Mumbai’s iconic Gaiety Galaxy theatre witnessed an unexpected disruption during the screening of Allu Arjun’s much-anticipated film Pushpa 2: The Rule on December 5, 2024. The incident occurred post-interval when an unidentified individual allegedly sprayed a substance, believed to be pepper spray, inside the packed cinema hall, creating chaos and forcing the screening to stop for approximately 20 minutes.
Audience Distress and Evacuation
Eyewitnesses reported severe coughing, throat irritation, and nausea among attendees, with many visibly distressed and struggling to breathe. A video circulating online captures the chaotic scene, showing alarmed viewers leaving their seats and rushing toward the exits. The clip, shared by a news agency, highlights the magnitude of the incident, drawing widespread attention.
Theatre Staff Response and Police Involvement
Upon receiving information about the disruption, the theatre management promptly halted the screening and called in authorities. Police have launched an investigation to identify the individual responsible for the act. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the motive behind the incident remains unclear.
Recurring Controversies Surrounding ‘Pushpa 2’
The pepper-spray incident adds to the growing list of controversies surrounding Pushpa 2: The Rule. Before its release, the film faced criticism for its steep ticket prices, which sparked discontent among cinema-goers. On the premiere day, a tragic stampede at another theatre claimed the life of a woman. The stampede reportedly occurred when lead actor Allu Arjun made an unannounced appearance, drawing an overwhelming crowd. Police later confirmed that neither the theatre management nor the actor’s team had coordinated security arrangements for the visit.
Box Office Success Amidst Challenges
Despite these controversies, Pushpa 2 has shattered box office records, earning an estimated ₹175.1 crore net domestically on its opening day. With gross collections exceeding ₹200 crore globally, the film is poised to be a major commercial success.
Safety Concerns in Spotlight
This incident raises pressing questions about safety measures in cinema halls, especially during high-profile screenings. Viewers have expressed concerns over the lack of stringent security checks, urging authorities and theatre management to prioritize public safety.
As investigations continue, this event serves as a grim reminder of the importance of robust crowd management and preventive security measures at large-scale public gatherings.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
Mumbai: During the film Pushpa 2: The Rule show at Gaiety Galaxy Theatre in Bandra, a substance was sprayed, causing people to cough and experience difficulty breathing pic.twitter.com/zN9RrTvgkY
— IANS (@ians_india) December 5, 2024