Nandamuri Balakrishna's Daaku Maharaaj pre-release event cancelled after Tirupati stampede death tragedy

Daaku Maharaaj

The much-anticipated pre-release event of upcoming movie Daaku Maharaaj, starring Nandamuri Balakrishna, was cancelled on Thursday following the tragic stampede incident that occurred at the Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirupati. The tragedy, which claimed the lives of six individuals and left many others injured, cast a shadow over the film's promotion event, leading the makers to show respect for the victims and their families.

Sithara Entertainments, the production house behind Daaku Maharaaj, issued an official statement on social media expressing their sorrow over the incident.

The statement conveyed the team's deep emotional response to the tragedy and their decision to call off the event out of respect for the lives lost and the feelings of the public.

"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 occur at the Lord Venkateswara temple - a place of devotion, hope for millions and a cherished part of our families' traditions," the statement read.

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The production house emphasized that given the gravity of the situation, they felt it was inappropriate to proceed with the grand pre-release celebration of Daaku Maharaaj as originally planned. "Given the circumstances, we feel it is not appropriate to proceed with #DaakuMaharaaj Pre Release Event as planned. With a heavy heart and utmost respect for the devotion and sentiments of the people, we have decided to call off today’s event," they added.

The pre-release event for Daaku Maharaaj had been planned to take place in the open grounds at Srinagar Colony, on the outskirts of Anantapur. The event was set to feature the film's cast and crew, including Nandamuri Balakrishna, Pragya Jaiswal, Shraddha Srinath, and Urvashi Rautela, in attendance. The team had also made all the necessary arrangements for the event, including obtaining police permissions. However, in light of the unfortunate events in Tirupati, the makers chose to put the public gathering on hold.

While the team did not announce a new date for the pre-release event, they expressed their hope that the public would understand the decision. "We hope for your understanding and support during this difficult time," the statement concluded.

Daaku Maharaaj, directed by Bobby Kolli, is set for a grand theatrical release on January 12. The film, which promises action-packed entertainment, also features Bobby Simha in a significant role, with music by SS Thaman, cinematography by Vijay Kartik Kannan, and editing by Ruben and Niranjan Devaramane. Despite the event cancellation, the team remains focused on the film's upcoming release, which will still proceed as planned.