The movie-goers complained of medical discomfort during the screening of ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ at Bandra’s Gaiety Galaxy theatre. Although the Bandra police have collected the CCTV footage and launched an investigation, no FIR has been registered yet. There were around 500 people in the audience, a cop said.
The incident took place during the night show (10pm) on Thursday after an unidentified individual allegedly sprayed a mysterious substance during the interval. Subsequently, many viewers reported symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, vomiting and general discomfort. They claimed that the symptoms began after the unknown substance was sprayed inside the theatre during the interval.
Around 11.30pm, the show was halted for 15-20 minutes as people struggled inside the theatre. The doors were opened to ventilate the area and allow the toxic fumes to dissipate. Once the effect of the spray subsided, the screening resumed. A police officer said, “We immediately reached the theatre after receiving the information. We checked every audience member individually, but did not find any suspicious substance. No major injuries were reported apart from cases of mild coughing. Nobody vomited or complained of health issues.”
Recalling the anxious moments, an audience member said, “We came out during the interval. After going back in, it seemed someone had sprayed something that caused coughing.” Another viewer recounted, “As soon as we returned after the interval, we started coughing, went to the bathroom and vomited. The smell lingered for 10-15 minutes, but it faded away after the doors were opened.”
Hyderabad tragedy
On Wednesday night, there was a massive stampede when Allu Arjun, the movie’s protagonist, arrived during a special fan premiere of the film in Hyderabad. A woman was crushed to death, while her child sustained serious injuries. The local police have booked the actor and the theatre management in connection with the stampede.
