The much-anticipated pre-release event for Balakrishna’s upcoming movie Daaku Maharaaj was canceled on Thursday after a tragic incident at the Tirupati temple. A stampede in the temple premises left six people dead, casting a shadow over celebrations planned for the film.
What Happened?
The pre-release event was scheduled to take place in Anantapur at 5 p.m. on Thursday. Balakrishna’s son-in-law and minister, Nara Lokesh, was set to attend as the chief guest. However, on the morning of the event, Sithara Entertainments, the production house behind the film, made an announcement that it would not go ahead as planned.
In a heartfelt post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the production team wrote, “In light of the recent events in Tirupati, our team is deeply affected by the tragic incident that has occurred. It is heart-wrenching to see such an incident happen at the Lord Venkateswara temple – a place of devotion and hope for millions.”
Why Was the Event Cancelled?
The production house explained that they decided to cancel the event out of respect for the victims and their families. “Given the circumstances, we feel it is not appropriate to proceed with Daaku Maharaaj Pre-Release Event as planned,” they added in their post.
The decision was met with widespread support from fans, who appreciated the team’s sensitivity during this difficult time. Many fans took to social media to express their condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the stampede.
Daaku Maharaaj: The Film
Directed by Bobby Kolli, Daaku Maharaaj is set to release on January 12. The film has been generating a lot of buzz, with fans eagerly waiting to see Balakrishna in what promises to be an intense and action-packed role.
Promotions for the movie have been in full swing, with teasers and posters gaining attention online. The pre-release event was expected to be a grand affair, with thousands of fans planning to attend. However, the tragic events in Tirupati have understandably taken precedence, and the team has chosen to focus on showing solidarity with those affected.
A Tragic Day at Tirupati
The stampede at the Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirupati has left many across the country in shock. It occurred during a large gathering at the temple, which is one of the most visited religious sites in India. The cause of the stampede is still under investigation, but overcrowding during a peak prayer time is believed to have played a role.
The tragedy has sparked conversations about crowd management and safety measures at religious events. Many are calling for stricter protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
Fans and Supporters React
While some were disappointed about the cancellation of the event, most fans agreed that it was the right decision. Social media was flooded with messages of support for the production team’s choice, as well as prayers for the families impacted by the stampede.
One user wrote, “Respect to the Daaku Maharaaj team for putting humanity before promotions. Prayers for the families who lost their loved ones.”
Another commented, “This shows how much Balakrishna and his team value people’s emotions. Proud to be a fan!”
What’s Next for the Film?
Despite the cancellation of the event, the excitement for Daaku Maharaaj remains high. The film’s release on January 12 is expected to draw large crowds to theaters, as fans gear up to watch Balakrishna in action.
With its thrilling storyline and powerful performances, Daaku Maharaaj is poised to be one of the major releases of the year. However, the tragedy in Tirupati has reminded everyone that some things are bigger than cinema.
The pre-release event may not have happened, but the spirit of the fans and the respect shown by the team have left a lasting impact.
