Stunt Artist SM Raju Dies in an Accident During Shoot for Pa Ranjith`s Film
Updated on: 14 July, 2025 01:16 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar

Stuntman SM Raju
The Indian film industry is mourning the tragic loss of renowned stunt artist S.M. Raju, who died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, while performing a high-risk car-toppling stunt during the shoot of actor Arya`s upcoming film, directed by Pa. Ranjith. The heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves across Kollywood, highlighting the inherent dangers faced by stunt professionals.
Visuals show an SUV going over a ramp, losing balance, toppling, and landing hard on its front end. Raju was immediately rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital at Orathur but was declared "brought dead" by doctors. His body is currently at the hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination, and Keelaiyur police have registered a case, initiating an investigation. The film`s shoot has been temporarily halted.
The news was swiftly confirmed by actor Vishal on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Vishal, who had worked extensively with Raju on several films, expressed his profound sorrow, stating, "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. I have known Raju for so many years. He has performed so many risky stunts in my films time and time again as he is such a brave person."
Beyond expressing grief, Vishal also pledged unwavering support to Raju`s family, emphasising, "Not just this tweet — I will definitely be there for his family’s future. From the bottom of my heart and as my duty, I extend my support for them."
Also Read: An Era Concludes: B. Saroja Devi, "Kannadathu Paingili," Passes Away at 87
As of now, neither actor Arya nor director Pa. Ranjith, known for films like `Kaala` (2018) and `Kabali` (2016), have released an official statement regarding the incident. The film, anticipated to hit big screens in 2026, now carries the heavy weight of this tragic loss.
Also Read: Farewell to a Legend: Kota Srinivasa Rao`s Legacy Lives On
A Stunt Gone Wrong
The fatal accident occurred in Alappakudi, near Vizhunthamavadi village, during the filming of what is reportedly the sequel to Pa. Ranjith`s critically acclaimed 2021 Tamil drama, `Sarpatta Parambarai.` Raju, also known as Mohanraj, 52, was executing a complex car-toppling sequence around 10:40 a.m. when the stunt went awry.Visuals show an SUV going over a ramp, losing balance, toppling, and landing hard on its front end. Raju was immediately rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital at Orathur but was declared "brought dead" by doctors. His body is currently at the hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination, and Keelaiyur police have registered a case, initiating an investigation. The film`s shoot has been temporarily halted.
The news was swiftly confirmed by actor Vishal on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Vishal, who had worked extensively with Raju on several films, expressed his profound sorrow, stating, "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. I have known Raju for so many years. He has performed so many risky stunts in my films time and time again as he is such a brave person."
Beyond expressing grief, Vishal also pledged unwavering support to Raju`s family, emphasising, "Not just this tweet — I will definitely be there for his family’s future. From the bottom of my heart and as my duty, I extend my support for them."
Also Read: An Era Concludes: B. Saroja Devi, "Kannadathu Paingili," Passes Away at 87
Tributes Pour In
Popular stunt choreographer Stunt Silva also mourned Raju`s loss, sharing his condolences on Instagram. He wrote, "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." Raju was a respected and well-known figure in Kollywood, celebrated for his daring and skillful execution of stunts in numerous superhit films.As of now, neither actor Arya nor director Pa. Ranjith, known for films like `Kaala` (2018) and `Kabali` (2016), have released an official statement regarding the incident. The film, anticipated to hit big screens in 2026, now carries the heavy weight of this tragic loss.
Also Read: Farewell to a Legend: Kota Srinivasa Rao`s Legacy Lives On
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