Allu Aravind, renowned film producer and father of actor Allu Arjun, has pledged financial assistance of ₹2 crore to Sri Tej, the injured boy from the Sandhya Theatre tragedy, and his family. The tragic incident occurred during the premiere of Pushpa 2 on December 4, leaving the boy’s mother, Revathi, dead and the child critically injured.
What Happened During the Premiere?
The incident unfolded at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad, where massive crowds had gathered to glimpse Allu Arjun during the premiere of his highly anticipated film, Pushpa 2: The Rule. Chaos erupted when the actor waved to fans from the sunroof of his car, leading to a stampede-like situation. Tragically, Revathi, a 39-year-old woman, lost her life, and her nine-year-old son, Sri Tej, suffered critical injuries.
The child was rushed to KIMS Hospital in Secunderabad, where he remained on ventilator support for several days before showing signs of recovery.
Financial Support Announced by Allu Aravind
In a media statement after visiting the hospital, Allu Aravind expressed hope and relief upon learning of the boy’s gradual recovery. “After speaking to the doctors, we are delighted to know that the boy is breathing on his own, and the ventilator has been removed. The doctors are positive about his recovery,” he said.
Aravind announced a financial package of ₹2 crore for the boy’s treatment and future needs. The breakdown of the support includes ₹1 crore from Allu Arjun, ₹50 lakh from the producers, and ₹50 lakh from the director of Pushpa 2. The funds have been handed over to Dil Raju, Chairman of the Telangana Film Development Corporation, to ensure proper disbursement.
Industry and Government Collaboration
Prominent film producer Dil Raju also visited KIMS Hospital to meet the boy’s family. Speaking to the media, he shared that he had previously met Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to discuss coordinated support for the family. “The film industry and the government are working together to provide the necessary assistance to the family,” he said.
Naveen Yerneni and Ravi Shankar, the producers of Pushpa 2, handed over a ₹50 lakh cheque to the family earlier this month. Bhaskar, the child’s father, received the cheque in the presence of Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, Telangana’s Minister for Roads and Buildings and Cinematography.
)
Father Expresses Gratitude
Bhaskar, who has been staying by his son’s side since the incident, expressed immense gratitude for the support they have received. “After 20 days, my child has started responding. He opened his eyes and is slowly improving. We are thankful for the help from Allu Arjun, the film industry, and the Telangana government,” he said.
Bhaskar also recounted the chaotic events of December 4, stating that he and his eight-year-old daughter were separated from his wife and son in the crowd. It was only hours later that he discovered his wife had passed away and his son had been shifted to KIMS Hospital by the police.
Ongoing Medical Updates
Doctors at KIMS Hospital have confirmed that Sri Tej is making gradual progress. Dr. Chetan R Mundada and Dr. Vishnu Tej Pudi shared a detailed update on his condition, noting that while he is off ventilatory support and his vital parameters are stable, he remains in a semi-conscious state.
“He has spontaneous eye-opening and limb movements but has yet to make meaningful eye contact or recognize family members. He is responding to verbal stimuli but is not following oral commands. Intermittent dystonic movements and limb stiffness persist, and he continues to require tracheostomy tube suctioning,” the doctors stated.
Despite these challenges, the medical team is optimistic about his recovery, emphasizing that the road ahead will be long but hopeful.
Legal Developments Post-Tragedy
The tragic incident has also sparked legal scrutiny. Actor Allu Arjun was questioned by Hyderabad police regarding the circumstances of the stampede. Following his arrest, he was released on bail after furnishing a ₹50,000 bond. Investigations are ongoing to determine accountability for the incident.
Looking Ahead
The Sandhya Theatre tragedy has left an indelible mark on the family of Revathi and her son Sri Tej, highlighting the need for stringent crowd management at public events. The financial support from Allu Aravind, the Pushpa 2 team, and the Telangana government reflect a collective effort to aid the family during their time of need. As Sri Tej continues his journey to recovery, the tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the importance of safety and responsibility in large gatherings.