Stunt artist SM Raju dies during car sequence in Pa Ranjith’s Vettuvan

Stunt artist SM Raju, aged 52, tragically passed away while performing a car toppling sequence for Pa Ranjith’s film Vettuvan. He was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead.

Mumbai: Known stunt artist SM Raju, aged 52, passed away while performing a car toppling sequence in Pa. Ranjith’s upcoming film Vettuvan, starring actor Arya.

Vishal took to X (formerly called Twitter) to share a note about Raju’s tragic passing.

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He wrote: “So difficult to digest the fact that stunt artist Raju passed away while doing a car toppling sequence for Jammy @arya_offl and @beemji Ranjith’s film this morning.”

The actor mentioned that he had known Raju for “so many years” and that Raju had performed “so many risky stunts in my films time and time again, as he was such a brave person.”

“My deepest condolences and may his soul rest in peace. May God give more strength to his family for their grave loss. Not just this tweet, but I will definitely be there for his family’s future, being from the same film industry and also for his contribution to so many films. From the bottom of my heart and as my duty, I extend my support to them. God bless,” he wrote.

A video circulating on social media from moments before the tragic incident shows the late stuntman driving at high speed before the car topples. The crew members can be seen rushing toward the cars and pulling Raju out, but he passed away after succumbing to his injuries.

For those unaware, SM Raju, a well-known stuntman, tragically passed away on Sunday while performing a car stunt for Vettuvan, which is being produced by Pa. Ranjith’s Neelam Productions. He was 52.

The incident occurred during the shooting of the film in Vizhundhamaavadi village, under the Keezhaiyur Police circle limits. Sources claim that Raju had complained of chest pain and was rushed to Nagapattinam Government Medical College for treatment, but he was declared brought dead by doctors.

Popular stunt choreographer Silva paid his condolences on Instagram, writing: “One of our great car jumping stunt artists, SM Raju, died today while doing car stunts. RIP. Our stunt union and the Indian film industry will miss him.”

Actor Arya and Pa. Ranjith have not yet commented on the accident.

As per media reports, Vettuvan is a multi-starrer also featuring Sobhita Dhulipala, Attakathi Dinesh, Kalaiyarasan, and Lingesh.

Regarding Pa. Ranjith, who works primarily in Tamil cinema, he made his directorial debut with the 2012 romantic comedy Attakathi. He then directed political action dramas such as Madras, Kabali, and Kaala, both starring Rajinikanth.