The South Indian film industry is mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of stuntman Mohanraj, who died during a film shoot gone wrong. The tragedy occurred on the set of the upcoming Tamil action film Vettuvam, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Pa Ranjith and starring Arya in the lead role.
The incident has not only left his colleagues in shock but has reignited debates over the lack of proper safety measures for stunt professionals in the Indian film industry.
How the Incident Happened: A Fatal Miscalculation
During the shoot of an intense action sequence, Mohanraj was tasked with executing a dangerous stunt involving a speeding SUV. The vehicle was supposed to hit a ramp and create a flying effect for a dramatic scene.
However, the car lost balance mid-air, flipped over, and crashed with devastating impact. The entire crew was horrified as the situation unfolded in front of their eyes. Despite immediate medical attention and rushing Mohanraj to a nearby hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.
Viral Video from a Past Film Shows His Dedication
Shortly after his death, a video clip from a previous film titled Bullet began circulating on social media. In that video, Mohanraj is seen emerging from a successfully completed crash stunt, greeted warmly by crew members and hugged for his bravery before heading to an ambulance for precautionary checks.
This video has added emotional weight to the tragedy, as it shows the risk-filled life of stunt professionals and how close they often come to danger in their line of work.
Mrunal Thakur and Film Industry Reacts
Popular actress Mrunal Thakur, known for her work in successful South Indian films like Sita Ramam, Hi Nanna, and The Family Star, reacted to the disturbing accident video shared by a media outlet. In her Instagram story, she wrote:
“Omgggg nooo.”
Her reaction mirrors the shock and grief felt across the entertainment industry and by fans.
AICWA Calls for Murder Charges Against Producers
Suresh Gupta, the President of the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), strongly condemned the incident. He criticized filmmakers who demand “Hollywood-level action” but fail to invest in safety gear and planning.
“Every year, many stunt artists lose their lives. The man would have been alive if they had provided enough safety. Some producers play with stuntmen’s lives to save a few bucks,” Gupta said in a video address.
He further added that the association has written to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, demanding murder charges be filed against the producers of Vettuvam.
The Broader Issue: Are Indian Film Sets Safe for Stunt Professionals?
Mohanraj’s death is not an isolated case. Over the years, several stunt performers have been severely injured or lost their lives due to lack of planning, budget cuts, or poor supervision on set.
A few notable past incidents include:
- In 2016, two stuntmen drowned during the shoot of Kannada movie Masti Gudi.
- In 2012, a stunt coordinator died on the set of Khiladi 786 due to an on-set accident.
- In 2002, stuntman Ajay Kumar was fatally injured during a shoot for a Telugu film.
Despite several warnings and incidents, the film industry has no centralized safety body overseeing dangerous sequences.
Need for Regulatory Safety Measures
The stunt profession in India still lacks proper unionization, insurance, and safety protocols. While some top-tier productions do ensure protective measures, most mid-budget and regional films often neglect basic safety precautions, especially during high-stakes action scenes.
Safety experts argue that:
- Every high-risk stunt should be supervised by certified coordinators.
- Medical personnel and ambulances must be present on set.
- Artists must be insured and trained before executing life-threatening sequences.
- Government and film unions must create mandatory safety codes.
Viewer Discretion: Viral Video Warning
A disturbing video clip of the accident that killed Mohanraj is being circulated online. While it may serve as a grim reminder of the occupational hazards faced by stunt artists, viewer discretion is strongly advised.
Warning: The footage contains graphic visuals and may be distressing to some. It is not recommended for children or sensitive viewers.
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