The Tamil film industry faced a huge tragedy on Sunday morning when stuntman SM Raju, also known as Mohan Raj, lost his life while performing a high-risk car stunt that went terribly wrong. The accident happened on the set of Vettuvam, a film that Pa Ranjith is directing and Arya is starring in, during a shoot in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu.
High-Speed Stunt Turns Fatal on Vettuvam Set
Reports say Raju, aged 52, performed a car-toppling stunt that required him to drive a car off a ramp at high speed. The team had planned the stunt, but the car spun out of control while airborne, flipped several times, and crashed hard. Crew members rushed to the car and pulled Raju from the wreckage. They immediately took him to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed that he had already passed away.
A shocking video of the crash has surfaced online. It shows the moment the car flipped and shocked the entire crew. The video quickly went viral on social media and triggered waves of sadness and worry in the film industry.
Tributes Pour In for SM Raju
Raju, who came from Kanchipuram, earned deep respect in the Tamil film industry for performing bold and challenging stunts. Actor Vishal, who worked closely with Raju on many films, shared an emotional message on social media. He said he felt heartbroken over the loss and called Raju a brave and loyal professional. Vishal also promised to support Raju’s family in the future, not just with words, but with real help.
Famous stunt choreographer Stunt Silva also mourned Raju’s death. He praised him as one of the finest stunt artists in car-jumping scenes. Silva added that both the stunt community and Indian cinema had lost a fearless and skilled performer.
Industry Calls for Stronger Safety Rules
Raju’s sudden death has forced the film industry to rethink its safety standards on sets. Many artists and professionals now say that current safety measures do not offer enough protection. They are demanding stricter rules and better planning during dangerous shoots to avoid such heartbreaking losses.
Arya and Pa Ranjith Stay Silent After Accident
So far, actor Arya and director Pa Ranjith have not commented on the tragic accident. The film Vettuvam, which is reportedly nearing completion, also features Sobhita Dhulipala, Attakathi Dinesh, Kalaiyarasan, and Lingesh.
We send our deepest condolences to SM Raju’s family, friends, and fans. The film world will always remember his fearless spirit and dedication to his craft.
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