting these causes, highlighting the potential for collaboration between the government and the film sector to create positive change.
The CM also brought attention to the issue of security at public events, stressing that bouncers’ actions would be closely monitored, and those hiring them would be held accountable for any incidents. He specifically warned event managers against providing inaccurate information to the police regarding crowd sizes and venue capacities, reinforcing the importance of transparency in ensuring public safety.
Addressing concerns over the government’s treatment of the film industry, Reddy clarified that there was no personal agenda against any individual or the industry as a whole. He expressed frustration over the criticism his government and the police had received following the stampede, stating, “The police had not granted permission, yet we were subjected to severe criticism and personal attacks.”
The meeting also saw the film industry delegation present several proposals, including a reconsideration of benefit shows and requests to raise ticket prices. However, in a post-meeting statement, Dil Raju, Chairman of the Telangana Film Development Corporation, downplayed the significance of these issues. He remarked, “Matters like benefit shows and ticket prices are minor. With nearly 200 Telugu films released annually, the Telugu film industry and the government will collaborate to bring Telugu cinema to the global stage.”
The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding that the Telugu film industry and the government would work together to address both the immediate concerns of public safety and the long-term goals of promoting the industry on a global platform. Reddy’s firm stance on regulation, however, ensures that safety will remain the top priority in any future film-related events.
In conclusion, the meeting between Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and key figures from the Telugu film industry highlighted the importance of balancing public safety with the growth of the industry. Following the tragic stampede at the Pushpa 2 premiere, the CM’s firm stance on regulating movie events, including requiring police approval for roadshows and enforcing stricter safety measures, underscores the government’s commitment to preventing further incidents. While proposals for ticket price hikes and benefit shows were rejected, the meeting fostered a sense of collaboration, with both the government and the film industry agreeing to work together on initiatives that promote public welfare, women’s safety, and tourism. This partnership aims to not only address current concerns but also elevate Telugu cinema on the global stage, ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for the industry.