Who is Stuntman SM Raju?
SM Raju, born as Mohan Raj, was a well-known stuntman in the Tamil film industry. He worked behind the scenes in many South Indian movies, performing dangerous stunts like car jumps, fights, and chase scenes. Known for his bravery and skill, Raju had a long career and was respected by actors and directors alike. Sadly, he died on July 13, 2025, while doing a car stunt for the film Vettuvam. The accident shocked the film industry.
Key Information
| Full Name | Mohan Raj (professionally known as SM Raju) |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 52 Years |
| Hometown | Poongandam, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu |
| Profession | Stuntman / Stunt Artist in Tamil Cinema |
| Active Years | ~1990s to 2025 |
| Known For | Car stunts, risky action sequences in Tamil films |
| Date of Death | July 13, 2025 |
| Place of Death | Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu |
| Cause of Death | Fatal injuries during a car stunt accident |
| Family | Father – Selvaraj; other family members not publicly known |
Early Life and Background
- SM Raju was born as Mohan Raj in Poongandam, a village in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu.
- He grew up in a modest family and was the son of Selvaraj.
- While specific details of his childhood are limited, he developed a passion for cinema and action scenes at a young age.
- His interest in stunts led him to join the Tamil film industry, where he carved a name for himself as a fearless stunt performer.
Career in Tamil Cinema
- SM Raju’s career spanned over three decades in the Tamil film industry.
- He was known for performing some of the most dangerous and visually impressive action scenes.
- Specialized in high-risk stunts involving cars, flips, jumps, and high-speed chases.
- Worked on numerous major Tamil movies, often behind the scenes, without public recognition.
- Built strong working relationships with many actors and directors, including leading stars like Vishal.
- Earned the respect of his peers for his courage, discipline, and professional ethics.
- Colleagues often referred to him as one of the most dependable stuntmen for dangerous sequences.
Cause of Death
- On July 13, 2025, SM Raju was performing a high-risk car stunt during the filming of the movie Vettuvam, directed by Pa. Ranjith and starring Arya.
- The stunt involved a large SUV being launched over a ramp to simulate a crash landing.
- The vehicle unexpectedly somersaulted mid-air and landed violently, causing severe chest injuries to Raju.
- Crew members rushed to rescue him, and he was immediately taken to the Nagapattinam Government Hospital.
- Sadly, he was declared dead upon arrival.
- The film’s production was halted, and an investigation into on-set safety protocols began immediately.
- The tragic incident shocked the entire film crew and industry.
Accident Video
Stunt Master SM Raju dies while performing high-risk car toppling stunt during film shoot in Tamil Nadu.
On Cam: Stunt master SM Raju dies while performing high-risk car toppling stunt during film shoot in Tamil Nadu.#SMRaju #Kollywood #Stunt #ViralVideo #Trending pic.twitter.com/hgScCxKIAV
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) July 14, 2025
Family
- SM Raju kept his personal life private and away from public attention.
- His father’s name is Selvaraj, and he was reported to be living with or near family in Tamil Nadu.
- Information about his spouse or children has not been publicly shared.
- Known to his colleagues as humble, disciplined, and supportive.
- He was deeply respected in the stunt community, not just for his skills, but for his character.
- Actor Vishal, who had worked with him in several films, described Raju as “brave” and committed to supporting his family in the future.
South Actor Reaction
Vishal (Tamil Actor & President, Nadigar Sangam)
“So difficult to digest the fact that stuntman Raju passed away today while performing a stunt for a movie. He has done so many risky stunts in my films. Such a brave man. Not just this tweet, I will definitely be there for his family’s future. As my duty, I extend my support for them.”
Prithviraj Sukumaran (Malayalam Actor)
“Your skill and guts made magic possible. Saddened to hear about the tragic passing of stuntman SM Raju. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the Tamil film fraternity.”
Stunt Silva (Stunt Choreographer)
“One of our great car-jumping stunt artists, SM Raju, died today while doing a stunt. Our stunt union and Indian film industry will be missing him.”
Fans and industry professionals took to social media to express condolences and anger over inadequate on-set safety measures.
Impact on Stunt Safety Awareness
- Raju’s death reignited long-standing concerns about the lack of safety precautions for stunt performers.
- Industry insiders highlighted the disparity in safety protocols between actors and stunt crews.
- Many called for better insurance, medical support, and stricter regulations for dangerous shoots.
- His death was compared to other tragic on-set accidents, prompting filmmakers and unions to demand change.
- Discussions are ongoing about creating official stunt guilds and safety oversight teams in regional film industries.
Final Thoughts
SM Raju was more than just a stuntman he was a silent hero behind countless iconic action scenes in Tamil cinema. His work may have often gone uncredited by the public, but he was deeply loved and valued by his colleagues. His tragic death serves as both a wake-up call and a tribute reminding the industry to protect its behind-the-scenes warriors. SM Raju’s courage, dedication, and sacrifice will not be forgotten.
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