On Deepawali, November 12, Salman Khan’s film Tiger-3 premiered in theaters across Bharat. However, videos surfaced on the internet showing a group of Salman Khan’s fans endangering fellow moviegoers by setting off firecrackers inside a cinema hall, creating a stampede-like situation. This incident mirrored a similar occurrence during the release of the film “Pathaan” in Malegaon.
Viral videos depict a chaotic scene in a packed cinema hall as fans recklessly burst firecrackers during Salman Khan’s on-screen entry at Mohan Cinema in Malegaon, Nashik, Maharashtra. The footage shows sparks filling the theater, prompting the majority of the audience to rush toward the exits to avoid injuries. What was meant to be a relaxed theatre experience turned into a disaster, resembling a stampede.
Police Inspector Raghunath Shegar of Chawani Police Station confirmed the incident, stating that they are taking strict action and registering a case. He mentioned that no injuries were reported, and no individuals have been detained, but necessary measures will be taken after further investigations.
According to local eyewitnesses, mid-way into the film, that was greeted with hoots, whistles, catcalls, claps, cheers, some unidentified persons sneaked up to the front of the hall, removed the explosive booty from small bags and lit up the fire-crackers, twine-bombs and rockets.
According to the viral clips, it appears that this was done in several different sections of the theatre and seated areas. Additionally, as per media reports, his fans also set off firecrackers in many other theatres across the country.
The police have started an investigation after a case was registered against Mohan Theater under Section 112 in Chavani police station, India Today reported. It added that two people have also been taken into custody for the incident.
After the videos went viral, numerous online users criticised Salman Khan’s fans for jeopardising the safety of children, women, and other moviegoers with their reckless act, which led to a stampede-like situation and the potential risk of starting a fire. Many users pointed out that this incident is not isolated, as there is reportedly a trend of recklessly bursting firecrackers in this cinema theater, demanding swift action.
An X user commented, “As usual (firework emoji) Salman Khan Fanclub Malegaon continues the TREND of Bursting Crackers in Theatres on Salman Khan’s Entry. Though it is not advised, fans’ emotions are hard to understand.”
‘Tiger 3’ released in theatres on November 12. A video, shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), shows fans bursting firecrackers inside Mohan Cinema in Malegaon, in Nashik district in Maharashtra. The video also shows other fans running to a safe space inside the theatrer pic.twitter.com/zPpCc75vzl
— Ravi Rock (@Ravi02178934) November 13, 2023
Another netizen questioned, “How do they even let them carry those inside the theatre??! We aren’t even allowed to carry our snacks.” While someone else stated, “How is it allowed? So risky and dangerous… Persons involved should be punished.”
How it is allowed? So risky and dangerous… 😠 persons involved should be punished
— Anchal Mishra 🙂 (@ranihindustani8) November 13, 2023
Interestingly, in a similar incident reported in 2021, Salman Khan issued a public appeal to his fans, urging them not to engage in such acts due to the potential fire hazard and the endangerment of their safety as well as others. During the release of Antim: The Final Truth in 2021, similar instances of hooliganism by fans were attempted in theaters, leading to viral videos. Salman Khan emphasised, “Request all my fans not to take firecrackers inside the auditorium as it could prove to be a huge fire hazard thereby endangering your lives and also others.” He urged theater owners to prohibit firecrackers inside cinemas and ensure security checks at entry points.
