Controversy erupts as Salman Khan fans ignite fireworks during Tiger 3 screening in India

INDIA: Amidst a screening of the latest Salman Khan film, Tiger 3, a group of enthusiastic moviegoers opted to unleash a display of what some deemed “dangerous” fireworks.

Tiger 3 holds significance as the third installment in the YRF Spy Universe, an Indian media franchise centered around spy action films and featuring stars Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif in lead roles.

The screening took place at Mohan Cinema in Maharashtra’s Nashik district on Sunday (12 Nov) and following the film’s conclusion, ardent fans of Khan seized the moment to celebrate the movie’s success with a rather inflammatory demonstration.

The revelry, captured in a video shared by X user Ravi Pratap Dubey on Monday (13 Nov), unfolds within the dim confines of the cinema.

Massive fireworks in the cinema hall during #SalmanKhan 's #Tiger 3 in Malegaon Maharashtra.
A stampede-like atmosphere in the cinema hall due to fireworks.
9 to 12 shows were going on in Mohan Cinema Hall of Malegaon.
Police investigating.#Tiger3 #Tiger3Diwali2023 #KatrinaKaif pic.twitter.com/FV8b9xSB4K

— Ravi Pratap Dubey 🇮🇳 (@ravipratapdubey) November 13, 2023

As depicted in the video, the cinema’s interior is cast in darkness.

However, as soon as Salman Khan’s face graces the screen, the piercing sound of whistles serves as an apparent alert to audacious pyrotechnicians.

The ensuing pandemonium witnesses sparks and crackles, with fireworks flaring, some exploding at head height and others reaching greater altitudes within the hall.

The video reveals that the fireworks were ignited by multiple individuals seated on the ground floor.

Amidst the chaos, unwitting audience members instinctively duck for cover, hastily making their way towards the rear exits of the screening room.

Salman Khan urges responsible fandom after dangerous fireworks display at ‘Tiger 3’ screening

On the same day, Salman Khan, addressing the incident through his X account, expressed awareness of the fireworks during the Tiger 3 screening.

He urged viewers to enjoy the film responsibly, emphasizing the importance of avoiding risks to oneself and others.

In his tweet, he stated, “I’m hearing about fireworks inside theaters during Tiger 3. This is dangerous. Let’s enjoy the film without putting ourselves and others at risk. Stay safe.”

I'm hearing about fireworks inside theaters during Tiger3. This is dangerous. Let's enjoy the film without putting ourselves and others at risk. Stay safe.

— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) November 13, 2023

In response to the incident, the local police force reported that the cinema owner filed a complaint, prompting an ongoing investigation.

As per The Indian Express, the police are in the process of registering an offense under sections 435 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage) and 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code.

Salman Khan fans’ cinema fireworks video sparks swift online criticism

The video depicting Salman Khan fans setting off fireworks inside a cinema quickly garnered attention on social media platforms, particularly X, where it amassed 649 thousand views.

Online users swiftly criticized the fans’ actions, with one comment reflecting on the Iraq wedding fire incident, emphasizing the potential dangers of fireworks within confined spaces.

In September, Iraq witnessed a tragic incident where over 100 people lost their lives and 150 were injured in a fire at a crowded wedding hall in Hamdaniya, Nineveh.

The catastrophe occurred after fireworks were ignited during the celebration, prompting comparisons and concerns from online commentators.

Some netizens pointed to the prevalence of similar incidents during Diwali back home, noting the apparent lack of lessons learned.

Another netizen referenced the Uphaar cinema tragedy in 1997, suggesting that these fans might be unaware of historical incidents that should serve as cautionary tales.

The Uphaar tragedy, a devastating fire incident that occurred on 13 June 1997, at Uphaar Cinema in Green Park, Delhi, claimed the lives of 59 people and injured over a hundred during the screening of the blockbuster movie Border.

The fire was triggered by a short circuit caused by a transformer in the cinema’s parking lot.

Netizens raise concerns over lax security measures in addressing cinema fireworks incident

Addressing the role of security, some netizens questioned the lax measures in place, highlighting the irony that while outside food and water are typically prohibited in cinemas, individuals managed to bring in fireworks.

The consensus among some online users was that thorough security checks could have prevented the fireworks incident, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to ensure the safety of cinema-goers.

Salman Khan fans ignite cinema fireworks in a repeat incident

It’s worth noting that the incident of Salman Khan fans setting off fireworks inside a cinema is not an isolated occurrence.

In a peculiar déjà vu, reminiscent of a similar incident in 2021, social media once again became the platform for showcasing clips of fans igniting firecrackers during screenings of Antim: The Final Truth.

This peculiar trend caught the attention of Salman Khan, prompting him to issue a statement on his Instagram account on 27 November 2021.

In his message, Khan urged fans to refrain from bringing firecrackers into the auditorium, emphasizing the potential fire hazard and the jeopardy it poses to lives, both theirs and others’.

Expressing concern, he further implored theater owners to implement preventive measures by disallowing firecrackers inside the cinema and ensuring that security intervenes at the entry points.

Khan concluded his statement with a plea to his fans, stating, “Enjoy the film by all means, but please, please avoid this. It is my request to all my fans. Thank you.”

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