Veteran Stunt Master SM Raju Dies in Tragic Accident on Pa Ranjith’s Vettuvan Film Set
Chennai, July 14, 2025 – The Indian film industry was left stunned on Sunday after a tragic accident claimed the life of celebrated stunt master SM Raju during the shoot of Vettuvan, a film directed by Pa Ranjith and starring Arya.
The fatal mishap took place while filming a high-octane car chase sequence, reportedly choreographed with precision. SM Raju, known for his daring stunts and decades-long contribution to Indian cinema, was behind the wheel for the complex action scene. However, something went terribly wrong—the car he was driving lost control and overturned violently.
Eyewitnesses described the horrifying moment the vehicle flipped several times before coming to a stop, leaving it mangled. Crew members rushed to pull Raju from the wreckage, but despite their efforts, he had sustained fatal injuries and died on the spot.
Video footage from the set, which has since surfaced online, captures the intense sequence and the moments of chaos that followed the crash.
Actor Vishal, a close friend and long-time collaborator of Raju, confirmed the tragic news. In a deeply emotional statement, he paid tribute to the stunt master’s legacy and promised lifelong support to his grieving family. “Raju anna was not just a technician; he was family to many of us in the industry,” Vishal said. “His bravery, precision, and dedication inspired an entire generation.”
The film’s production has been halted indefinitely as the cast and crew grapple with the loss. Pa Ranjith and Arya, both reportedly shaken by the incident, have yet to issue public statements.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. While initial reports suggest it was a freak mishap, the tragedy has once again reignited serious concerns over safety measures in action filmmaking, particularly for stunt performers who routinely put their lives on the line for cinematic excellence.
SM Raju’s sudden demise has left a deep void in the stunt choreography community. His career spanned over two decades, during which he lent his expertise to numerous blockbusters across Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema. Tributes have been pouring in from across the industry, honoring a fearless artist whose passion and legacy will continue to inspire.
Raju is survived by his wife and two children. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced shortly.
