Pushpa 2' Stampede: Telangana HC Imposes Restrictions on Late-Night Shows- No Kids Allowed Post 11 PM

Telangana HC Restricts Late-Night Theatre Entries for Kids Post 'Pushpa 2' Stampede Incident

The much-anticipated premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule, featuring Allu Arjun, at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad turned tragic when a stampede-like situation injured several fans. The chaos, which caused panic and overcrowding, highlighted glaring safety concerns, particularly for minors attending late-night screenings.

In response, the Telangana High Court has imposed strict regulations to address crowd management and ensure the safety of moviegoers. The court has restricted children under 16 years from entering theatres before 11 am and after 11 pm. This directive also mandates regular inspections of theatres to ensure compliance, with violators facing penalties, including suspension of licenses.

Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy, citing the AP Cinema (Regulations) Rules of 1970, emphasized the prohibition of shows before 8:40 am and after 1:30 am. The court instructed the Home Department’s principal secretary to consult stakeholders and enforce these rules effectively.

The tragic incident left a woman dead and her young son critically injured. Actor Allu Arjun and the theatre management faced legal action, though the actor was later released on bail. This move by the Telangana High Court marks a significant step towards prioritizing audience safety during high-profile film releases.