Latest news with #PaRanjith
Time of India
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Baahubali stunt coordinator Lee Whittaker reacts to stuntman SM Raju's tragic demise on Pa Ranjith's film set: ‘The stunt should never happen if...'
Kollywood is mourning the tragic passing of stuntman Mohan Raj, widely known as SM Raju , who lost his life while filming a high-risk sequence for director Pa Ranjith's upcoming action drama 'Vettuvam'. The unfortunate incident has cast a dark cloud over the production and raised pressing concerns about on-set safety protocols. Stunt coordinator Lee Whittaker reacts to SM Raju's demise In a recent interaction, stunt coordinator and action expert Lee Whittaker, who is known for working on 'Baahubali', reacted to the incident. In an interview with The Indian Express, Lee Whittaker said, 'No one should die doing a stunt. Safety precautions have to meet high standards for the safety of the performer and the crew. If there isn't, then the stunt should never happen. If there's not enough funds with production, the stunt should never happen. ' Stuntman SM Raju dies on 'Vettuvam' set| FIR filed against Director Pa Ranjith Whittaker further added, 'Corners in the action/stunt department should not take place because people can die — unlike any of the other departments on productions.' SM Raju collapsed on Vettuvam shooting set Raju was behind the wheel of an SUV as part of a daring stunt being shot in Nagapattinam on July 13. According to reports, the experienced stuntman collapsed during the sequence. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Crew members acted swiftly to extract him from the vehicle and rushed him to a nearby hospital, but he was brought in dead, according to the hospital. Pa Ranjith shared a lengthy note on social media after Raju's demise Director Pa Ranjith expressed his sorrow in a lengthy statement on social media. 'A day that started out with detailed planning, caution, clarity in execution, prayers and all our goodwill, 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,' he wrote. Ranjith further stated that despite strictly following safety protocols under stunt director Dilip Subbarayan's guidance, they lost a highly experienced and respected stuntman. He added that the loss has deeply affected everyone, and the stuntman will always be remembered with love, respect, and admiration for his exceptional work. Following the tragic incident, local authorities filed a case against the director and other crew members. Whittaker collaborated on major Indian projects such as 'Vishwaroopam', 'Lingaa', 'Arrambam', and SS Rajamouli's 'Baahubali'.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Pa Ranjith writes about the devastating loss of stuntman SM Raju during Vettuvam shooting: ‘We followed every protocol necessary to make this safe…'
A tragic accident on the sets of Pa Ranjith's upcoming movie Vettuvam has led to the untimely demise of stunt artist . The incident occurred on July 13 in Nagapattinam during the filming of a high-intensity action scene involving multiple four-wheeler vehicles. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now check out the post here: The 52-year-old collapsed while performing the stunt behind the wheel, and crew members immediately rushed him to hospital. However, he was declared brought dead. Stuntman SM Raju dies on 'Vettuvam' set| FIR filed against Director Pa Ranjith Filmmaker Pa Ranjith has now taken to his social media account to express his grief and pay tribute to . 'On the morning of 13th July, we unexpectedly lost a talented stunt artist and a long-time colleague, Mr Mohan Raj, on the sets of our film Vettuvam in the Nagapattinam district of Tamizh Nadu. Our heart is broken for his wife, children, family, and all who knew and loved Mohan Raj Anna as a colleague and a friend.' A Veteran Respected for His Craft He further shared that the day began with extensive safety preparations, typical of such sequences: 'A day that started out with detailed planning, caution, clarity in execution, prayers, and all our goodwill—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.' Remembered as More Than Just a Stunt Artist The Thangalaan director recalled Raju's professional legacy and the respect he commanded in the film industry: 'Mohan Raj Anna was valued and respected by his colleagues in the stunt team and all of us in the crew. He was a veteran in performing stunts—someone whose planning, clarity, and execution we all relied on. We relied on the expertise of our Stunt Director Dilip Subbarayan and followed every protocol, every detail necessary to make this safe. