A tragic incident occurred on the set of Pa Ranjith's upcoming Tamil film, "Vettuvan," starring Arya, where veteran stunt master SM Raju lost his life while performing a high-risk car stunt. The accident took place on Sunday morning, July 13, in Tamil Nadu during the filming of a car toppling sequence.
The horrifying visuals of the stunt have emerged, showing Raju driving a car at high speed before it loses balance on a ramp, topples violently mid-air, and crashes. The video captures the grim atmosphere as crew members rush to the wreckage, only to find Raju severely injured. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after being pulled from the mangled vehicle.
SM Raju was a seasoned stunt veteran in the Tamil film industry, known for his daring and precision. His sudden demise has sent shockwaves through Kollywood. Actor Vishal, who has worked with Raju on numerous projects, confirmed the news and expressed his grief on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He also pledged to provide lifelong support to Raju's family.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the immense risks stunt artists take in the film industry. Many have expressed their condolences and highlighted the need for enhanced safety measures on sets. The specific details of the safety protocols in place during the stunt are currently under scrutiny.
The film "Vettuvan," directed by Pa Ranjith, is anticipated to be released sometime in 2026. It is speculated to be a sequel to the 2021 Tamil drama 'Sarpatta Parambarai'. The accident has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the production, and it remains to be seen how the team will proceed in the aftermath of this tragedy.