Latest news with #Vettuvam
News18
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Suriya, Simbu Come To Aid Of Late Stuntman SM Raju's Family
Stuntman SM Raju, known as Mohan Raj, died during a car stunt for Pa Ranjith's film Vettuvam. Actors Suriya and Simbu support his family. The Tamil film industry is mourning the tragic death of stuntman SM Raju, also known as Mohan Raj, who lost his life during a car stunt for Pa Ranjith's upcoming film Vettuvam. Prominent actors including Suriya and Silambarasan TR (Simbu) have come forward to support Raju's grieving family, offering both emotional and financial assistance. Stunt choreographer and close friend, Stunt Silva, spoke to Kumudam about the immediate response from the film fraternity following the accident. According to Silva, actor Arya was the first to reach out. 'The first person to call me after the incident happened was Arya," he said. He also recalled how actor Vijay expressed disbelief over the incident. 'Vijay sir himself called and said, he used to pull off stunts so perfectly. How did this happen?" Silva further shared that Simbu and Suriya were quick to provide concrete help to the family. 'STR (Silambarasan TR, aka Simbu) sir called me and said he would give a cheque for a big amount to the family, and he gave them a large amount," Silva revealed. 'Suriya sir's manager called and said he would take care of the children's education. So everyone is rallying around them." Raju was a veteran stuntman widely respected in the South Indian film industry. On July 13, while executing a high-risk car stunt under the supervision of stunt coordinator Dilip Subbarayan, the mishap occurred. Despite adhering to safety protocols, the stunt went fatally wrong. In a statement, Neelam Productions said, 'Our heart is broken for his wife, children, family, and all who knew and loved Mohan Raj Anna as a colleague and a friend." According to The Hindu, filmmaker Pa Ranjith and three others have been booked under charges including negligence, abetment of an offence, and culpable homicide in connection with the accident. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Stunt tragedy on 'Vettuvam' set: Silambarasan and Ranjith offer support to late stuntman Mohanraj's family
A new film titled 'Vettuvam' is being made under the direction of director Pa. Ranjith , starring actors Arya and Gethu Dinesh. Key scenes of the film were shot for the past month in rural areas, including Venmani, Velankanni, Vedaranyam, and Vidhiambadi in Nagapattinam district. On July 13, while filming an action-packed car stunt sequence for the film in Vidhiambadi village, stunt master S. Mohanraj, who was driving the car, died in a horrific accident. A case registered under three sections This incident has shocked the film industry and has sparked a huge debate, highlighting the lack of attention paid to the safety of workers in the film industry. After a video of the accident went viral on social media, the Nagapattinam district police registered a case under three sections against four people, including Pa. Ranjith, for negligence. The crew, including Arya and Pa. Ranjith, attended Mohanraj's funeral and paid their respects in person. Later, in a statement released by the film crew, they said that the tragedy had occurred despite planned security. Silambarasan extends his support In this situation, actor Simbu has taken a commendable step towards the family of stunt master Mohanraj. As per Cinema Vikatan, Silambarasan has provided financial assistance of Rs. 1 lakh to his family. His humanitarian act was praised on social media. Pa Ranjith helps his stuntman's family Following that, director Pa. Ranjith has taken another important decision on his part. It has been reported that he has provided financial assistance of Rs. 20 lakhs to Mohanraj's family. These donations are a welcome support to the bereaved family. There has been growing sentiment that the film industry's collective action at such times is sensible and sets a good example for the welfare of workers.
Mint
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Actor Silambarasan provides financial help to late stuntman SM Raju's family after tragic accident on 'Vettuvam' set
In a deeply moving act of solidarity, actor Silambarasan TR has quietly provided financial support to the family of veteran stuntman SM Raju, who tragically lost his life while performing a dangerous car stunt on the set of 'Vettuvam', directed by Pa. Ranjith. Despite having no involvement in the film, Silambarasan's gesture has touched hearts across the Tamil film industry. The fatal incident occurred on July 13, 2025 during the filming of a high-risk action sequence. While preliminary reports suggest that basic safety protocols were in place, the accident has reignited urgent discussions about the safety and welfare of stunt performers, who often risk their lives for on-screen spectacle. Silambarasan's contribution came to light during an emotional interview with renowned stunt choreographer Silva Master, who praised the actor not only for his timely financial aid but also for his ongoing charitable efforts, often carried out without fanfare. 'Silambarasan didn't have anything to do with the film, but he stepped in for the family without any publicity,' said Silva. 'It's not the first time he's done something like this. He always helps quietly, from the heart.' SM Raju's death has sent shockwaves through the industry, and condolences have been pouring in from actors, technicians, and fans alike. Legal proceedings have also been initiated under sections 289, 125, and 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) against director Pa. Ranjith, stunt coordinator Vinoth, Rajkamal from Neelam Productions, and vehicle owner Prabhakaran. While the production of 'Vettuvam', which stars Arya in the lead role, is currently under review pending investigation, the tragic loss has highlighted systemic gaps in on-set safety — particularly for stunt artists who often go under-recognised despite their life-threatening work. Meanwhile, Silambarasan TR, last seen in 'Thug Life' directed by Mani Ratnam, is currently working on 'STR49', a highly anticipated collaboration with director Vetri Maaran set within the Vada Chennai universe. Though not a direct sequel, the project has garnered considerable buzz among fans.
India Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Actor Silambarasan offers financial aid to late stuntman Mohan Raj's family
In a tragic turn for the Tamil film industry, veteran stuntman Mohan Raj lost his life during a high-risk car stunt on the sets of 'Vettuvam'. While the incident left the industry in shock, actor Silambarasan TR, unconnected to the project, silently extended financial support to the late stuntman's family, earning praise for his compassionate contribution was revealed during an emotional interview with stunt choreographer Silva Master, who praised STR for his consistent but low-profile charitable acts. Silambarasan's support has struck a chord across the industry, especially among stunt performers, who often operate in high-risk conditions with limited film, directed by Pa Ranjith and starring Arya, was in the middle of filming a high-risk action sequence on July 13 when the fatal accident occurred. Though basic safety protocols were reportedly followed, the tragedy has reignited urgent conversations around the need for stricter safety regulations and accountability on film sets. As condolences continue to pour in, legal proceedings have also begun. A case has been filed under sections 289, 125, and 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) against director Pa. Ranjith, stunt coordinator Vinoth, Rajkamal from Neelam Productions, and vehicle owner the trailer: Meanwhile, Silambarasan was last seen in 'Thug Life', directed by Mani Ratnam and starring Kamal Haasan. He is currently collaborating with Vetri Maaran on a highly anticipated project set in the 'Vada Chennai' universe. While it's not a direct sequel, the film, tentatively titled 'STR49', has already generated significant excitement among fans.- Ends
Indian Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Death of a stuntman: It's about time there were safety standards for film sets
During the making of Pa Ranjith's upcoming film Vettuvam, stuntman S Mohanraj died while performing a car toppling sequence. A video clip capturing the accident made it to the news, greatly shocking anyone who watched it. The film industry regards Mohanraj, a veteran with over three decades of experience, as a specialist in performing car stunts, and it wasn't the first time he was executing such a stunt. A day after the demise, filmmaker Pa Ranjith issued a heartfelt condolence message while also clarifying that safety protocols had been in place and precautions had been taken as advised by the stunt experts. The case probably gained widespread attention as a video clip capturing the fatal accident was shared by someone present on the film set. But such deaths during film shoots are not as rare as might be imagined, although in the absence of similar video evidence, they hardly make news. Last year, in another high profile film, Sardar 2 starring actor Karthi, a stuntman died in an accident. Much earlier, in 2020, during the shoot of filmmaker Shankar's Indian 2, starring Kamal Haasan, three individuals — an assistant director, an art assistant and a production assistant — were killed while mounting a heavy-duty light on a crane, while another 10 were injured. It is important to note that the three individuals were killed not during a risky stunt sequence, but merely during the erection of a set. Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) president RK Selvamani stated that between Indian 2 and Sardar 2, as many as 20 stuntmen have been killed in on-set accidents. However, these deaths hardly make it to the news, except in the case of high profile films. While senior stunt masters have repeatedly pressed for better safety standards, they have also invoked the Tamil saying 'Karanam thappinal maranam (Death is assured, even in the case of a small slip)', reflecting an internalised readiness to accept the risk of death as intrinsic to the job. Ideally, FEFSI should be pressing producers to implement better safety standards for all stunt sequences performed in the industry. Thus far, however, there has not been much pressure on producers or the producers' council on this matter — given the way power is skewed in the industry, FEFSI is forced to save its negotiating edge to handle several other workers' issues. In such a situation, the onus to maintain the safety standards ends up on the stuntperson performing the risky action sequence. We have to remember here that most stuntpersons aren't formally trained or qualified to certify the safety standards of their own performances. Many of them, in fact, willingly put their own lives at enormous risk to ensure the sustenance of their families and themselves. In the event of their death, compensation is handed out — in the case of the Indian 2 incident, Shankar, Kamal Haasan and Lyca Productions handed over Rs 4 crore to the families of the deceased. But this cannot be the model for how the film industry functions. Handing out huge sums to the families of deceased stuntpersons cannot take the place of continuous investments and maintenance of better safety standards for all. As long as the current model works out economically, the industry will continue to function in the same way. The only solution is for the State or Union government to institute a Film Set Safety Standard Board that would inspect every film set and issue certificates based on the safety standards maintained. Such a board should be adequately equipped with manpower and expertise to examine, understand and advise on the safety standards of the film set or stunt sequences performed. And it should be made mandatory to get a clearance from the board to ensure the public release of a film. There was a time when film productions received backlash for mistreating animals during shoots. But today, to use animals in films or advertisements in India, filmmakers need to obtain pre-shoot permission and post-shoot clearance from the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). And this has to a great extent ensured the ethical treatment of animals during film shoots. It is high time that safety standards are put in place, and enforced, so that stuntpersons don't have to place themselves in harmful situations to ensure that the audience gets the adrenaline rush it craves. The writer is a Chennai-based filmmaker
