Actor K Vishal To NDTV On Stuntman SM Raju’s Death In Car Crash: “He Was Asked To Not Do It, He Wouldn’t Listen”
An unfortunate incident has taken place that not only shook the South Indian film industry but also the entire nation. Veteran stuntman SM Raju passed away in a horrific car accident on the sets of an intense action sequence. The incident occurred earlier this week on the outskirts of Chennai, where a speeding vehicle stunt went terribly wrong.
Actor K Vishal, who was at the shoot with Raju, has spoken for the first time about the tragedy in an emotional interview with NDTV. He claimed that Raju had been told not to perform the dangerous stunt.
“He was told not to do it, he didn’t listen,” said Vishal, in a somber, halting voice as he described the events leading up to the crash.
“Raju was passionate, fearless, and would always go to any extent for the shot. But at times, that same commitment can blind one to the dangers. We did try to stop him… we really did.”
A Shocking Loss
SM Raju was a well-known and highly respected name in the South Indian film industry. Over a career spanning 25 years, he worked as a stunt coordinator and performer on numerous superhit Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada films, earning admiration from actors, directors, and fans alike.
The fatal accident happened while shooting a high-speed chase scene for Vishal’s next action-packed film. According to eyewitnesses, the stunt required Raju to race a car around a sharp bend and bring it to a dramatic stop. However, the car lost control, veered off the road, hit a concrete barrier, and rolled several times.
Raju was rushed to a hospital, but was tragically declared dead on arrival.
Vishal’s Emotional Account
The action star, who himself has a fragment of a bullet lodged in his neck, was visibly disturbed in his interview with NDTV.
“We made a proper stunt plan. We even hired a professional stunt double for the scene.
But Raju wanted to do it himself,” Vishal explained.
“He was always like that. He believed: ‘If I’ve choreographed it, I should do it.’”
Although cleared by authorities to perform the stunt, concerns had already been raised due to pre-existing conditions of the road.
“We knew it was risky,” Vishal admitted.
“Some of us felt we ought to postpone or reevaluate. But Raju was confident—too confident, perhaps.
He said he had done similar stunts before and saw no difference this time.”
“This is beyond just our film now. This is a personal loss for each and every one of us. Raju was family.”
Safety Issues in Movie Making
Raju’s death has renewed focus on the safety of stunt performers in Indian cinema.
Though the industry has seen increased budgets and more advanced action sequences, many lack the robust safety protocols found in Hollywood. In some instances, stunts are performed:
- Without proper medical preparedness
- Without rehearsals or simulations
- Without risk assessments
Industry insiders point out that performers often face pressure from both filmmakers and themselves—driven by passion, pride, and a need to prove their capabilities.
Veteran filmmaker Gautham Menon stated:
“Stuntmen are the unacknowledged heroes of our industry.
We cheer for the stars, but it’s these men who put themselves in harm’s way.
It’s time to stop the waterfall of broken backs and shattered limbs that have devastated the lives of too many young people—often poor and of color.”
A Legacy of Courage
SM Raju, born and raised in Chennai, began as an assistant stunt coordinator in the late 1990s. Over the years, he became the go-to expert for dangerous and complex action sequences.
He worked with major stars like:
- Vijay
- Suriya
- Prabhas
He was recently felicitated by the South Indian Cine Stunt Directors and Fighters Union for his outstanding work.
Director Hari, who had worked with Raju on several projects, recalled:
“Raju was a unique combination of brain and brawn.
He could structure a scene with mathematical precision, then go out and perform it himself.
He had nerves of steel. But sometimes, steel can crack, too.”
Many remembered Raju not only for his skill but for his humility and warmth:
“He would always smile and greet everyone—from the biggest star to the lowest crew member,”
said an assistant director.
“He mentored younger fighters and taught them the value of preparation.”
The Aftermath
- Filming has been halted indefinitely
- A formal investigation is underway to determine how the stunt was approved
- Police are also conducting an independent inquiry
- The film production team is cooperating fully
Meanwhile, Raju’s family has received an outpouring of support:
- The Tamil Nadu Film Producers’ Council has announced financial aid
- Actor Vishal has pledged to fund Raju’s children’s education
“We can at least do this much,” Vishal said.
“He gave his life for cinema—for our vision. We owe him more than words.”
A Wake-Up Call
The tragic passing of SM Raju is a stark reminder of the hidden dangers behind cinematic glamour. While audiences enjoy thrilling stunts on screen, it’s often the fearless stuntmen who risk everything.
This incident has sparked renewed calls for reform, including:
- Mandatory safety standards
- Insurance coverage for stunt workers
- Real-time emergency protocols
- Recognition and support for stunt professionals
Actor Siva Karthikeyan wrote on Twitter:
“Deeply saddened by the loss of Raju sir.
His dedication will never be forgotten.
Let this not be in vain. Let it be a turning point.”
Conclusion
As the film industry processes its grief, it must also reckon with the systemic issues that led to this avoidable tragedy. The untimely death of SM Raju, one of the bravest and most committed professionals in the field, should serve as a wake-up call to prioritize safety over spectacle.
Rest in peace, SM Raju.
Your last stunt may have taken you from us, but your legacy will continue to inspire every fighter, every filmmaker, and every dreamer behind the screen.
