Stunt actors, including veteran Sham Kaushal, Ram Shetty and Ajaz Gulab, condoled the death of popular stuntman SM Raju during the shooting of an action scene for director Pa Ranjith’s film on Monday. Wettuvam,
The 52 -year -old stuntman, whose real name was Mohan Raj, was running an SUV in an action sequence for the film in Nagapattinum on 13 July when he suddenly fell. His colleagues took him out of the vehicle and took him to a hospital, where he was declared dead.
A video of the incident, which is now viral on social media, shows the crew members running to help him to get out of the car. According to stunt directors and artists, car stunts in movies are naturally more dangerous and unexpected than other action scenes, usually despite precautions.
Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran offered his condolences, taken to Instagram to express his grief. “Rest in Peace Raju! So many moments of magic that was impossible to do a film without your skills and courage. You will be left forever.”
Prithviraj’s Instagram stories a scambreb
Experienced stunt director Sham Kaushal – Known for his work Dunky, Gadar 2, Ponyin selvan, Laxmi, Sanju, Padmavat, Bajirao Mastani, Krrish 3And Gangs of Waspur – Raju’s death is called “unfortunate”.
“I read about it and I am sad to hear about his unfortunate demise. I have not worked with him, but stunts are like a close community,” Kaushal told PTI. “When you do a stunt with a car, it is a combination of a human and a machine. In that case, if there is any misunderstanding, it can be dangerous. The nature of the stunt is that they are risky.”
Ajaz Gulab, general secretary of the movie Stunt Artists Association, also expressed grief even after watching the video online. “Stunts related to a car or motorcycle are often risky … SM Raju was known for the performance of such stunts. Unfortunately, the incident occurred,” Gulab said, who has worked in films. Stool, Passion, Khildi 420And upcoming title Dhurdandar And Battle of Galwan,
The Stunt Artists Association, formed in 1959, currently has around 600 members.
A stuntman and actor Silva also paid tribute through social media. He wrote, “One of our great car-jumping stunt actors, SM Raju, died while doing car stunts. RIP. Our stunt union and Indian film industry will remember him,” he wrote.
Stuntman Shankar, who faced serious injuries during a stunt Chennai ExpressSaid that he was unhappy with the news. “I know Raju performed car stunts like me. We worked together on two South Indian films about 20 years ago. He is like my brother, and I feel very sad,” he said.
Shankar continues to perform the stunt today, despite being suffering from severe burning injuries when a car caught fire on the set. He said, “I have faced injuries. Car stunts are the most dangerous. You need courageous and physical fitness,” he said. “after Chennai ExpressI continued with car stunt Total Dhammal And for a Himesh Reshammiya music video. ,
Ram Shetty, director of veteran stunts – who has worked Yadon’s Barat, Righteous, Vaistava, road, AcidAnd Ladla – Said that his heart leaves for Raju’s family. “Such incidents are unfortunate. I have never worked with them, but picking up this job due to many financial needs. Some car and motorcycle stunts experts – they are very risky to perform.”
Stunt artist Parvez Sheikh said that Raju had performed some of the biggest stunts of his career. “The accident occurred when he was doing a car stunt … I pray for his family. Stunts are at risk, and every stuntman’s family knows that there is a possibility of job injury. Everyone tries to ensure security, but accidents happen.”
Arvind Gupta, who has performed in stunts Owner And ThiefEchoed similar feelings. He said, “It is risky to perform car stunts. It is a shocking to know about it. I did not know him personally, but many of us are here for financial reasons,” he said.
Ranjith Wettuvam Arya acted in the lead. According to reports, the film also includes Sobhita Dhulipala, Ashok Selvan and Dinesh. Earlier, Ranjith told PTI His film revolves around a notorious gangster, Choln, a modern-day Robin Hood, which establishes its control over the Tamil Nadu region. As he fights to protect his people, he creates many enemies, but also to the veterans of supporters who swear on him. When his rivals find out that Chola is very powerful for him, they use the state power in an attempt to bring him down.
Published – July 15, 2025 11:38 am IST