Allu Arjun Named Best Actor for 'Pushpa 2' Despite Controversy Over December Stampede Incident

Telugu superstar Allu Arjun has been awarded the Best Leading Actor for 2024 by the Revanth Reddy-led Telangana government, under the newly constituted Gaddar Telangana Film Awards. The honour comes in recognition of his performance in Pushpa 2: The Rule, the sequel to the blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise, which grossed an estimated ₹1,800 crore globally.

The announcement, made by a jury headed by veteran actor Jayasudha, has stirred public attention not just for the award itself, but due to its timing—barely months after the actor was briefly jailed in connection with a tragic stampede incident.

The stampede occurred on December 4, 2024, during the premiere of Pushpa 2 at Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre, which Arjun attended to greet fans. The chaos reportedly broke out following his unannounced appearance, resulting in the death of a 39-year-old woman, M. Revathi, and leaving her 9-year-old son critically injured. Revathi’s family had come to watch the show when they got caught in the stampede.

Arjun was arrested on December 13, with Telangana Police booking him under BNS sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 118 (1) (causing hurt). The police cited his surprise visit as a catalyst that led to the overcrowding and eventual stampede.

Following the arrest, Arjun was remanded to 14-day judicial custody but was granted interim bail by the Telangana High Court the same day. However, due to procedural delays, the actor spent the night in Chanchalguda prison and was released the next morning.

The arrest sparked a political row. Leaders from opposition parties BJP and BRS condemned what they called a "disrespectful and high-handed" action by the state administration.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs and Telangana BJP leader Bandi Sanjay posted on X: “...national award-winning actor Allu Arjun, lifted straight from his bedroom without even being given time to change, is a disgraceful act of mismanagement and disrespect.” He added, “A star of his stature, who brought global recognition to Indian cinema, deserved better treatment.”

BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao also criticised the move, saying, “The arrest of National Award-winning star Allu Arjun is the pinnacle of insecurity of the rulers!” He added, “I totally sympathize with the victims of the stampede but who failed really? Treating Allu Arjun garu as a common criminal is uncalled for especially for something he isn’t directly responsible for. There is always space for respect & dignified conduct.”

Supporters of the actor expressed outrage across social media platforms, especially on X, where Arjun commands a following of 8.6 million users.

In the days following the incident, Arjun expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and initially pledged ₹25 lakh as compensation to the victim’s family. He later increased the amount to ₹1 crore. Additionally, producers Mythri Movie Makers and director B. Sukumar each contributed ₹50 lakh. Arjun also paid a hospital visit to the injured boy, Sritej, in January.

The Gaddar Telangana Film Awards, named after the iconic revolutionary singer Gummadi Vittal Rao (popularly known as Balladeer Gaddar), mark the reinstatement of Telugu film and theatre recognitions, similar to the Nandi Awards that were discontinued post-Telangana’s formation.

Following the award announcement, Arjun took to social media to share his gratitude. “Heartfelt thanks to the Government of Telangana for this prestigious honour. All credit goes to my director Sukumar garu, my producers, and the entire Pushpa team. I dedicate this award to all my fans; your unwavering support continues to inspire me,” he wrote on X.

In 2023, Arjun made history as the first Telugu actor to win the National Award for Best Actor for Pushpa: The Rise, solidifying his place in Indian cinema.