Over three months after a tragic stampede at the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule claimed his mother’s life and left him critically injured, nine-year-old Sritej remains hospitalized at KIMS Hospital in Secunderabad, showing no neurological improvement.

The incident, which occurred on December 4, 2024, at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad, continues to cast a shadow as the boy struggles to recognize family members or respond to simple commands.

Doctors report that Sritej’s condition remains stagnant, with persistent neurological deficits. “He is not showing further improvement in sensorium,” a hospital statement noted, adding that he experiences intermittent dystonia, marked by involuntary movements to lift his upper torso. Despite this, his vital signs are stable without oxygen or ventilatory support, a minor improvement after briefly requiring assistance last month.

To enhance his nutrition, an Endoscopic Gastrostomy procedure was performed ten days ago, allowing direct stomach feeding via a tube, which he is tolerating well. Sritej is also undergoing physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

The stampede claimed the life of Sritej’s mother, Revathi, 39, during the chaotic premiere attended by Pushpa 2 star Allu Arjun. The actor, along with his team and theatre management, faces charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Arrested on December 13, Allu Arjun was granted interim bail the following day. On December 25, he, the film’s producers Mythri Movies, and director Sukumar collectively pledged Rs 2 crore to Revathi’s family—Rs 1 crore from Arjun, Rs 50 lakh from the producers, and Rs 50 lakh from Sukumar. Arjun visited Sritej in the hospital on January 7, meeting his grieving relatives.

The tragedy has spotlighted safety concerns at high-profile events, while Sritej’s slow recovery underscores the lasting impact of one fateful day.