19-yr-old Chennai boy dies during Thunivu FDFS celebrations

CHENNAI: A 19-year-old youth, a college student who came to Rohini theatre in Koyambedu for the release of actor Ajith Kumar starter Thunivu died after he fell from the top of a lorry, over which fans climbed up as part of the celebrations.

The deceased was identified as Bharath Kumar of Chintadripet. Police said that he was a final year student at a private arts college in Thoraipakkam and was working part time as a food delivery agent. The incident happened around midnight.

Actor Ajith Kumar's new release, Thunivu, released by Red Giant movies, across the state had shows starting from 1 am. Fans of the actor who thronged the theatre from midnight at Rohini theatre occupied the Poonamallee High Road, causing ruckus.

As part of the celebrations, a group of youngsters stopped trucks and climbed on top of it and were dancing on them. Bharath Kumar and his friends climbed atop the cabin roof of a truck and was dancing when he allegedly lost balance and fell down.

Police personnel on duty secured him and moved him to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Koyambedu traffic investigation wing have registered a case and are investigating.

While Actor Ajith's Thunivu released by 1 am, Actor Vijay's release, Varisu, released at 4 am.

Fans of both the actors indulged in unruly acts tearing down banners of the movies at Rohini cinemas, which created a tense atmosphere. There were also instances of fans clashing with each other. Heavy police presence was deployed in the area and police resorted to mild lathicharge to disperse the crowd.

Several fans of both the actors pointed out online about the exploitation by theatre managements who cash in on the popularity of these actors and arrange for DJ celebrations and other activities and sell movie tickets for these 'special shows' at exorbitant prices.