Shocking video emerges of stuntman Mohan Raju who died during Arya’s 'Vettuvam' shoot

A video still of Stuntman Mohan Raju.

The film industry is in shock and grief after a heartbreaking video of stuntman Mohan Raju's fatal accident on the set of the upcoming Tamil film Vettuvam, which stars Arya and was directed by Pa Ranjith, went viral.

Camera Capture of an Accident

The team was filming a high-risk action scene that included a car flip stunt in Nagapattinam on July 13 when the tragic incident happened. The car is seen in the video taking off and then crashing hard to the ground. Crew members can be seen racing toward the wreckage right away in a last-ditch effort to save the stunt performer.

According to The Hindu, the victim was later identified as Mohan Raju, son of Selvaraj, from Poongandam in the Kancheepuram district.

Vishal Pays Tribute

Actor Vishal expressed shock and sadness on social media after confirming the heartbreaking news. He wrote, "It's hard to believe that stuntman Raju died this morning while filming a car-toppling scene for Jammy [Arya] and Pa Ranjith's movie."

#WATCH: 🎬💥 Stuntman S.M. Raju Dies on Set Veteran stunt master S.M. Raju tragically died on July 13 while performing a high-risk car toppling stunt for Pa. Ranjith’s film starring Arya in Tamil Nadu. The vehicle flipped & crashed — Raju died on the spot. Raises urgent… pic.twitter.com/DXAfg056I3

— NIHAL (@2025Nihal) July 14, 2025

"I've known Raju for so many years," Vishal continued, recalling Raju's bravery and commitment. He has always been courageous and has pulled off a number of dangerous stunts in my movies. May his soul rest in peace. My sincerest condolences. As a fellow member of the film fraternity, I will support his family not only verbally but also practically.

One of our great car jumping stunt Artist S M Raju Died today while doing car stunts 😭😭RIP Our stunt union and Indian film industry ll be missing Him😭😭 pic.twitter.com/9Qr7Zg8Dbb — silva stunt (@silvastunt) July 13, 2025

Temporarily Stopping Filming

Filming in Alappakudi, which is located within the boundaries of the Keelaiyur police station and close to Vizhunthamavadi village, was abruptly stopped after the tragic incident. A formal statement from the film's production team, who are devastated by the loss, is anticipated shortly.

Also Read: Former Miss Puducherry San Rechal who spoke against colour discrimination dies by suicide, note found at home

An Increasing Number of On-Set Disasters

This most recent incident joins a concerning list of deaths in Tamil cinema that have been linked to stunts in recent years. Three crew members perished in a crane accident on the set of Shankar's Indian 2, starring Kamal Haasan, in 2020. Stunt choreographer N. Suresh passed away in 2022 following a fall on the set of Viduthalai Part 1 by Vetrimaaran. During a wrap-up shoot for Sardar 2, rigging technician Elumalai died in 2024 after falling from a height of 20 feet.

Emphasis on Safety Once more

The incident has once again sparked concerns about on-set safety procedures, particularly during intricate stunt sequences, as condolences for Raju flood in. Stricter safety rules and improved emergency preparedness are being demanded more frequently by the Tamil film industry, which is already reeling from several stunt-related deaths in recent years.

Supported by renowned director Pa Ranjith, Vettuvam was supposed to be an action-packed film, but it is now tainted by an avoidable tragedy.