Producer Dil Raju recently announced financial assistance of ₹10 lakh to support the families of two young men who died in a tragic road accident after attending the pre-release event of Game Changer. Directed by Shankar and starring Ram Charan, the highly anticipated Telugu film is set to release on January 10, 2025.
The accident occurred on the Rajamahendravaram-Kakinada road, where two residents of Gaigolupadu village, namely, Arava Manikanta and Thokada Charan, were returning home. Their two-wheeler collided with a van, resulting in fatal injuries. The incident has cast a shadow over the otherwise celebratory pre-release event held in Rajamahendravaram.
Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan of Andhra Pradesh announced an ex gratia of ₹5 lakh for each family. And on January 6, Raju decided to pledge an additional ₹5 lakh each to the bereaved families. In a statement to the media, he said, “It is deeply unfortunate that such an incident occurred after a positive event. My heartfelt condolences to the families.”
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Sri Venkateswara Creations, the production house, also issued a similar statement on social media platform X, expressing sorrow and reiterating their commitment to the victims' families.
The political action-drama stars Ram Charan and Kiara Advani in lead roles, with S J Suryah playing the antagonist. It is the Telugu debut of Tamil filmmaker Shankar, which includes music by S Thaman and cinematography by S Thirunavukkarasu.
The unfortunate incident emphasised the dire need for better road safety measures, even as the film fraternity helps provide solace to the affected families.