Stuntman Death Viral Video: Death captured live on camera, painful accident with SM Raju on the set of the film

In a heart-wrenching incident that has left the South Indian film industry in mourning, veteran stuntman SM Raju lost his life while performing a dangerous stunt on the set of the upcoming Tamil film Vettam, starring actor Arya and directed by Pa. Ranjith. The tragic event took place in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, during a high-octane action sequence involving a car stunt that went horribly wrong. What was meant to be a carefully orchestrated cinematic moment ended in a fatal mishap that claimed the life of a seasoned professional.

SM Raju, a well-respected name in the stunt community, had been performing a stunt that involved launching a black car off a ramp. According to the video that has since gone viral on social media, the car was intended to jump and land safely as part of a stylized action scene. However, it lost balance mid-air, spun uncontrollably, and landed upside down with violent force. The set was momentarily stunned into silence. Crew members, upon realizing the gravity of the situation, rushed toward the crash site. Raju was found critically injured and unconscious. Despite immediate efforts to extract him from the wreckage and provide medical aid, it was too late. He was declared dead upon arrival at the local hospital.

The footage of the accident, now widely circulated, shows the car gaining speed and ascending the ramp, only to flip in mid-air and crash violently onto the ground. The chilling visuals have not only shocked fans and industry insiders but have also reignited a long-standing debate around on-set safety protocols and the protection of stunt performers in Indian cinema. These artists risk their lives to create adrenaline-pumping scenes, often under intense pressure to execute perfect takes without the safety net that actors or CGI can sometimes afford.

Producer and actor Vishal, who has worked with SM Raju on several films, expressed his deep sorrow through an emotional tribute. He shared that Raju had performed numerous life-threatening stunts in his previous projects and was known for his fearless dedication to the craft. Vishal recalled Raju as not just a talented stunt performer but also as a loyal and hardworking individual who had been part of the industry for years. He promised full support to Raju’s family and prayed for strength for them in this time of irreparable loss. His message reflected a mix of grief and guilt—a sentiment shared by many in the film fraternity.

While the immediate cause of the accident appears to be a loss of control during the execution of the stunt, deeper questions are being raised regarding the adequacy of safety measures in place during the shoot. Allegedly, the production team did not obtain specific permissions for such a dangerous stunt from local authorities. Moreover, reports suggest that the safety gear and protocols required for a high-risk car stunt may not have been up to standard. The police have registered a case of negligence and have named several key individuals in the production team, including director Pa. Ranjith and the film’s stunt coordinator, for further investigation.

It is worth noting that, according to some sources, stunt choreographer Dhilip Subbarayan had advised Raju against performing the stunt due to its complexity. However, Raju insisted on doing it himself, reportedly driven by his commitment to perfection and a desire to prove his skill. This tragic outcome has once again spotlighted the internal pressures within the stunt community, where professionals often feel compelled to take risks in order to secure roles and recognition in a highly competitive field.

Stunt performers are the unsung heroes of the film industry. Their courage brings to life some of the most thrilling moments in cinema, yet they often remain in the shadows, underpaid and underprotected. Unlike leading actors, whose safety is ensured through multiple backups, stuntmen like Raju often work in high-risk environments with limited support. The lack of comprehensive insurance, proper stunt rehearsals, and emergency medical arrangements can make a small error fatal.

The death of SM Raju has become a grim reminder of these realities. While action sequences remain a crowd-puller in Indian films, the price paid for these spectacles is often invisible to the audience. The Tamil film industry has seen its share of stunt-related tragedies in the past, but this particular incident, due to its public nature and the involvement of popular figures like Arya and Ranjith, has brought the issue to the forefront once again.

In the days following the incident, tributes have poured in from all corners of the film fraternity. Fellow stunt artists, actors, and directors have expressed their condolences and shared fond memories of Raju. Many are now calling for systemic reform to ensure the safety and dignity of stunt professionals. There is growing consensus that production houses must adopt international-level safety standards, including mandatory risk assessments, specialized training, advanced safety equipment, and better insurance coverage.

This tragic event also holds a mirror to the audience and the industry alike. It forces a reevaluation of the value placed on realism and danger in action scenes versus the human cost involved in creating such entertainment. For many viewers, the sight of a car flipping mid-air is thrilling. But behind that moment are individuals like SM Raju—brave, skilled, and willing to put everything on the line for a few seconds of cinematic magic.

As the investigation continues, the film Vettam has temporarily halted its shoot, and discussions around accountability are intensifying. Whether this incident will finally catalyze long-overdue reforms in how stunts are handled on Indian sets remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the film industry has lost one of its finest behind-the-scenes warriors, and his sacrifice must not be in vain.

SM Raju’s legacy will live on not just in the movies he contributed to, but in the ongoing struggle for a safer working environment for stunt artists across India. His death is a tragedy—but if it leads to meaningful change, perhaps it can also become a turning point. Until then, the industry owes it to him and others like him to reflect, reform, and remember.

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