The pre-release event for NTR’s highly anticipated film “Devara,” scheduled for September 22, 2024, at Novotel Hotel in Hyderabad, turned into chaos and was ultimately canceled due to overwhelming crowd issues. Fans from across Telugu states and Karnataka gathered in large numbers to see NTR, creating significant anticipation since it was his first solo film in years. However, the event management company, Shreyas Media, mismanaged the situation by distributing passes far exceeding the venue’s capacity, leading to a packed auditorium by 6 PM, well before the event’s start time.
As fans were left outside with passes but denied entry, tensions escalated. Many fans shouted slogans against both the police and the event management team. Inside the auditorium, conditions became suffocating due to overcrowding, causing injuries as some fans fell over barricades. Despite attempts by security to manage the situation, the crowd outnumbered them, leading to fans breaching barriers and even reaching the stage area. The police declared the event canceled around 6:30 PM due to safety concerns, but fans remained unconvinced, fearing misinformation aimed at dispersing them.
This incident highlights significant planning failures, particularly regarding venue capacity and crowd control measures. The disappointment for fans who traveled long distances to see their favorite actor was palpable, compounded by rumors of potential alternate arrangements that never materialized. The chaotic scene at Novotel not only disrupted the event but also raised questions about the capabilities of experienced event management teams in handling such large gatherings.
