The much-anticipated trailer launch of *Pushpa 2: The Rule* in Patna turned chaotic on Friday as fans thronged the venue in large numbers to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars, Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna. The event, which was expected to be a celebration of one of the most awaited films of the year, spiraled into mayhem as the crowd’s enthusiasm overwhelmed the security arrangements. As the lead pair arrived at the venue, fans surged forward, creating a dangerous crush near the barricades. Despite prior arrangements for crowd control, the sheer volume of people and their fervor to get close to the stars made the situation unmanageable. Eyewitnesses reported that fans climbed onto barricades, vehicles, and even surrounding structures to get a better view. In the process, several people lost their balance and fell, further adding to the chaos. Police personnel present at the event were forced to intervene when the situation became critical. In an attempt to disperse the unruly crowd, authorities resorted to lathi charges. While this action managed to restore some semblance of order, it also led to injuries among the fans, further souring the atmosphere. Videos of the incident quickly surfaced online, showing fans fleeing from the venue amidst the commotion. Despite the chaos, Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna attempted to calm the audience. Addressing the crowd, Allu Arjun expressed gratitude for the love and support but urged everyone to maintain decorum for their own safety. However, their appeals had limited effect on the already frenzied fans.
The incident has sparked debates about the organization of large-scale promotional events, particularly in cities with a passionate fan base like Patna. Critics have pointed out the lack of adequate planning and security measures to handle such a massive crowd. Some fans also took to social media to express disappointment at the event’s mismanagement, while others criticized the police action as excessive. Pushpa 2: The Rule is a sequel to the 2021 blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise and has been generating immense buzz across the country. Allu Arjun’s portrayal of the titular character, Pushpa Raj, won him widespread acclaim and a National Award, making the sequel one of the most eagerly awaited films in Indian cinema. Rashmika Mandanna, who plays Srivalli, has also garnered a massive fan following, adding to the hype surrounding the film. While the incident in Patna highlights the star power of the cast and the excitement for the film, it also underscores the need for better planning to ensure fan safety at promotional events. The trailer launch may have left some fans with unpleasant memories, but it also reaffirmed the massive anticipation for *Pushpa 2*, which is poised to set new benchmarks upon its release.
