A Deadly Mishap While Filming Dangerous Stunt Shots
India’s movie fraternity is currently in shock following the announcement of the death of stuntman SM Raju in what appears to be an accident while filming for the movie Pa Ranjith Vettuvam Crash. On July 13, 2025, a well-known stuntman, Mohan Raj, popularly known as SM Raju, died in a severe automobile crash midway through a high-speed vehicle-toppling stunt for Vettuvam, which features Arya and was filmed in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu. In the sequence that was meant to be shot, Raju was supposed to drive an SUV over a ramp meant for the dramatic crash sequence, but the vehicle was supposed to crash violently. He was supposed to drive the SUV over a ramp that was made for the dramatic crash landing. Unfortunately the vehicle ended up losing control, and midway through the stunt, it violently flipped, resulting in a catastrophic crash.
Reaction to the Incident in Addition to What Occurred Following It
From the moment he began the attempt, the crew started recording, and part of the footage appears to show the car spinning out of control, followed by members of the crew running toward the SUV and attempting to rescue SM Raju. Unfortunately, despite being rushed to Nagapattinam government hospital, he had already passed away. Due to the untimely death of Raju, who was held in high regard in the film industry, shock waves were sent across the film set and immense sadness was caused among the crew.
Memorials and Industry Reactions
The assassination of a stuntman on a film set sent ripples of disbelief through the Indian cinema industry. Actor Vishal, who worked closely with Raju, shared his sorrow online, remembering Raju’s heroism and loyalty to his work. “So difficult to digest the fact that stunt artist Raju passed away while doing a car-toppling sequence,” Vishal posted, promising unwavering support for Raju’s family. Stunt Silva, a well-known choreographer in the industry, paid his respects as well, stating Raju was ‘one of our great car-jumping stunt artists,’ emphasizing the gap left by his passing. Director Mari Selvaraj, along with other film industry figures, joined in these reflections, reinforcing Raju’s fearless contributions to Tamil cinema.
The Career of SM Raju in Indian Cinema
SM Raju, at 52 years old, was known throughout the Tamil cinema for his remarkable stunts and precision in executing many notable projects. His multi-decade career earned him respect for always being willing to accept complex and hazardous sequences in Indian cinema. Stunt Raju’s tragic death on the Vettuvam Arya film accident set showcases the broad range of dangers faced by stunt professionals in their pursuit of delivering captivating action for audiences.
Stunt Safety in Indian Cinema Under Scrutiny
This accident has brought back the conversation regarding the need for stunt safety measures in Indian cinema. India is well known for its high-octane action sequences, but in the wake of the accident, there have been calls for improved safety measures, including better equipment, comprehensive logistic insurance for stunt performers, and better overall insurance coverage. With the accident going viral, there is no doubt that the scrutiny-initiating insiders and unions will push for a deep-dive Alicia investigation and responsibility. As reported, the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has also been quite proactive in calling for the filmmakers to be booked for such grave offenses, showcasing how deep systemic changes are needed to avert future tragedies like this.
The Future of Vettuvam and Industry Reflection
Vettuvam, the film in question, features a huge star cast: Arya, Sobhita Dhulipala, Attakathi Dinesh, Kalaiyarasan, and Lingesh. It’s been directed by one of the greatest filmmakers in the industry, Pa Ranjith, who was at the advanced stages of production when the tragedy struck. Currently, it’s out of public knowledge whether Arya and Ranjith have made public statements. With a probe being conducted by the relevant authorities on the matter, it is likely that there will be a pause on production as the cast and crew go into a mourning period. Regardless, this incident has made the entire industry contemplate the fact that life matters much more than the stunts we perform and put in place for features during movies and how cinematic and Indian standards in general need to be stricter when filming Indian movies.
