Cinema is not just a form of entertainment for many; for some, it becomes a way of life, says Karthik, a film enthusiast from Chennai. “The rush to witness our favorite stars on the big screen from the first show is something we live for. But sometimes, we forget that safety should always come first.”Indeed, the tragic incident during the release of Ajith Kumar’s Thunivu in 2023 serves as a harsh reminder of the consequences of unchecked excitement. A young man’s life was cut short when he fell from a moving lorry while celebrating in Chennai’s Koyambedu area. “This was a wake-up call for everyone,” states Ramesh, a social activist. “It’s a sad truth, but we cannot ignore the fact that these early morning shows cause chaos, and lives are being risked.”
Following the tragedy, Tamil Nadu’s government made the pivotal decision to halt permission for early morning shows, responding to the escalating safety concerns. “We were left with no choice but to implement a ban on early morning screenings. The tragedy in Koyambedu could have been avoided,” explains a Tamil Nadu government official.
However, some fans remain steadfast in their demand for first-day, first-show screenings, believing that it is an essential part of their cinematic experience. “It’s the excitement of seeing our idols that drives us to take risks,” says Anand, a long-time film fan. “But we never thought it could end in tragedy.”
The recent incident in Hyderabad during the premiere of Pushpa 2 has reignited the debate surrounding the safety of such events. A stampede broke out due to an overwhelming crowd at the screening, resulting in the tragic death of a 39-year-old woman. “This is yet another unfortunate incident that highlights the dangers of unregulated crowds at film events,” remarks social worker Suresh.
Social activists in Tamil Nadu, who had earlier protested against the early morning shows, have voiced their concerns once again. “The government should take responsibility for ensuring the safety of the public, especially in such high-intensity events,” says Priya, an advocate for public safety. “It’s time the Andhra Pradesh government follows Tamil Nadu’s lead in regulating screening times.”
As discussions continue, many are now calling for stricter crowd management protocols. “The government needs to step in and regulate these screenings more efficiently,” says filmmaker Suresh. “We cannot allow such tragic incidents to happen again. Starting shows after 9 AM seems like a small yet effective solution to control crowds.”
The tragic deaths in both Chennai and Hyderabad serve as stark reminders of the importance of crowd control and safety at public events. “The thrill of the first-day, first-show should never come at the cost of human lives,” states social activist Priya. “It’s high time that we prioritize safety and well-being over unchecked enthusiasm.”