The tragic death of stuntman SM Raju on the set of a Tamil film has ignited a debate about safety regulations and legal protections for stunt artistes in the Indian film industry. Raju died on July 13, 2025, while performing a car-toppling stunt for the movie 'Vettuvam', directed by PA Ranjith and starring Arya. The accident, captured on video, showed the car spiraling out of control and crash-landing, resulting in fatal injuries to Raju.

Following the incident, a negligence case has been filed against director Pa Ranjith and three others. Actor Vishal, who has worked with Raju in numerous films, expressed his grief and pledged support to Raju's family. He also revealed that stunt choreographer Dhilip Subbarayan had advised Raju against performing the stunt, but Raju insisted on doing it himself.

This incident has brought to the forefront the risks stunt artists face and the adequacy of existing laws to protect them. The Indian film industry, despite being one of the largest in the world, has a concerning history of accidents and fatalities on set. Stunt performers are particularly vulnerable, often pushed to their limits by producers who prioritize profit over safety.

Current Legal Framework

Currently, there is no specific legal framework in India that directly regulates the stunt industry. However, some existing laws can be applied to protect stunt artists:

• The Workmen's Compensation Act, 1923: This act prescribes the compensation to be paid by an employer to an employee who gets injured during the course of employment.
• The Cine-Workers and Cinema Theatre Workers (Regulation of Employment) Act, 1981: While this act regulates the conditions of employment for cine-workers, it has been noted that it does not include workers in the television/broadcasting/digital entertainment industry. There have been recommendations to amend the Act to include these workers under its ambit.
• The Indian Penal Code: In cases of negligence leading to death or injury, relevant sections of the IPC can be invoked.

Challenges and Concerns

Despite these laws, several challenges remain:

• Lack of Specific Regulations: The absence of specific regulations for the stunt industry means there are no mandated safety standards, insurance requirements, or protocols for risk assessment.
• Fear of Losing Work: Stunt artists often hesitate to report injuries or unsafe working conditions for fear of being blacklisted and losing future work.
• Poor Implementation: Even when safety guidelines exist, they are often poorly implemented or ignored due to cost pressures or a lack of awareness.
• Inadequate Compensation: The compensation provided under the Workmen's Compensation Act may not be sufficient to cover medical expenses and loss of income.

Need for Stronger Protections

SM Raju's death underscores the urgent need for stronger legal protections and safety regulations for stunt artists in the Indian film industry. Some potential measures include:

• Enacting Specific Legislation: A dedicated law should be enacted to regulate the stunt industry, including mandatory safety standards, insurance requirements, and protocols for risk assessment.
• Strengthening Enforcement: Regulatory bodies should be established to ensure compliance with safety regulations and to investigate accidents and near-misses.
• Providing Insurance and Compensation: Comprehensive insurance schemes should be implemented to cover medical expenses, loss of income, and disability in case of accidents.
• Promoting Awareness and Training: Training programs should be conducted to educate stunt artists, directors, and producers about safety protocols and risk management.
• Empowering Stunt Artistes: Associations and unions should be supported to advocate for the rights and welfare of stunt artists.

The incident serves as a wake-up call for the Indian film industry to prioritize the safety and well-being of its stunt professionals. By implementing comprehensive legal protections and safety regulations, the industry can prevent future tragedies and ensure that stunt artists are recognized and valued for their contributions.