July 14,2025:
Renowned stuntman SM Raju, a veteran of the Tamil film industry, was tragically killed in a car crash during the filming of director Pa Ranjith’s upcoming movie Vettuvam. The incident occurred on Sunday morning while a high-speed stunt sequence was being shot.
According to sources from the production crew, Raju was overseeing the execution of a car stunt when the vehicle lost control and crashed. Despite immediate medical assistance, the stunt coordinator succumbed to his injuries before reaching the hospital. The tragic accident has left the Tamil film fraternity in deep shock and mourning.
SM Raju was a highly respected figure in South Indian cinema, with more than two decades of experience in stunt coordination. Known for his precision and commitment to safety, he had worked on numerous successful films and trained many up-and-coming stunt professionals.
Filmmaker Pa Ranjith, present on set at the time of the incident, expressed profound grief. In an official statement, Ranjith said, “Raju sir was a vital part of our team and a truly dedicated artist. His sudden loss is deeply heartbreaking.”
Members of the Tamil film industry, including actors and technicians, paid tribute to Raju on social media. Actor Karthi wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of stunt coordinator SM Raju. The industry has lost a brave and talented artist.”
The accident has reignited concerns over safety protocols on film sets, especially during high-risk stunt scenes. Experts have called for stricter regulations and the adoption of better protective measures to prevent such tragic incidents. A senior member of the South Indian Cine Stunt Union said, “Even the most experienced professionals face danger every day. This incident should prompt serious industry-wide introspection.”
SM Raju is survived by his wife and two children. He was known not only for his daring stunt work but also for his discipline and mentorship to young professionals in the field. The production team of Vettuvam is expected to pay tribute to the late stuntman in the final cut of the film.
As the Tamil film industry mourns the loss of one of its most seasoned stunt professionals, the spotlight now turns to the need for enhancing safety standards in Indian cinema.
