CM asks Nani to seek police nod for attending 'The Paradise' premiere at RTC X Roads
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Wednesday asked actor Nani to submit an official application to the local police if he wants to attend the premiere of his upcoming film "The Paradise" at a theatre in Hyderabad's RTC X Roads.
Reddy was responding to Nani's request seeking permission to watch the September 23 premiere with the audience at RTC X Roads, saying he wanted to experience the film alongside the people it was made for.
The Chief Minister said he appreciated Nani's respect for safety guidelines and his commitment to "The Paradise", directed by young Telangana filmmaker Srikanth Odela.
"To ensure seamless crowd management and public safety, please submit an official application to the designated local police station. The concerned team will review the application and take a decision accordingly," Reddy said in a post on X.
Nani had earlier addressed Reddy, Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy and Telangana Police in a post on X, saying watching films with fellow cinema lovers held a special place for him.
"I would love to visit a theatre at RTC X Roads for 'The Paradise' premiere show (23rd Sept) and experience the film with our audience, the very people we made it for," he said.
Nani said the ultimate satisfaction of making a film was to sit among the audience and experience their response.
"We will follow all the necessary protocols and safety guidelines in place. That will be our priority. I hope you will kindly consider my request," he said.
The request comes against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny of high-profile film premieres in Telangana following the December 2024 stampede at Sandhya Theatre on RTC X Roads during the premiere of "Pushpa 2: The Rule". The incident left a woman dead and her son critically injured.
Actor Allu Arjun, the theatre management and others were subsequently booked in connection with the case. Police later filed a charge sheet against 23 accused.
Authorities have since tightened norms governing permissions for movie premieres and promotional events, making crowd management and public safety important considerations in granting approvals.
"The Paradise", directed by Odela and starring Nani, is scheduled for theatrical release on September 24, with a special premiere show on September 23.
