SM Raju, a well-known stunt performer in the Tamil film industry, died while filming a dangerous car stunt for Pa Ranjith‘s upcoming movie Vettuvam, starring Arya. The accident happened on July 13 in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, and a video of the incident has gone viral, sparking outrage over safety measures for stunt artists.
The footage shows Raju driving an SUV at high speed before it flips over and crashes. Crew members rushed to pull him out, but he was already severely injured and later declared dead at the hospital. The tragedy has led to widespread demands for better safety rules in the film industry.
How the Accident Happened
The stunt involved Raju driving a car over a ramp designed to make it topple. However, the vehicle lost control mid-air and landed hard on its front. Despite immediate medical help, Raju did not survive.
“So difficult to digest the fact that stunt artist Raju passed away while doing a car toppling sequence,” said actor Vishal, who had worked with Raju on many films.
Reports suggest that the stunt choreographer, Dhilip Subbarayan, had advised Raju not to perform the stunt himself, but Raju insisted on doing it.
“The stunt choreographer actually told Raju not to do it. He said it is a normal stunt. Just do the lead, the rest I’ll do with the canon blast. But he wouldn’t listen. He wanted to do the stunt,” Vishal revealed in an interview.
Industry Reactions and Calls for Safety Changes
The death of SM Raju has shocked the film industry, with many questioning why such risky stunts are still performed by humans when technology like VFX and remote-controlled vehicles could be used instead.
Fans and fellow actors expressed their anger online:
“What the hell? That’s really sad. These kind of stunts should be automated, at least with the help of remote control or any other possible way with some effigy.”
“Who the hell is going to take this responsibility? Is the hero, Director, Producer, stunt master? Is RIP enough? Who is going to take care of their families?”
Actor Vishal, who is also the General Secretary of the South Indian Artistes Association, promised long-term support for Raju’s family.
“Not just this tweet — I will definitely be there for his family’s future. From the bottom of my heart and as my duty, I extend my support for them.”
Stunt director Sham Kaushal, known for films like Dangal and Gangs of Wasseypur, was deeply affected by the news.
“Whenever I am asked to talk about the tragic incident that happened yesterday, I felt like crying. I feel like crying loud. It’s a big big loss for our entire film community, stunt community.”
Who Was SM Raju?
Mohan Raj, popularly known as SM Raju, was a 52-year-old stuntman from Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. He had worked in many Tamil films, performing dangerous stunts for decades.
Stunt choreographer Stunt Silva paid tribute to him, calling him one of the best in the field.
“One of our great car-jumping stunt artists, S M Raju, died today while doing car stunts. Our stunt union and Indian film industry will be missing him.”
Safety Measures in Question
While film sets have safety protocols, including ambulances, doctors, and special suits for stunt performers, accidents still happen. Vishal explained that many stunt artists hide injuries because they fear losing work.
“Many stunt artistes don’t report injuries unless we ask them. They fear they won’t be called the next day. It’s a hand-to-mouth survival attitude.”
The All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has demanded an FIR against the film’s team for negligence.
About the Film Vettuvam
Vettuvam is believed to be the sequel to Pa Ranjith’s 2021 hit Sarpatta Parambarai. The film stars Arya, Sobhita Dhulipala, Attakathi Dinesh, and Kalaiyarasan. Shooting is expected to pause after this tragic incident.
Also read: Dhanush And Nagarjuna’s Crime Drama Kuberaa Set For OTT Release On July 18
Credits: Hindustan Times, Times of India, NDTV, The Hollywood Reporter India, LiveMint, IndiaForums.
