SM Raju, also known by his birth name Mohan Raj, was a stuntman and stunt director who worked primarily in the Tamil film industry. He was known for his expertise in car and bike stunts, often performing sequences that involved flips, crashes, and high-speed chases. His work was not just about action—it was about precision, timing, and trust.
On 13 July 2025, the film industry was shaken by the tragic death of SM during a stunt for the upcoming Tamil movie Vettuvam, directed by Pa Ranjith and starring Arya. The accident occurred while Raju was performing a high-risk car stunt in Vizhunthamavadi village, located in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu. Despite safety checks and rehearsals, the stunt ended in heartbreak when Raju collapsed behind the wheel moments after executing the scene.
Childhood and Early Life
Raju was born in 1973 in Poongunam village, located in Cheyyur taluk, Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu. He grew up in a modest household, surrounded by the rural landscapes of southern India. His father’s name was Selvaraj, and while not much is publicly known about his family background, it is clear that Raju’s early life was shaped by simplicity and hard work.
As a child, Raju was fascinated by action scenes in movies. He would often imitate fight sequences and dream of being part of the film world. His interest in stunts began during his teenage years, when he started experimenting with basic moves and techniques. He was drawn to the thrill of physical challenges and the discipline required to master them.
SM Raju Wiki | BIO
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mohan Raj (professionally known as SM Raju) |
| Profession | Stuntman, Stunt Director |
| Date of Birth | 1973 |
| Place of Birth | Poongunam village, Cheyyur taluk, Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Date of Death | 13 July 2025 |
| Place of Death | Vizhunthamavadi village, Kilvelur taluka, Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu |
| Age at Death | 52 Years |
| Cause of Death | Internal injuries sustained during a car stunt |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu |
| Height (approx.) | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Weight (approx.) | 65–70 kg (143–154 lbs) |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Children | 2 |
| Notable Work | Over 500 films, known for car and bike stunts |
| Final Project | Tamil film Vettuvam, directed by Pa Ranjith |
| Industry Experience | 30+ years |
| Key Collaborations | Pa Ranjith, Vishal, Arya, stunt choreographer Silva |
| Legal Action After Death | FIR filed under Sections 289, 125, 106(1) of BNS |
Career Beginnings
Raju’s professional journey started in the early 1990s, when he moved to Chennai to pursue a career in the film industry. Chennai, being the hub of Tamil cinema, offered more opportunities and exposure. He began working as a junior stunt artist, performing minor roles in fight scenes and assisting senior stunt coordinators.
His early years were filled with challenges. The work was physically demanding, and the pay was modest. But Raju never complained. He saw each assignment as a chance to learn and grow. He studied the techniques of senior stunt directors, observed camera angles, and understood the importance of timing and safety. One of his first breakthroughs came when he was asked to perform a bike stunt for a mid-budget Tamil film.
Over time, Raju became known for his ability to perform high-risk stunts with precision. He was especially skilled in car flips, ramp launches, and controlled crashes. Directors began seeking him out for complex sequences, and his reputation grew. He transitioned from performer to stunt choreographer, designing entire action scenes and training actors.
Rise to Fame
Raju’s rise in the Tamil film industry was not overnight—it was the result of many years of perseverance, daring performances, and an unwavering commitment to his work. Throughout the 1990s, Raju became a reliable and familiar face behind countless action-packed film sets. Directors began to recognize his calm and precise execution of dangerous stunts, which set him apart from others in his field. His breakout moment arrived during a complex multi-vehicle chase sequence in a Tamil movie. The scene required coordination between motorcycles and cars, demanding perfect timing and positioning.
Over the years, he became a favorite among leading actors like Vishal, Arya, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. These stars trusted him with their lives during high-risk stunts, choosing to work with him repeatedly. His growing popularity stemmed not only from the complexity of the stunts he could perform but also from his ability to plan and execute them with precision. As his career matured, his name became synonymous with large-scale SUV flips, dramatic high-speed crashes, and stunt scenes that brought audiences to the edge of their seats.
Career Highlights
Throughout his three-decade career, SM contributed to more than 500 films. This staggering figure reflected both his work ethic and the demand for his talent. While he wasn’t always credited prominently, within the film fraternity, his contributions were recognized and deeply valued. Directors, actors, and technicians saw him as an irreplaceable part of Tamil cinema’s action genre.
Some of his standout moments included intricate bike chase sequences filmed in congested public spaces, SUV stunts that involved flipping vehicles mid-air, and hand-to-hand combat scenes that blended realism with drama. His mastery of such scenes made him the go-to stuntman for directors wanting impactful yet safe performances.
