Jr NTR regrets cancellation of Devara pre-release event, defends organisers: 'My pain is bigger than yours...'

The highly anticipated pre-release event for Devara Part 1, starring Telugu superstar Jr NTR, was unexpectedly called off on Sunday due to an overwhelming crowd. The event, which was set to take place at the Novotel Hotel in Hyderabad, attracted thousands of fans, far exceeding the venue’s capacity. Despite efforts by the organisers, police, and the star’s personal security to control the situation, the crowd became unmanageable, forcing the event’s cancellation.

Jr NTR, visibly disappointed, addressed the situation in a video message, expressing his regret and defending the event’s organisers. “The cancellation of the Devara pre-release event has caused me a lot of pain, you all know that,” he said. “I wish to spend time with you all whenever I can, and also I was eager to share the effort that went into making Devara. But, due to security reasons, this event was cancelled. I would like to repeat again. I am sad about the situation, and my pain is much bigger than yours.”

ALSO READ: Devera release trailer: Jr NTR battles inner demons, promises visual epic

The actor also made it clear that the organisers were not to blame for the chaos, stating, “I feel that it's not fair to blame the producers or the event organisers for the cancellation of the event. Firstly, I will be eternally grateful for your love towards me. But, we will all meet on September 27. You will see the film in the theatres. Like I always say, it's my duty to make sure that you feel proud of my work.”

We regret being in this situation but are forever grateful to our beloved Man of Masses NTR’s fans. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

The biggest celebration awaits. See you in theatres on Sept 27th.#Devara #DevaraOnSep27th pic.twitter.com/oSXa2ga6Za

— Devara (@DevaraMovie) September 22, 2024

Fans had travelled from across states to attend the event, eager to catch a glimpse of Jr NTR. However, lapses in the distribution of passes reportedly led to more people gathering than the venue could accommodate. Despite announcements urging fans to leave, the situation escalated, with reports of damage to the hotel property as the crowd swelled.

@tarak9999 అభిమానుల కోపానికి ధ్వంసమైన నోవోటల్ #Devara ప్రి రిలీజ్ లో అంచనాలకు మించి అభిమానులు రావడంతో ఇది నోవోటల్ పరిస్థితి pic.twitter.com/ZyOLSwlsLH

— Telugu Film Producers Council (@tfpcin) September 22, 2024

The cancellation has left many fans disappointed, and some even resorted to vandalism at the venue. 

Enjoy 35+ OTTs like ZEE5, LionsgatePlay, Ullu, SunNXT, SonyLIV, Fancode and 250+ Live TV channels at just ₹99