‘Mohanraj will always stay in our memory’: Pa Ranjith’s Neelam Productions condoles stunt artist’s death on ‘Vettuvam’ sets

Pa Ranjith’s Neelam Productions has condoled the passing of Mohanraj a.k.a SM Raju, a stunt artist who died tragically on the sets of the director-producer’s upcoming film Vettuvam.

In a note posted on X, the banner wrote, “Our heart is broken for his wife, children, family and all who knew and loved Mohan Raj Anna as a colleague and a friend.”

“A day that started out with detailed planning, caution, clarity in execution, prayers and all our goodwill, as it does on every film set that stages crash sequences, ended up in his unexpected death,” read the note, adding that the news has sent the team of the film into shock and heartbreak. “Mohan Raj Anna was valued and respected by his colleagues in the stunt team and all of us in the crew. He was a veteran in performing stunts whose planning, clarity and execution we all relied on.’

The banner added that despite relying on the expertise of stunt director Dilip Subbarayan and the safety protocols needed for the stunt, “we ended up losing a man who had unparalleled experience and achievements, who made his family, colleagues, and directors proud with the quality of his work, and this has affected us deeply. He will have our respect, love, and adoration always.”

“This death is devastating. We deeply mourn the loss of Mohan Raj Anna a husband, father, an incredible stunt artist and a graceful human being. He wanted to be remembered for his work as a fabulous stunt artist, and that’s how he will always stay in our memory,” the note added.

Mohanraj, 52, son of Selvaraj, hailed from Poongandam in Kancheepuram district. He was working as a stunt coordinator for the film Vettuvam, the shoot of which had been underway in Alappakudi near Vizhunthamavadi village, in Keelaiyur police station limits since Thursday (July 10).

The stunt trainer allegedly died during a car-toppling sequence for the film starring Arya. Around 10.40 a.m, Mohanraj reportedly experienced health complications during filming, after which he was rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital at Orathur, where doctors declared him dead.

Meanwhile, Neelam Productions’ note comes just hours after the Keelaiyur Police booked Ranjith and three others in connection with the death of the stunt trainer. A case was initially registered under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act. The post-mortem was conducted on Monday morning, and the body was handed over to the family.

Based on the findings from the medical team and statements from eyewitnesses at the shoot location, the case has now been revised and booked under Sections 289 (Negligent conduct), 125 (Abetment of an offence), and 106(1) (Culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the BNS Act

The news about the demise of the stunt trainer sent shockwaves across the industry. Many members of the film fraternity — including actors Vishal and Prithviraj Sukumaran, and stunt artists, veterans Sham Kaushal, Ram Shetty, and Aejaz Gulab — have mourned the death of Mohanraj.