The Tamil Nadu Police has launched a probe into the chaos at music maestro AR Rahman's concert in Chennai on Sunday. Tambaram Police Commissioner Dr Amalraj said they will investigate the reasons for traffic congestion, arrangements for parking, medical requirements and overall arrangements. He told NDTV that measures will be taken to avert a repeat.
The concert titled 'Marakuma Nenjam' turned out to be a ''traumatic'' experience for several fans who complained of overcrowding and a stampede-like situation and slammed the organisers for their horrible mismanagement. Many people took to social media to share videos of their ''bizarre'' and ''harrowing'' experiences, complaining about how they were not allowed to enter the venue, despite having valid tickets. Reacting to the posts, the composer offered help to those who could not attend the concert. "Let me be the sacrificial goat this time for all of us to wake up," Rahman said on social media.
Fans claimed that there was a stampede-like situation, resulting in women being harassed and children being separated and injured. Thousands of fans alleged that organisers oversold tickets, and expressed their disappointment on X demanding answers from ACTC Events.
One woman who left the venue without attending, alleged on a local television channel, "It's overcrowded, a stampede-like situation. No regulation at all". Another woman added, "We had paid five thousand for a ticket. But it was free for all, anybody could sit anywhere. They are answerable ". A family alleged saying, "There is no parking space as they had claimed. We parked our cars and walked 2 KM.''
A fan on X wrote, ''The most bizarre experience ever! It was the worst ever concert that I have attended. VIP zone tickets were priced at 25000 and 50000 and there was no security, every zone was one. The organisers over-sold the tickets. The seats were all off-center. Even in the VIP area, there was no stage view. No bouncers to man the areas!!! The entry demarcations were missing! everyone was entering from everywhere. It was like a stampede and no one to manage! What a disgrace.''
Watch the videos here:
Stampede like situation happening in #ARRahman concert.
— Manobala Vijayabalan (@ManobalaV) September 10, 2023
Many are being sent out from concert.
Many aren't allowed inside despite having passes.
All price category pass holders are mixed without segregating them to their respective pass category.
Parking is also a major… pic.twitter.com/qLmZRHbYZl
#ARRahman
— Kamya Menon (@water_menon) September 10, 2023
AR Rahman's concert tonight was the most traumatic event I've ever been to.THOUSANDS of people WITH tickets were being sent out, not allowed to enter because thousands of TICKETS WERE OVERSOLD. There was nobody to direct anyone,the ticket booth was abandoned. pic.twitter.com/dgZ9mmiCbt
The lack of proper parking facilities was also a major concern raised by many concert-goers who traveled for hours to reach the event venue. Some also complained about the low volume, making the performance barely audible for those away from the stage, and asked for a refund.
Very very bad audio systems. Couldn't hear any song or music. Too crowded, worst organisation, stampede, parking jammed, could not even return, need refund.#MarakkaveMarakathaNenjam#arrahman | #isaipuyal | #marakkumanenjam pic.twitter.com/ROHBCS5sTu
— Jay (@jp15may) September 10, 2023
Horrible experience at @arrahman concert. Horrible Sound Systems, zero crowd control and they have sold much more tickets than capacity. All late comers were standing in front of those who were sitting and on the pathway #ARRahman #arrahmanconcert your are the worst @actcevents pic.twitter.com/xBn0KyGqNO
— Vishnu Manoharan (@Mvishnu699) September 10, 2023
@arrahman Absolute scam at Rahman's concert in ECR. ECR is completely blocked with thousands of cars. Not an exaggeration. We have traveled 6kms in 3hours. 1 lakh tickets sold for a venue with only 10k occupancy. Couldnt even enter the venue, they blocked at 7pm #ARRahmanconcert pic.twitter.com/yClAV3eeaj
— Siddarth Eswar (@siddarth55) September 10, 2023
Another fan said it was "very badly organised" and a "waste of money and energy." She also mentioned that she felt stressed due to fights, in addition to poor sound quality. Some others shared experiences of suffering panic attacks and anxiety due to overcrowding.
Very badly organised concert. Waste of money. Energy.
— Charulatha Rangarajan (@charuturfo) September 10, 2023
Felt a huge sense of betrayal.
I was feeling so stressed than good vibes because of so many fights and shit that was going around!
Unfair max was No proper sound !#actcevents #MarakkumaNenjam #ARRConcert @arrahman pic.twitter.com/8a6LFvb6ms
A few called it ''the worst concert ever'', and even tore their tickets in rage.
Disappointed #ARRahman fan tore #MarakkumaNenjam concert tickets and says this is indeed an unforgettable event and a worst gift from A R Rahman to the people. pic.twitter.com/XXNR42PWzW
— Manobala Vijayabalan (@ManobalaV) September 10, 2023
Reaching out, AR Rahman asked fans who couldn't enter the venue on Sunday to mail their tickets and grievances to his team to respond. His response on X came after Organisors ACTC Events apologised for the ''overcrowding''.
Dearest Chennai Makkale, those of you who purchased tickets and weren't able to enter owing to unfortunate circumstances, please do share a copy of your ticket purchase to arr4chennai@btos.in along with your grievances. Our team will respond asap🙏@BToSproductions @actcevents
— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) September 11, 2023
Grateful to Chennai and the legendary @arrahman Sir! The incredible response, the overwhelming crowd made our show a massive success. Those who couldn't attend on overcrowding, Our sincere apologies. We take full responsibility and accountable. We are with you. #MarakkumaNenjam
— ACTC Events (@actcevents) September 11, 2023
The musician also took to Instagram and wrote, ''Some people call me G.O.A.T …………let me be the sacrificial goat this time for all of us to wake up ..let chennai's live art flourish with a world class infrastructure,increase in tourism, efficient crowd management,traffic management ,refining audiences to follow rules ..creating a safe and surreal experience for children and women ..Triggering a cultural renaissance at chennai celebrating our deserving ,illuminated local and international talent!''
Notably, AR Rahman, an Oscar-winning music composer is known for his work in films like 'Ponniyin Selvan' series, Rangeela, Bombay, Taal, Rockstar, and Slumdog Millionaire. Some of his upcoming projects include Ayalaan, Maamannan Maidaan, Pippa, Aadujeevitham, Laal Salaam, and Mani Ratnam's next with Kamal Haasan.
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