The film industry was struck by tragedy on July 13 when veteran stuntman SM Raju, also known as Mohan Raj, lost his life while performing a high-risk stunt for the upcoming Tamil film Vettuvam, starring actor Arya. The incident took place during a car stunt sequence, turning a routine film shoot into a heartbreaking moment for the crew and the entire industry.

SM Raju was a respected and experienced stunt performer in the Tamil cinema circuit. At 52 years old, he had been a part of numerous high-octane action scenes throughout his career. Originally from Kanchipuram district in Tamil Nadu, Raju had earned a name for himself through his daring and skilled work in the stunt profession. His father’s name is Selvaraj, and Raju had long been a familiar figure behind the scenes of action-packed South Indian films.

The fatal accident occurred on Sunday while Raju was filming a risky stunt involving an SUV. The scene was being shot in an open field, where Raju was supposed to drive the vehicle at high speed as part of a chase sequence. During the stunt, the car suddenly overturned. For a few moments, there was no sign of movement inside the vehicle, prompting the crew members to rush toward the wreck.

According to eyewitnesses on set, Raju had suffered a serious chest injury and had lost consciousness. He was pulled from the wreckage and immediately rushed to the government hospital in Nagapattinam, but despite all efforts, doctors declared him dead on arrival. A video of the incident has been circulating on social media, capturing the shocking moment and the chaos that followed.

SM Raju’s untimely death has sparked grief and reflection within the film community. His dedication to his craft and willingness to take on life-threatening stunts for the sake of cinematic realism is a reminder of the risks that often go unseen behind the camera. Many actors, filmmakers, and colleagues have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to his contribution to Indian cinema.

While filmmakers continue to push the envelope with technology and realism in action scenes, incidents like this underscore the urgent need for even stricter safety protocols during stunt shoots. SM Raju’s passing is not just a personal loss to his family and colleagues, but a wake-up call for an industry that relies so heavily on the courage and skill of its behind-the-scenes heroes.