In a heartbreaking story that has thrown a pall over the holiday launch of Megastar Chiranjeevi’s latest work, the die-hard fan allegedly died inside a movie theatre in Hyderabad. These tragic events unfolded today, January 12, 2026, during the first-day screening of the action-comedy ''Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu''.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred at the Arjun Theatre in Kukatpally during the 11:30 AM morning show. The deceased has been identified as Anand Kumar, a 50-year-old retired Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) from the 12th Battalion of the police department. Witnesses and theater staff report that it was right before that Anand Kumar collapsed suddenly in his seat midway through showing the film.
At first other moviegoers mistook him for fainting at the excitement, but when he remained unresponsive, they immediately alerted theater management. Medical Emergency and Suspected Cause. The theater staff rushed to his aid and told the local police. Anand Kumar was promptly transferred to the local hospital to receive emergency medical care. But they sadly stated he had been brought dead.
Medical preliminary reports and police observations indicate a quick cardiac arrest was the cause of the death. Officials have subsequently moved the body for a post-mortem exam to determine the precise medical cause of the tragedy.
Gloom Amidst Celebrations
The announcement, however, has ricocheted through the “Mega” fan community that had previously been celebrating Chiranjeevi’s sweeping Sankranti revival directed by Anil Ravipudi. Anand Kumar was an ardent follower of Chiranjeevi in his hometown and arrived early at the theatre for the first-day-first-show (FDFS).
Video footage of the theater depicted a darker tone when the screening was cut short and police cordoned off the area to investigate. Fans and industry members have poured into social media tears of condolences for the retired officer’s family in the form of tributes.
