Fatal Stunt Mishap: SM Raju Dies During Vettuvam Shoot in Nagapattinam

The Tamil film industry was struck by grief when veteran stuntman SM Raju tragically died during a high-risk car stunt on the set of Vettuvam, an upcoming film starring Arya and directed by Pa Ranjith. The accident, which occurred in Alappakudi near Vizhunthamavadi village, Nagapattinam, has sent shockwaves through Kollywood, highlighting the dangers faced by stunt performers. 

Tragic loss on Vettuvam Set

SM Raju, a seasoned stunt master known for his daring work in Tamil cinema, was performing a car-toppling sequence for Vettuvam, believed to be a sequel to the 2021 hit Sarpatta Parambarai. While driving an SUV over a ramp at high speed, the vehicle lost balance, flipped violently, and crashed, landing on its front end. Crew members rushed to the wreckage, but Raju was pronounced dead at the Government Medical College Hospital in Orathur. A chilling video of the incident, widely shared on social media, has intensified public outcry.

Stuntman Raju dies in an accident

Tamil actor Vishal, a long-time collaborator, confirmed Raju’s death on X, expressing deep sorrow: “It’s so hard to digest that Raju, who performed countless risky stunts for my films, is gone.” Vishal pledged lifelong support for Raju’s family, a sentiment echoed by stunt choreographer Silva, who mourned the loss of “one of our great car-jumping artists” on Instagram. The industry, including fans, continues to honor Raju’s fearless contributions.

South Film Industry Mourns

The accident has reignited discussions about stunt safety in Indian cinema. Despite advancements in technology, the lack of stringent protocols remains a concern. Filming for Vettuvam has been halted, and police are investigating the incident to determine the cause. Neither Arya nor Pa Ranjith has issued a statement, leaving the industry in mourning