Watching movies and becoming fans of key characters is nothing new. However, linking this fandom to politics, turning admiration into fanaticism, and escalating it to violence is what we are witnessing in the state now. On the occasion of Pawan Kalyan’s new movie Harihara Veeramallu’s release, his fans have caused widespread destruction across the state. These incidents, including in the usually peaceful Godavari districts, have caused significant inconvenience to the public and, in some places, have turned into law-and-order issues. Women and other commuters on the roads faced severe difficulties. The chaos and destruction in the name of the movie have become a topic of discussion across the state.
Deviant trends, a thorn in society’s side
The cycle of a political party, its leader, and their fans is sending the wrong signals to Andhra Pradesh society, sparking discussions in every household. While there’s nothing wrong with watching movies or being a fan, the deviant trends emerging in their shadow are being criticized as a thorn in society’s side.
Chaos in Tanuku on the campaign vehicle
In Tanuku, Janasena activists created a ruckus. A video of Pawan Kalyan fans intercepting and causing trouble for a vehicle belonging to YSRCP leader and former minister Karumuri Nageswara Rao has gone viral on social media. During a bike rally organized by Pawan’s fans in Tanuku for Harihara Veeramallu, they blocked the former minister’s vehicle and created a commotion, climbing onto the YSRCP campaign vehicle and causing a disturbance.
At Machilipatnam’s Revathi Theatre
Pawan Kalyan fans caused chaos at Machilipatnam’s Revathi Theatre. Late at night, they created a massive ruckus at the theatre, attacking each other. With fans flocking to the premiere show in numbers beyond capacity, police were unable to control the situation. As a large crowd forced their way into the theatre, the theatre’s glass was shattered. Not stopping there, fans attacked each other with water cans. Police had to resort to a lathi charge to bring the situation under control. Videos of these incidents have gone viral on social media.
Stick fights at Kadapa’s Raja Theatre
In Kadapa, Pawan Kalyan fans created a ruckus at Raja Theatre. They caused disturbances with loud bike sounds, removing silencers from their bikes and riding through the city, inconveniencing the public. In the process, fans split into two groups and attacked each other with sticks. Despite police attempts to intervene, the fans refused to listen, leading to a tense situation at the theatre.
Heavy Security at Sandhya Theatre
Meanwhile, at Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre near RTC Crossroads, Pawan Kalyan fans gathered in large numbers. As they created a commotion in front of the theatre, the police went on high alert. Heavy security arrangements were made to prevent any untoward incidents. Only those with tickets were allowed inside the theatre, and police took precautions to ensure no disturbances occurred inside as well.
