Chaos erupted at a screening of Chiranjeevi's latest film, "Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu," as numerous fans reportedly entered a theater without tickets on Sunday, January 19, 2026. The incident, which took place during a showing of the Telugu action-comedy, led to heated arguments and physical altercations over seating, disrupting the viewing experience for ticket-paying moviegoers.
Videos circulating on social media captured the turmoil, showing fans clashing inside the theater. Pavani, an Instagram user, shared a video explaining that despite purchasing tickets, her family could only secure one seat due to the influx of un-ticketed individuals. The situation reportedly worsened after the intermission, escalating into shoving and hitting as more individuals occupied seats without authorization.
The incident has sparked concerns regarding crowd control and theater management during screenings of highly anticipated films, particularly those featuring prominent stars like Chiranjeevi. Questions have been raised about the measures in place to ensure that only ticket holders are granted entry and that seating arrangements are respected. Some Instagram users questioned the hall management's actions during the chaotic event. One user asked why people sat on the floor instead of complaining. Another user commented that fighting over a movie is something that can only happen in India.
"Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu," directed by Anil Ravipudi and starring Chiranjeevi and Nayanthara, was released on January 12, 2026, ahead of the Sankranti festival. The film, which revolves around a national security officer's efforts to protect his estranged family, has garnered significant attention and has reportedly grossed ₹292 crore worldwide.
The movie has received mixed reviews, with some criticizing its gender politics. However, Chiranjeevi's performance, particularly his comedic timing, has been praised.
This incident isn't the only recent unfortunate event connected to the film. Earlier in the week, a 64-year-old retired Assistant Sub-Inspector died of a heart attack while watching "Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu" in a Hyderabad theater. Also, the morning show of the movie was cancelled in Alankar theatre in Hyderabad due to poor ticket sales.
Despite the controversies, "Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu" continues its successful run in theaters. The film is expected to be available for streaming on ZEE5 after its theatrical release.
