A 24-year-old man was murdered by 3 teenagers (from New Delhi's Jahangirpuri), aged 15, 16 and 17, who are said to have been inspired by the recent hit action drama Pushpa - The Rise. The boys were reportedly so obsessed with the movie that they copied the look and characteristics of the titular role played by Allu Arjun. They even started a gang called Badnaam with 10-15 other boys. The victim, Shibu Hussain was against the boys playing Gilli Danda in the neighbourhood and this was apparently unacceptable by the attackers who then jumped him, beat him up and later stabbed him to death.

One of the boys even recorded this act of violence with the plan of uploading it on Instagram in an attempt to get “famous”. CCTV near the area was able to capture the trio on camera who were apprehended within 12 hours of the incident by DCP Usha Rangani and her team. They had caught them in time as they were just about to upload the video. The boys were calm and not afraid of being arrested as they believed they would be let out in 3-6 months. They said they were inspired by movies (Pushpa, Bhaukaal web series, and more) and wanted more followers on the social media platform. They have now been sent to a juvenile home and are to be given counselling.

If teenagers are being persuaded by movies to commit such acts of violence, then it is not the fault of the movies but just bad parenting. Kids should know the difference between right and wrong, especially in this day and age when unity is an important factor in these troublesome times in our country. We cannot blatantly blame movies and they are just a work of art that is meant to be enjoyed and appreciated; not imitated.