A year after the tragic stampede at Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre during the release of Pushpa 2: The Rule, the family of critically injured 8-year-old Sritej is struggling with mounting medical expenses, despite the promise of a ₹2 crore ex gratia fund.
The stampede, which occurred on December 4, 2024, following a visit by actor Allu Arjun, claimed the life of Sritej’s mother, Revathi.
Son’s Ongoing Critical Care
Sritej, who was eight years old at the time, was hospitalized for 146 days and subsequently moved to a neuro-rehabilitation centre. His father, Magudampalli Bhaskar, has revealed that Sritej is still unable to eat, drink, or breathe properly on his own.
- Monthly Expenses: Bhaskar stated his son’s medical needs alone amount to ₹1.25 lakh per month.
- Family Burden: Having quit his job at a gold shop to care for Sritej, his daughter, and his aged mother, Bhaskar says the family’s financial situation is overwhelming.
- Specific Costs: He claimed ₹3 lakh has already been spent on Sritej’s leg surgeries this year.
Financial Struggle Despite ₹2 Crore Fund
Following the incident, actor Allu Arjun (who was arrested and later released on bail) and the Pushpa 2 team—including his father, producer Allu Aravind, Mythri Movie Makers, and director Sukumar—announced a combined ex gratia payment of ₹2 crore and promised to cover the victim’s medical expenses.
Bhaskar confirmed the ₹2 crore deposit was made, but stated that the interest generated is insufficient to cover the staggering monthly medical costs. He alleges his attempts to contact the actor and his team for the promised continued assistance have gone unanswered.
Allu Arjun’s Team Responds
A spokesperson for Allu Arjun, referencing a public statement by producer Bunny Vas, clarified that the actor does not handle the communication or disbursement of the funds directly due to a “system” put in place.
Bunny Vas stated that all support efforts are being coordinated through “pedda manushulu” (respectable people), specifically mentioning producer Dil Raju, who was appointed as the mediator. He urged the family to address their dissatisfaction and need for more funds directly to these mediators.