
Pa Ranjith recalls tragic day on ‘Vettuvam' set as veteran stuntman S M Raju dies during crash scene
The 52-year-old stuntman, whose real name was Mohan Raj, was driving an SUV during a high-octane stunt scene for the film in Nagapattinam on July 13 when he suddenly collapsed.
His colleagues pulled him out of the vehicle and rushed him to a hospital, where he was declared brought dead.
'Our hearts are broken for his wife, children, family and all who knew and loved Mohan Raj Anna as a colleague and a friend.
'A day that started out with detailed planning, caution, clarity in execution, prayers and all our good will, as it does on every film set that stages crash sequences, ended up in his unexpected death.
This has sent us all into shock and heartbreak,' Ranjith said in a statement posted on his official X account.

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News18
a day ago
- News18
Suriya, Simbu Come To Aid Of Late Stuntman SM Raju's Family
Stuntman SM Raju, known as Mohan Raj, died during a car stunt for Pa Ranjith's film Vettuvam. Actors Suriya and Simbu support his family. The Tamil film industry is mourning the tragic death of stuntman SM Raju, also known as Mohan Raj, who lost his life during a car stunt for Pa Ranjith's upcoming film Vettuvam. Prominent actors including Suriya and Silambarasan TR (Simbu) have come forward to support Raju's grieving family, offering both emotional and financial assistance. Stunt choreographer and close friend, Stunt Silva, spoke to Kumudam about the immediate response from the film fraternity following the accident. According to Silva, actor Arya was the first to reach out. 'The first person to call me after the incident happened was Arya," he said. He also recalled how actor Vijay expressed disbelief over the incident. 'Vijay sir himself called and said, he used to pull off stunts so perfectly. How did this happen?" Silva further shared that Simbu and Suriya were quick to provide concrete help to the family. 'STR (Silambarasan TR, aka Simbu) sir called me and said he would give a cheque for a big amount to the family, and he gave them a large amount," Silva revealed. 'Suriya sir's manager called and said he would take care of the children's education. So everyone is rallying around them." Raju was a veteran stuntman widely respected in the South Indian film industry. On July 13, while executing a high-risk car stunt under the supervision of stunt coordinator Dilip Subbarayan, the mishap occurred. Despite adhering to safety protocols, the stunt went fatally wrong. In a statement, Neelam Productions said, 'Our heart is broken for his wife, children, family, and all who knew and loved Mohan Raj Anna as a colleague and a friend." According to The Hindu, filmmaker Pa Ranjith and three others have been booked under charges including negligence, abetment of an offence, and culpable homicide in connection with the accident. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


Indian Express
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Akshay Kumar snatched my phone, said ‘sorry beta…': Fan shares real story behind the actor's angry viral video. Watch
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Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Stunt tragedy on 'Vettuvam' set: Silambarasan and Ranjith offer support to late stuntman Mohanraj's family
A new film titled 'Vettuvam' is being made under the direction of director Pa. Ranjith , starring actors Arya and Gethu Dinesh. Key scenes of the film were shot for the past month in rural areas, including Venmani, Velankanni, Vedaranyam, and Vidhiambadi in Nagapattinam district. On July 13, while filming an action-packed car stunt sequence for the film in Vidhiambadi village, stunt master S. Mohanraj, who was driving the car, died in a horrific accident. A case registered under three sections This incident has shocked the film industry and has sparked a huge debate, highlighting the lack of attention paid to the safety of workers in the film industry. After a video of the accident went viral on social media, the Nagapattinam district police registered a case under three sections against four people, including Pa. Ranjith, for negligence. The crew, including Arya and Pa. Ranjith, attended Mohanraj's funeral and paid their respects in person. Later, in a statement released by the film crew, they said that the tragedy had occurred despite planned security. Silambarasan extends his support In this situation, actor Simbu has taken a commendable step towards the family of stunt master Mohanraj. As per Cinema Vikatan, Silambarasan has provided financial assistance of Rs. 1 lakh to his family. His humanitarian act was praised on social media. Pa Ranjith helps his stuntman's family Following that, director Pa. Ranjith has taken another important decision on his part. It has been reported that he has provided financial assistance of Rs. 20 lakhs to Mohanraj's family. These donations are a welcome support to the bereaved family. There has been growing sentiment that the film industry's collective action at such times is sensible and sets a good example for the welfare of workers.