Chaos erupted at the Gaiety Galaxy Theatre in Bandra Thursday night during the screening of Allu Arjun’s highly anticipated film Pushpa 2: The Rule when an unknown substance was sprayed in the hall. The incident caused several moviegoers to experience coughing and throat irritation, leading to a halt in the screening.
A video circulating online captured the panic inside the theatre as audience members covered their faces and rushed to leave the hall. “The movie has been stopped. Someone sprayed something, and everyone is coughing,” a man was heard saying in the video.
Police arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, but no case was registered as of yet. Investigations are ongoing to determine the nature of the substance and identify those responsible.
Mystery Substance Sparks Panic at Pushpa 2 Screening in Mumbai!
Chaos erupts at Bandra’s Galaxy Theatre after a mysterious spray disrupts Pushpa 2 The Rule. Audience left coughing and vomiting mid-show. Police investigation underway. #Pushpa2 #WildFirePushpa pic.twitter.com/bkts2TPv65
— Sneha Mordani (@snehamordani) December 6, 2024
Tragedy in Hyderabad
This disruption comes a day after a tragic stampede at Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre during the premiere of the same film, which claimed the life of a 35-year-old woman and left her 9-year-old son hospitalized due to asphyxiation.
ALSO READ: Woman dead, child injured in stampede at Hyderabad screening of ‘Pushpa 2’
The stampede occurred as fans surged to catch a glimpse of Allu Arjun, who made an unannounced appearance at the theatre. The lack of adequate crowd management has drawn criticism, with police booking Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management under sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 118(1) (causing hurt by dangerous means) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Neither Allu Arjun nor the management of the Mumbai or Hyderabad theatres have issued official statements regarding these incidents. The disruptions have raised concerns about crowd management and safety measures during high-profile movie premieres.
Pushpa 2 and Its Star Cast
Pushpa 2: The Rule, directed by Sukumar, continues the story of Pushpa, a laborer-turned-smuggling kingpin. The film stars Allu Arjun in the titular role, with Rashmika Mandanna playing the female lead and Fahadh Faasil as the antagonist.
ALSO READ: Allu Arjun booked after fan dies in Hyderabad stampede
The movie, one of the most awaited releases of the year, has garnered massive fan anticipation following the success of its predecessor, Pushpa: The Rise.
While investigations continue, the incidents surrounding Pushpa 2 underscore the need for stronger safety protocols at public events. Fans and cinema enthusiasts await further updates on the film’s screening schedules and the outcomes of the ongoing inquiries.
