‘Took me hours…’: Allu Arjun expresses grief over ‘unfortunate’ Sandhya theatre tragedy at ‘Pushpa 2’ success meet

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], December 7 (ANI): Despite Allu Arjun-starrer 'Pushpa 2' opening to a thunderous response from the audience. However, the entire team is currently deeply saddened due to the tragic death of a woman during the premiere of the film this week.
On Saturday, the makers organized a success meet where they paid condolences over the death of the fan in the stampede that ensued at Hyderabad's Sandhya Theatre on December 4.
Addressing the media, Allu Arjun said, "The incident that took place in the Sandhya theatre is very unfortunate...I'm shocked. It took me hours to process it and respond to the incident. I couldn't process it psychologically. It took me around 10 hours. We all blanked out when we heard the news. Sukumar sir also got extremely emotional. I will personally meet them later. We will always be there and try to support the family."
Director Sukumar also took to the stage and reacted to the tragedy.
"I have worked for over 6 years on this film, but I've not been happy for 3 days now because a director is always sensitive. Irrespective of me working for 3 years or 6 years, I cannot create a life. My heart is broken due to what happened. I am very sorry for that...I apologise to the family and assure you, we will always support you," he said.
On December 4, the fans of Allu Arjun thronged the theatre in Hyderabad, following which the police resorted to mild lathi charge to control the crowd. A woman was killed and her son was injured in the incident.
Prior to the success meet, Allu Arjun on Friday took to social media platform X and shared a video in which he assured that he and the entire film team stand with the family.
He also announced an assistance of Rs 25 lakh to help the bereaved family.
He said in the video, "We extend our deepest condolences to the family. We understand that no words or actions can ever compensate for the loss you are bearing..... I would like to extend financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh to the family as a goodwill gesture...we will also take care of the medical expenses..."
The caption along with the video reads, "Deeply heartbroken by the tragic incident at Sandhya Theatre. My heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving family during this unimaginably difficult time. I want to assure them they are not alone in this pain and will meet the family personally. While respecting their need for space to grieve, I stand committed to extend every possible assistance to help them navigate through this challenging journey."
Earlier, the makers of the movie issued an official statement expressing grief over the tragic incident.
"We are extremely heartbroken by the tragic incident during last night's screening. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the young child undergoing medical treatment. We are committed to standing by them and extending all possible support during this difficult time. With deep sorrow," wrote Mythri Movie Makers on X.
Meanwhile, 'Pushpa 2' is roaring at the box office. Cinema halls have been witnessing 'housefull' shows ever since the makers released the film on Thursday.
As per the team of 'Pushpa 2', the film registered a whopping Rs 294 crore globally on the first day of its release. (ANI)