Indian cinema superstar Allu Arjun, known for his blockbuster performances, was arrested on Friday following a tragic stampede at a screening of his latest film, Pushpa 2: The Rule.

Thousands of fans had gathered outside the theatre to catch a glimpse of the 42-year-old actor, creating an overwhelming crowd. According to police reports, Arjun was taken into custody on suspicion of multiple charges, including "voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means." Alongside him, seven others, including members of his security team and theatre staff, were also arrested in connection with the tragic event.

Video footage aired by TV9 captured the moment officers arrived at Arjun’s residence, where he appeared calm, holding a coffee mug while speaking with authorities. Despite the arrest, he was granted interim bail later in the day, as reported by local media.

The victim, a woman in her 30s, had attended the screening with her son, who remains hospitalized due to severe injuries. Devastated by the incident, her family has filed a formal complaint against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management, accusing them of negligence.

Two days after the incident, Arjun broke his silence on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his sorrow:

"I am deeply heartbroken. While respecting their need for space to grieve, I stand committed to extending every possible assistance to help them navigate through this challenging journey."

Allu Arjun, a beloved icon in Indian cinema, especially in southern India, commands a massive fanbase. The Pushpa franchise has been a box-office sensation, with the first instalment earning him the prestigious National Film Award for Best Actor.

This tragic event has cast a shadow over the release of Pushpa 2: The Rule, with fans and critics alike mourning the incident while awaiting further developments in the investigation.