It was a most unfortunate incident when experienced stuntmaster SM Raju lost his life earlier today while shooting for a high-risk stunt for actor Arya’s new film Vettuvam under the guidance of acclaimed director Pa. Ranjith. The sad event occurred when he was shooting for a complex car-toppling stunt — which proved to be fatal.
The news of the passing away of SM Raju has brought shock to the film world in India. Acquainted for his daredevilish execution of risk-taking stunts and his prolonged experience in the line, Raju was a familiar name to the technicians and the action choreographers. His premature death is saddened in the film fraternity.
The Incident on ‘Vettuvam’ Sets
Going by initial reports, the accident was triggered when an action stunt, which included a car flip, went wrong. SM Raju was said to be in the car or overseeing the stunt meticulously when the car veered out of control. Although safety procedures had been adopted, the stunt did not quite work as expected. Raju was severely injured and died before rescue teams could be on the scene. The gruesome incident was filmed, and the accident ended up making the on-location cast and crew even more distraught.
Vettuvam, an upcoming Tamil drama in which Arya plays the lead, is said to be an action-filled film to be directed by gritty and realistic film-maker Pa Ranjith. The filming of the movie has been put on hold indefinitely as a gesture of respect.
Tributes Pour In – Vishal and Stunt Silva React
Vishal, an immediate colleague of SM Raju, confirmed the unfortunate news and immediately took a step ahead to provide lifelong financial support to Raju’s family. Renowned for his tight relationships to Tamil film workers’ associations, Vishal declared:
“A man who gave his life for cinema deserves to be remembered with dignity. I will ensure his family never feels abandoned.”
Popular stunt choreographer Stunt Silva also paid tribute to the stunt artist on social media, writing:
“One of our great car-jumping stunt artists S M Raju died today while doing car stunts. Our stunt union and Indian film industry will be missing him deeply.”
The messages not just conveyed the loss of a technician but also the camaraderie that pervades the world of films — most particularly, people who risk their lives for on-screen thrills.
Who Was SM Raju?
Not just a stuntman but an expeHe gained experience in performing in numerous South Indian movies, in risk-taking scenes often requiring high-level accuracy as much as body strength, which made him in due course a successful stuntmaster. There was no occasion when he was a face onscreen, but backstage, his contribution made thousands of hair-raising scenes in Tamil as well as in Telugu cinema.
He was also an elder in the Stunt Union, counseling various young stunt men and technicians. Peers remember him as disciplined, fearless, and very committed to the work of the action film.
A Wake-Up Call for Film Sets?
While movies often glorify scenes of action, such tragedies throw sharply into relief the potentially fatal risk-taking most behind-the-scenes professionals are accustomed to on an everyday basis. Experts and fellow stunt specialists are therefore urging production companies to reassess safety precautions and provide additional financing toward high-grade stunt safety systems, in particular for high-level set pieces.
Several unions and technicians have now called for a formal safety audit across studios and sets — not just in Kollywood, but across the Indian film industry.
At JustBeFilmy.in, we extend our deepest condolences to SM Raju’s family, friends, and colleagues. May his soul rest in peace — and may his dedication inspire better safety, respect, and recognition for all action artists in Indian cinema.