Contributions as a Stunt Director
As Raju gained experience and respect, he gradually took on the role of stunt director—a position that demanded both creative planning and technical coordination. In this role, he wasn’t just performing stunts; he was designing them from scratch, handling everything from logistics and safety planning to execution and post-production adjustments.
One notable aspect of his leadership was his hands-on approach. Unlike some stunt directors who preferred to supervise from a distance, Raju remained deeply involved in every aspect of the stunt. He would often perform the high-risk stunts himself, especially when resources were limited or when the scene required a particular level of precision. This was evident during the shoot of Vettuvam, where budget constraints led Raju to choreograph and perform the SUV flip on his own. Even when advised to let a junior artist take over, Raju responded, “If not me, who else can do this car flip stunt?”—a statement that reflected both his commitment and confidence.
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SM Raju’s Role in ‘Vettuvam’
In the days leading up to the accident, SM was working on a high-profile Tamil film titled Vettuvam, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Pa Ranjith and starring Arya in the lead role. The film was being shot in Vizhunthamavadi village, located in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu. Raju was not just choreographing the stunt—he was performing it himself. This decision was reportedly made due to budget constraints, and despite suggestions to let a junior artist take over, Raju insisted on doing it himself.
The stunt involved launching an SUV from a ramp, flipping it mid-air, and landing it at a designated spot. It was a complex maneuver that required precise calculations and flawless execution. According to statements from the crew, including Pa Ranjith, the team had conducted test drives, inspected the area for safety, and completed a successful rehearsal run. A medical team and ambulance were present on set, and general filming permissions had been obtained.
The Tragic Accident
On the morning of 13 July 2025, the team prepared for the final take of the stunt. The SUV was launched from the ramp, flipped mid-air, and landed as expected. There was no visible crash, fire, or explosion. But moments after the landing, Raju—who was driving the vehicle—reportedly suffered chest pain and collapsed behind the wheel. Crew members rushed to the car, pulled him out, and attempted to revive him. He was immediately taken to the Nagapattinam Government Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
According to the postmortem report, Raju had suffered severe internal injuries, including bleeding inside the head, despite no visible external wounds. The impact of the steering wheel on his chest was believed to have caused the fatal trauma. The soil conditions at the filming location—a salt pan near the coastline—were reportedly loose and unstable, which may have contributed to the severity of the landing.
Viral Video and Public Reaction
Soon after the incident, a video of the stunt began circulating on social media. The footage showed the SUV speeding toward the ramp, flipping mid-air, and landing hard. Crew members could be seen running toward the vehicle in panic, trying to help Raju. The video sparked widespread concern and outrage.
Fans and industry professionals expressed their grief and anger online. Many questioned why such a dangerous stunt was performed manually instead of using remote-controlled vehicles or VFX. Others criticized the lack of specific permissions for the stunt and called for stricter safety regulations.
Legal Proceedings and FIR
Initially, the Keelaiyur police registered a case under Section 174 CrPC for unnatural death. However, after the postmortem and further investigation, the case was upgraded. On 14 July 2025, an FIR was filed under Sections 289 (negligent conduct), 125 (abetment of an offence), and 106(1) (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The FIR named four individuals: Director Pa Ranjith, Stunt coordinator Vinoth, Production manager Rajkamal, and SUV owner Prabhakaran. According to reports, while the team had general permission to film at the location, they did not have specific permission to perform a dangerous car stunt. The district administration stated that permission was granted only for July 11 and 12, but the stunt was performed on July 13, without informing the authorities.
Physical Appearance
SM, also known as Mohan Raj, had a strong and athletic build that suited his profession as a stuntman. He stood approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall (178 cm) and weighed between 65 to 70 kilograms (143 to 154 lbs). His black eyes and black hair gave him a striking presence, though he often remained behind the scenes.
His physical fitness was a key part of his career. Raju maintained a disciplined lifestyle to stay in shape and handle the physical demands of stunt work. Whether it was jumping from moving vehicles or choreographing fight scenes, his body had to be agile, strong, and responsive.
Personal Life and Family
Away from the spotlight, Raju lived a quiet and grounded life. He was married and had two children, both of whom were reportedly present during his funeral. His family lived in or near the Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu, where Raju was born and raised.
His father’s name was Selvaraj, and while not much is publicly known about his extended family, it’s clear that Raju kept his personal life private. He rarely spoke about his family in interviews, preferring to focus on his work. However, those close to him described him as a devoted husband and father who balanced his dangerous profession with a deep sense of responsibility at home.
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