Follow TNM’s WhatsApp channel for news updates and story links.
Director Pa Ranjith and three others have been booked by the Keelaiyur police in connection with the death of stunt performer S Mohan Raju during the shooting of Vettuvam in Nagapattinam district. All four of them have been charged with causing death by negligence.
Initially a case was registered under Section 194 (suspicious death) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Act. However, following the investigation, the sections have been revised.
According to the FIR, Ranjith, stunt choreographer Vinoth, manager of Neelam Productions Rajkamal, and the car’s owner Prabhakaran have been booked under sections 289 (negligent conduct with respect to machinery), 125 (endangering life or personal safety of others), and 106(1) (causing death by negligence) of the BNS Act, The Times of India reported.
Vettuvam is directed and produced by Pa Ranjith under his own banner, Neelam Productions.
According to reports, the post-mortem was conducted on July 14, and the body was handed over to the family.
Stunt artist S Mohan Raju died in a car accident on July 13, while filming an action sequence for Ranjith’s upcoming film Vettuvam starring Arya, Sobhita Dhulipala and others. The incident took place at around 9 am in Vilundamavadi of Tamil Nadu’s Nagapattinam district.
A video of the stunt has emerged which shows an SUV driven by the stunt performer taking off from a ramp at a high speed. Under its impact the car flies in the air for about 10-20 metres, spins twice and makes a hard landing on its side. The crew who immediately rushed to Raju’s help found him unconscious. An ambulance kept on standby rushed him to Orathur Medical College Hospital. However, doctors declared him brought dead.
Meanwhile, in a statement on Tuesday, July 15, Ranjith expressed his shock over the death of the stunt performer. Elaborating on the stunt sequence which turned fatal, Ranjith said that the scene was meticulously planned with clear preparations and safety measures.
“As always, before filming the crash sequence, detailed planning, safety arrangements, and all necessary precautions and best wishes were in place.”
He said that stunt choreographer Dileep Master designed the sequence with “clear planning and safety preparations”.
“Yet, the fact that the day ended in the heartbreaking loss of brother Mohan Raju has left us in unbearable shock. He was loved and respected by his stunt team, our unit, and everyone who worked with him. With his vast experience and accomplishments, he brought pride to his family, fellow stunt performers, and directors through his precise and passionate work,” the statement read.
Ranjith also said that Mohan Raju’s death was an “irreparable loss”.
“Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of brother Mohan Raj, who lived as a loving husband, father, extraordinary stunt performer, and a principled human being. He wanted to be known as one of the finest stunt artists, and that is how we will always remember and honour him.”