The film industry is reeling from the tragic death of stuntman SM Raju on the set of Pa Ranjith’s film *Vettuvam*, sparking a critical discussion about safety protocols and funding in action sequences.
A Devastating Loss
Stuntman Mohan Raj, widely known as SM Raju, tragically passed away on July 13 during the shoot of Pa Ranjith’s action thriller, *Vettuvam*. The 52-year-old collapsed while performing a high-octane SUV stunt scene in Nagapattinam.
Despite immediate efforts to rush him to the hospital, Raju was declared brought dead, sending shockwaves through the entire film fraternity. Director Pa Ranjith expressed deep sorrow, remembering Raju as a “husband, father, an incredible stunt artist and a graceful human being.”
Veteran Stunt Coordinator Speaks Out
American action choreographer Lee Whittaker, known for his work on major Indian films like *Baahubali* and *Vishwaroopam*, shared his profound disappointment regarding the incident. He emphasized that the global stunt community mourns Raju’s death.
Whittaker was unequivocal about the non-negotiable nature of safety on film sets. He stated that “no one should die doing a stunt” and stressed that safety precautions must always meet the highest standards for both performers and crew.
Crucially, Whittaker highlighted the financial aspect, asserting that if production lacks sufficient funds to ensure safety, the stunt should simply not happen. “Corners in the action/stunt department should not take place because people can die,” he warned, differentiating it from other film departments.
Whittaker’s Impressive Career
Lee Whittaker’s extensive experience in action choreography spans over two decades, beginning with George Lucas in Japan in the early 2000s. He gained significant recognition in India for his work on SS Rajamouli’s epic *Baahubali* franchise.
His impressive resume includes several acclaimed Tamil films like Kamal Haasan’s *Vishwaroopam*, Vishnuvardhan’s *Arrambam*, and Gautham Vasudev Menon’s *Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu*. In Hindi cinema, he’s choreographed action for films such as *Thugs of Hindostan* and, more recently, Sonu Sood’s *Fateh*.
Legal Action and Director’s Grief
Following SM Raju’s demise, Pa Ranjith and others involved in the production were charged with causing death by negligence. Ranjith released a statement detailing the meticulous planning that went into the stunt sequence, including relying on the expertise of stunt director Dilip Subbarayan.
Despite all preparations and precautions, the unexpected loss of a seasoned professional like Raju left the team heartbroken. Ranjith reiterated his respect, love, and adoration for the late stunt artist, whose work consistently made his family, colleagues, and directors proud.
- Stuntman SM Raju died on the set of Pa Ranjith’s *Vettuvam* after collapsing during a stunt.
- Lee Whittaker, a veteran stunt coordinator, criticized the lack of safety and inadequate funding as primary concerns.
- Whittaker stressed that stunts should never proceed if safety standards or funding are compromised.
- Pa Ranjith and others have been charged with negligence, highlighting the serious repercussions of the incident.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers in filmmaking and the critical need for unwavering commitment to safety protocols in the high-stakes world of action sequences.
