Stuntman SM Raju dies during Arya–Pa Ranjith film shoot - Vishal says "So difficult to digest the fact"

Stunt artist SM Raju tragically lost his life while performing a high-risk car toppling stunt during the shoot of Arya’s upcoming film directed by Pa. Ranjith. The accident occurred on Sunday (July 13) morning.


“So difficult to digest the fact" - Vishal


Actor Vishal, who had worked with Raju on several films, confirmed the heartbreaking news and shared an emotional message on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).


“So difficult to digest the fact that stunt artist Raju passed away while doing a car toppling sequence,” Vishal wrote. “I have known Raju for so many years, and he has performed so many risky stunts in my films time and again. He was such a brave person. My deepest condolences and may his soul rest in peace.”


Vishal promises to stand by Raju’s family - I will definitely be there...



More than just expressing grief, Vishal pledged long-term support to Raju’s family. “May God give more strength to his family for their grave loss,” he added. “Not just this tweet — I will definitely be there for his family’s future. From the bottom of my heart and as my duty, I extend my support for them.” Vishal was recently seen in 'Madha Gaja Raja' which was released in theatres after several years. The movie was directed by Sundar C and had actors Vishal, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Anjali and many more in the lead.


Tributes pour in from the industry



Popular stunt choreographer Stunt Silva also mourned Raju’s loss. In an Instagram story, he wrote, “One of our great car-jumping stunt artists, S.M. Raju, died today while doing car stunts. Our stunt union and the Indian film industry will be missing him.” S.M Raju has worked in several superhit films.



Meanwhile, Arya and Pa. Ranjith's film is reportedly the sequel of 'Sarpatta Parambarai'. Earlier Pa. Ranjith had announced the sequel for the film, and the fans were quite intrigued. According to the sources, Arya and Pa. Ranjith's film will hit the big screens in 2026. The expectations are high for the film. 'Sarpatta Parambarai' received good reviews from the audiences and turned out to be a superhit.