Renowned director Pa Ranjith and three others have been booked by police following the tragic death of stunt performer S Mohan Raju during the filming of ‘Vettuvam’ in Nagapattinam.
Tragedy Strikes on ‘Vettuvam’ Set
A devastating accident occurred on Monday during the shooting of the film ‘Vettuvam’ in Tamil Nadu’s Nagapattinam district. Stunt performer S Mohan Raju, a veteran in the industry, tragically lost his life while performing a car toppling sequence.
The incident, described as a stunt gone wrong, led to Raju being immediately rushed to the Nagapattinam Government Medical College Hospital. Despite efforts, he was declared dead upon arrival.
Police File Charges for Negligence
Following the incident, police have registered a case against four individuals, including director Pa Ranjith. The others booked are stunt choreographer Vinoth, the manager of Ranjith’s Neelam Productions, and Prabhakaran, the owner of the car involved in the stunt.
They face charges under sections 289 (negligent conduct with respect to machinery), 125 (endangering life or personal safety of others), and 106(1) (causing death by negligence) of the BNS Act.
Director Pa Ranjith Expresses Grief
As news of the charges emerged, director Pa Ranjith took to social media to express his profound sorrow and condolences. He described the experience as “devastating” and shared his heartbreak over the loss of a “veteran” film industry colleague.
In his message on X, Ranjith acknowledged the unexpected loss of Mohan Raj, calling him a “talented stunt artist and a long-time colleague.” He extended his support to Mohan’s wife, children, and family, emphasizing the deep impact of his passing on everyone who knew him.
A Planned Stunt Goes Awry
Ranjith’s statement highlighted that the day’s events were “carefully planned” and that everyone was prepared for a perfect execution under the supervision of stunt director Dilip Subbarayan. Despite these preparations and precautions, the unforeseen tragedy occurred.
He lauded Mohan Raj as a man of “unparalleled experience and achievements,” who consistently made his family, colleagues, and directors proud with his work. Ranjith concluded by assuring that Mohan Raj would always be remembered with respect, love, and adoration.
Key Takeaways from the Incident
- Stunt performer S Mohan Raju died during a car stunt on the ‘Vettuvam’ film set.
- Director Pa Ranjith, stunt choreographer, a producer, and a car owner have been booked for negligence.
- Mohan Raj was a respected veteran in the film industry, known for his experience.
- The incident has deeply impacted the film crew and the wider entertainment community.
This tragic event underscores the inherent risks involved in film production, especially with high-octane stunts, and raises important questions about safety protocols on set.
