Allu Arjun's post-release celebrations spark backlash from netizens

South superstar Allu Arjun, who was arrested and quickly bailed following a stampede death at the Pushpa 2 premiere, returned home to an overwhelming reception by jubilant fans and Telugu film celebrities, sparking backlash online as the victim's son remains in critical condition.

Allu Arjun was arrested from his home on Dec 13 and returned home on the morning of Dec 14 where he was greeted by his family, followed by a press conference and celebrity visits including that of Rana Daggubati and Venkatesh among others.

Many on the internet have called the ‘celebration’ unnecessary and insensitive alleging that it was all starting to look like a PR stunt.

“Today's non-stop celebrity visits and the publicity around it has tilted the scales in favor of Revanth Reddy. I am sure I am not the only one feeling that way. I like Allu Arjun, but today should have been a day of introspection, not celebration," a user wrote on X.

"The arrest was unfair and now that Allu Arjun is back, what is all this tamasha of the entire Tollywood descending in his house and every moment being captured on the lens! They are going overboard with this. It looks more like a PR stunt now, and they need to simmer down," wrote another X user.

Other users also pointed out how Allu Arjun did not visit the family of the woman who died despite promising 'to be there' for them.

"No one, Not even Allu Arjun visited the lady's family. This is the real Elite vs Poor," read another tweet.

Many users expressed anger as the news emerged that the deceased's eight-year-old son was critical and on a ventilator.

"Raja Babu who charges ₹300 cr per film, spent one night in prison and the entire country is making him feel like a hero returning from War. This country is cooked," a user stated.

The stampede occurred on Dec 4, during the premiere of Allu Arjun’s film Pushpa 2: The Rule at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad.
He was accompanied by his wife, Allu Sneha Reddy, and the film's female lead, Rashmika Mandanna.

Following their appearance, a huge crowd gathered to watch the actor, leading to a stampede-like situation that led to the death of 35-year-old Revathi while her son was hospitalized in critical condition.

During the press release on Dec 13, the actor at the center of controversy distanced himself from the tragedy.

“I was inside the theatre watching a movie with my family, and the accident happened outside. It is truly of no direct connection to me, truly accidental, purely unintentional. My love is with the family, and I'll be there in whatever way possible," he said.