Tragic Video of Accident on Film-Set: Kollywood Stuntman S M Raju Dies in Car Crash on ‘Vettuvam’ Set
Tragic Video of Accident on Film-Set: Kollywood Stuntman S M Raju Dies in Car Crash on ‘Vettuvam’ Set
Tragic on-set accident shocks Tamil film industry; Raju remembered as a fearless artist
In a tragic turn of events, renowned stunt driver S M Raju, popularly known in the industry for his daring car sequences, lost his life during a high-risk stunt for the upcoming film Vettuvam, starring Arya and directed by Pa. Ranjith. The accident occurred on July 13 during a shoot involving a high-speed car ramp sequence.
Stunt driver ‘Mohan Raj’ passed away during a risky stunt with a car for the movie #Vettuvam starring Arya and directed by Pa.Ranjith. 😑 pic.twitter.com/63y3OEtE0x
— Cinema Madness 24*7 (@CinemaMadness24) July 14, 2025
A chilling video from the set has gone viral, showing the SUV driven by Raju accelerating toward a ramp. As the vehicle hits the ramp at high speed, it lifts off but loses balance mid-air and crashes violently onto its front, toppling forward. Crew members are seen rushing to the spot within seconds, but Raju could not be saved.
Industry Mourns
The Tamil film fraternity is in mourning. Actor Vishal, who had worked closely with Raju on many films, took to social media to express his grief:
“So difficult to digest the fact that stunt artist Raju passed away while doing a car-toppling sequence… I have known Raju for so many years… a brave person. My deepest condolences, and may his soul rest in peace. I’ll definitely stand by his family.”
Veteran stunt choreographer Silva also paid tribute on Instagram, writing,
“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.”
As of now, neither actor Arya nor director Pa. Ranjith have issued a formal statement.
Deeply saddened after hearing the news of the demise of a great performer and actor shri #kotasrinivasarao sir. Going to miss a great performer and actor on the silver screen. Had a great memorable time to work with sir in my movie Sathyam. He used to stand out as a villain in…
— Vishal (@VishalKOfficial) July 13, 2025
About Raju
Raju was a respected member of the Kollywood stunt community and had worked on numerous action-heavy projects over the years. Known for his bold and precise execution of complex stunts, he earned a reputation as a fearless performer who gave his all to every scene.
About the Film
Vettuvam, reportedly a sequel to Pa. Ranjith’s critically acclaimed 2021 film Sarpatta Parambarai, is expected to hit theatres in 2026. The production has not confirmed whether the shoot will be paused following the incident.
Raju’s untimely demise has raised fresh concerns around safety standards on film sets, especially during high-risk sequences. As tributes pour in, the industry reflects on the cost of cinematic spectacle and the brave lives behind it.
