Video: Shocking crash during Arya’s ‘Vettuvam’ shoot claims stuntman SM Raju’s life

The Indian film industry is reeling from the tragic death of SM Raju, a veteran stuntman, who was killed in a horrific car crash on Sunday morning during the filming of a high-risk stunt sequence for Tamil star Arya’s upcoming film, reportedly titled 'Vettuvan', directed by Pa Ranjith.

The accident occurred in Tamil Nadu. SM Raju was executing a fast-paced car-toppling stunt.Footage revealedDisturbing footage, as shared by CinemaMadness, from the set has surfaced, showing Raju driving at high speed before the car violently flips and crumples. Crew members are seen rushing to the wreckage. They were seen desperately trying to rescue him, only to find that he had succumbed to his injuries.The fatal accident took place on Sunday, July 13, during the shoot of a high-risk stunt involving an SUV, which was supposed to launch off a ramp and crash on landing.

However, the stunt went tragically wrong when the vehicle flipped mid-air before impact, leaving Mohan Raj with critical chest injuries.

According to the Financial Express website, he was immediately taken to the Nagapattinam Government Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.Vishal pens emotional tribute: “So difficult to digest”Actor Vishal, who had worked with Raju on numerous films, confirmed the heartbreaking news on X (formerly Twitter).

The 'Madha Gaja Raja' actor wrote, “So difficult to digest the fact that stunt artist Raju passed away while doing a car toppling sequence… He was such a brave person. My deepest condolences and may his soul rest in peace.”“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,” Vishal concluded.

Stunt Silva pays tribute - Will be missing himProminent stunt choreographer Stunt Silva also paid tribute to S.M Raju, sharing an emotional message on Instagram that read, “One of our great car-jumping stunt artists, S.M. Raju, died today while doing car stunts. Our stunt union and the Indian film industry will be missing him.”