Should Dangerous Stunts Be Banned in the Era of VFX?
Laws have already evolved to protect animals from exploitation in circuses and films. Isn’t it time we show equal concern for human safety?
July 14, 2025 — In a heartbreaking turn of events, veteran stunt performer SM Raju lost his life during the shoot of a high-intensity car stunt for the upcoming Tamil film Vettuvan, directed by Pa Ranjith and starring Arya.
The tragic accident has reignited a pressing debate: If the law can restrict animals from performing in circuses for ethical reasons, why can't it restrict human stunt performers—especially when visual effects (VFX) and computer technology offer safer alternatives?
The incident occurred on Sunday morning in Tamil Nadu, during the filming of a scene involving a high-speed car toppling sequence. Chilling behind-the-scenes footage shows Raju behind the wheel moments before the vehicle flips violently and crumples. Despite quick response from the crew, the 52-year-old stuntman was declared dead on-site.
No official statement has been made yet by lead actor Arya or director Pa Ranjith.
However, actor Vishal, a close friend and long-time collaborator of SM Raju, confirmed the tragedy on social media.
For“So difficult to digest the fact that stunt artist Raju passed away while doing a car toppling sequence,” Vishal wrote on X. “He was such a brave person. My deepest condolences. May his soul rest in peace.”
The incident occurred on Sunday morning in Tamil Nadu, during the filming of a scene involving a high-speed car toppling sequence. Chilling behind-the-scenes footage shows Raju behind the wheel moments before the vehicle flips violently and crumples. Despite quick response from the crew, the 52-year-old stuntman was declared dead on-site.
No official statement has been made yet by lead actor Arya or director Pa Ranjith.
However, actor Vishal, a close friend and long-time collaborator of SM Raju, confirmed the tragedy on social media.
For“So difficult to digest the fact that stunt artist Raju passed away while doing a car toppling sequence,” Vishal wrote on X. “He was such a brave person. My deepest condolences. May his soul rest in peace.”
Prominent stunt choreographer Stunt Silva also expressed grief, calling Raju one of the best car stunt performers the industry had known.
“Our stunt union and Indian film industry will be missing him,” he wrote on Instagram.
Stunts vs. VFX: A Necessary Risk?
This tragic incident raises a critical question: Why are human lives still being risked in the name of realism when cutting-edge technology can achieve the same cinematic thrill?
Who Was SM Raju?
Born Mohan Raj, popularly known as SM Raju, the stuntman hailed from Tamil Nadu’s Kanchipuram district. With decades of experience in the Kollywood industry, he was a trusted name in executing complex, dangerous action scenes. He was admired for his courage and expertise on some of South India’s biggest film sets.Stunts vs. VFX: A Necessary Risk?
This tragic incident raises a critical question: Why are human lives still being risked in the name of realism when cutting-edge technology can achieve the same cinematic thrill?
Laws have already evolved to protect animals from exploitation in circuses and films. Isn’t it time we show equal concern for human safety? In an industry where VFX and CGI are widely accessible, is it ethical—or even necessary—to rely on physical stunts that put lives in danger?
While the stunt community celebrates Raju’s bravery, the public is left asking: Should the Indian film industry move toward a safer, tech-driven approach to action? Or must another life be lost before change is enforced?
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