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now That in spite of all our preparations and precautions, we ended up losing a man who had unparalleled experience and achievements—who made his family, colleagues, and directors proud with the quality of his work—has affected us deeply. He will have our respect, love, and adoration always.' Ranjith further noted that Raju would be remembered not only for his cinematic contributions but also for the person he was: 'This death is devastating. We deeply mourn the loss of Mohan Raj Anna—a husband, father, an incredible stunt artist, and a graceful human being. He wanted to be remembered for his work as a fabulous stunt artist, and that's how he will always stay in our memory.' Industry Reacts to the Tragic Loss The incident has sparked conversations around on-set safety, and many of the big names in the industry, including Prithviraj Sukumaran, have shared a heart-wrenching note on Raju's demise.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Stuntman SM Raju dies on 'Vettuvam' set
A tragic accident on the set of Pa Ranjith's upcoming Tamil film 'Vettuvam' has claimed the life of veteran stuntman S. Mohanraj aka SM Raju, who died performing a high-risk car-toppling stunt near Nagapattinam on July 13. The vehicle crashed after launching off a ramp, and despite immediate medical care, he passed away at the local hospital. The police have registered a case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita naming director Pa Ranjith, stunt choreographer, production manager and the car's owner Prabhakaran. In an official statement, Ranjith expressed shock and grief, insisting all safety protocols were followed. Read More
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Pa Ranjith recalls tragic day on ‘Vettuvam' set as veteran stuntman S M Raju dies during crash scene
CHENNAI: Filmmaker Pa Ranjith on Tuesday paid an emotional tribute to stunt artist S M Raju, who allegedly died on the sets of the director's upcoming film Vettuvam. 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.
India Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
FIR against director Pa Ranjith and others in stuntman Raju's death case
A legal case has been registered against noted film director Pa Ranjith along with stunt actor Vinoth, Rajkamal of Neelam Productions, and vehicle owner Prabhakaran after stuntman Mohan Raj, fondly called Raju, died in a car accident on the film's set. This action pertains to sections 289, 125, and 106 (1) of the BNS (Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita) development came at the same time as Ranjith's 'condolence note' on social media, in which he mourned the death of the popular stuntman, calling him beloved and talented. Raju died on the set of 'Vettuvam', also starring Vishal. The accident took place on July 13 while Raju was executing a car stunt. Later, in an interview, actor Vishal shared that Raju was advised against performing the deadly stunt but he ignored the warning. advertisementIn his note shared on X on Tuesday, Ranjith said, "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." He added, "Mohan Raj Anna was valued and respected by his colleagues in the stunt team and all of us in the crew. He was a veteran in performing stunts whose planning, clarity and execution we all relied on."Among those named in the case are Rajkamal, linked to Neelam Productions, and Prabhakaran, the identified vehicle owner. The inclusion of these individuals suggests a possible link to production activities. Neelam Productions, known for its significant contributions to film, now faces scrutiny alongside the other accused case highlights the interconnected nature of film production roles and the collective responsibility in ensuring compliance with legal sections cited in this case - 289, 125, and 106 (1) of the BNS Act - suggest that the alleged infractions might involve issues of safety or regulatory compliance. Section 289 generally pertains to negligence causing harm, while sections 125 and 106 (1) address other regulatory violations. The invocation of these sections indicates the seriousness with which the authorities are viewing the alleged conduct. This has prompted a broader conversation about the responsibilities of filmmakers and production companies in adhering to legal news of this case has prompted discussions among industry insiders regarding compliance with legal and safety standards. The involvement of prominent figures such as director Pa Ranjith highlights the heightened scrutiny on film productions, urging production teams to ensure adherence to all relevant regulations. While the specific outcomes of this case are yet to be seen, its implications are already resonating within the film community. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining rigorous safety protocols and legal compliance in all aspects of film this point, comments from the legal representatives of the parties involved have not been forthcoming. - EndsMust Watch
