Veteran stuntman SM Raju lost his life during a high‑risk SUV stunt on the sets of Pa Ranjith’s upcoming Tamil film Vettuvam. The incident has once again raised serious concerns over the safety of stunt performers in Indian cinema.
🚨 The Incident That Shook Kollywood
On July 13, 2025, tragedy struck the Tamil film industry when senior stunt coordinator SM Raju (Mohan Raj), aged 52, died during the shoot of a planned car‑toppling sequence for Vettuvam, directed by Pa Ranjith.
The accident occurred at a salt pan in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu, during a scene where an SUV was supposed to launch, flip, and land safely. Instead, the landing went horribly wrong, fatally injuring the driver and leaving the crew in shock.
🎥 Voices From the Industry
Director Pa Ranjith expressed profound grief, saying the entire team was devastated by the loss of a seasoned professional and kind‑hearted human being. He emphasized that the stunt was designed under expert supervision and required safety protocols, but the unpredictable outcome has shaken everyone involved.
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Tamil actor Vishal pledged lifelong support to the late stuntman’s family.
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Bollywood stunt choreographer Sham Kaushal called the tragedy “heartbreaking” and a wake‑up call for Indian cinema.
⚖️ Investigation & Legal Action
Police have registered a case against four individuals, including director Pa Ranjith, under charges related to negligence. Initial reports suggest that while the production obtained general shoot permissions, no specific approval for the high‑risk stunt was filed with authorities.
🔲 Similar Incidents Across Industries
Kannada – Maasti Gudi (2016):
Actors Raghava Uday and Anil Kumar tragically drowned after jumping from a helicopter into a reservoir near Bengaluru. A rescue boat was not operational, highlighting glaring safety lapses.
Telugu & Other Industries:
Several lesser‑reported stunt mishaps have occurred over the years, often linked to equipment failure or lack of on‑site medical readiness.
📌 Why This Matters
The death of SM Raju has reignited urgent conversations on stunt safety standards in Indian cinema. Despite advancements in safety gear, technology, and planning, lives continue to be lost on sets.
These repeated tragedies expose systemic gaps in:
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Enforcement of safety protocols
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Comprehensive stunt approvals
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On‑set emergency preparedness
The loss of experienced professionals like SM Raju is more than personal grief—it reflects a collective failure to prioritize human life over spectacle.
Times Mahesha will continue to follow this developing story, advocating for stronger safety measures that protect the people who risk their lives to bring unforgettable moments to the silver screen.
📍 Bangalore | July 13, 2025
