‘Feel humiliated by this character assassination’: Allu Arjun after AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi, Telangana CM's remarks on Pushpa 2 stampede

Apologizing for his delayed appearance, Arjun explained it took him some time to "centre himself."

He described the stampede as an "unfortunate accident for which no one was at fault," extending his condolences to the affected family.

"I’m not here to blame anyone or any political party," Arjun stated.

"The main purpose of this press meet is to clear up the miscommunication, misinformation, and false allegations. I’m feeling humiliated by this character assassination. I’ve been working in this industry for 20 years, earning respect and credibility, and it was all destroyed in a single day."

Arjun went on to clarify that his attendance at the premiere was a personal matter tied to his growth as an actor.

"I’ve dedicated three years of my life to this film, and watching it in the theatre is an important part of my learning process. It’s how I learn for future films. I’ve watched seven of my own films there. It wasn’t a roadshow or procession, just the public outside the theatre.

"I waved as a gesture of respect. It’s known that once fans see you, they calm down and begin to disperse. The way was cleared, and I entered the theatre."

This comes after Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy accused Arjun of disregarding police orders by attending the screening of “Pushpa 2: The Rule” despite permission being denied.

Reddy claimed, "Before and after the screening, the actor stood through the sunroof of his car and waved at crowds, causing thousands to jostle to catch a glimpse of him."

Arjun responded, saying, "I was told the area was overcrowded and left immediately. No officials came to inform me personally. I only learned in the morning that the lady had passed away, which was deeply unfortunate."

He also explained, "I had only the best intentions. I left my two children behind, who are the same age as the child who was injured. I wanted to visit the injured child, but a case was already filed against me.

“I had intended to do so and even left a video message, asking my father, the producers, and director Sukumar to go in my place."

Arjun shared the emotional toll the situation has taken on him: "This is the time I should be celebrating, but for the past 15 days, I haven’t been able to go anywhere. Legally, I’m bound, and I can’t do anything." 

What did Owaisi say? 

Criticising Arjun sharply, AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi alleged that his 'irresponsible behaviour' contributed to the chaos surrounding the Sandhya Theatre tragedy. 

Speaking in the Telangana Assembly, Owaisi said Allu Arjun was indifferent of the unfolding tragedy, and claimed that the actor continued to enjoy his film screening despite being informed of the fatal stampede outside. 

"I don’t want to name the famous film star, but according to what I know, when he was told about the stampede outside the theatre, which resulted in a woman’s death and two children being injured, he smiled and said that 'the film is going to be a hit now,’" Owaisi was quoted as saying by TOI.

"He then watched the entire film and waved to the crowd as he left. This kind of response sends the message that the government is being unjust," he added, pointing out that the actor did not check on the injured.