A fatal accident during filming on actor Arya’s new movie directed by Pa. Ranjith has killed veteran stuntman S. M. Raju. On July 13, 2025, Raju was filming a risky car-toppling stunt when the stunt failed, and he died from injuries incurred during the pre-dawn shoot
Recognized in Kollywood for his daredevil delivery of intricate action sequences in many high-budget affairs, Raju’s passing shocked the Tamil film community deeply and raised renewed alarm over on-set safety procedures.
Actor Vishal, who had worked with Raju on a number of earlier films, confirmed the devastating news in an emotional message posted on X (formerly Twitter). He mentioned the stunt as a routine car-toppling sequence and remembered Raju as courageous and reliable. Vishal 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. I have known Raju for so many years… he was such a brave person.” He continued to present his sincerest condolences and committed eternal support to Raju’s family, terming it his responsibility as a fellow member of the film fraternity
Stunt choreographer Silva also made a tribute on Instagram, referring to Raju as “one of the finest car‑jumping stunt artists in Indian cinema” and expressing that the stunt union and film fraternity will miss him deeply.
Even amid general tributes, neither talismanic actor Arya nor director Pa. Ranjith has made a public statement yet, and there are questions and doubts surrounding the production status of the film and its reaction to safety protocols.
The film, which is said to be a sequel to the critically acclaimed 2021 sports drama Sarpatta Parambarai, will release in 2026. The unfortunate incident is likely to affect the shoot schedule, and funeral arrangements or a formal industry reaction are awaiting.
Raju’s premature death highlights the life-or-death risks stunt artists are constantly taking in the name of cinematic realism. Across the film industry, voices are now demanding tougher safety protocols, and a newfound respect, for the body risks taken by off-screen participants.
As Tamil cinema grieves for this loss, the tragedy is a grim reminder of the unseen human cost behind edge-of-the-seat action sequences.
