Director Pa Ranjith is currently busy shooting for his next project, speculatively Vettuvam, across Nagapattinam. On Sunday, a tragic incident took place on the film’s set, leading to the demise of a stunt actor.
Mohan Raj, a stunt actor, reportedly breathed his last on Sunday, on the sets of the filmmaker, after suffering from a heart attack. The actor reportedly performed a stunt with an SUV, which, as per a few viral visuals, is seen toppling over a ramp. Following which, the crew members on the set rushed to save Mohan Raj, but in vain, as he was already unconscious by then.
As per a few reports, the stunt director had complained of chest pain on the film’s set on Sunday, prior to the filming of the stunt sequence. While the actor was rushed to the hospital following the stunt mishap, he unfortunately succumbed to the heart attack.
Actor Vishal took to his official X handle to confirm the news about the demise of Mohan Raj, fondly called Raju. He wrote, “So difficult to digest the fact that stunt artist Raju passed away while doing a car toppling sequence for Arya and Pa Ranjith’s film this morning. I have known Raju for so many years, and he has performed so many risky stunts in my films time and time again, as he is such a brave person. My deepest condolences, and may his soul rest in peace. May God give more strength to his family for their grave loss. Not just this tweet, but I will definitely be there for his family’s future, being from the same film industry, and also for his contribution to so many films. From the bottom of my heart and as my duty, I extend my support for them. God bless.” (sic)
Actor Prithviraj also mourned the demise of Mohan Raj. Taking to his Instagram stories, he wrote, "Rest in peace Raju. So many moments of magic that would have been impossible to film without your skill and guts! You will be missed forever!"
Vettuvam is said to be a linked film and TV series set predominantly in a prison and is about standing up to injustice. The film will be produced by Ranjith's Neelam Studios along with Golden Ratio Films who recently collaborated for bankrolling Writer.
According to sources, Vettuvam is about a rural gangster who turns himself to the police in order to avoid his enemies only to find out that the prison system is worse. The feature film will first be out followed by the series. The series will apparently follow a structure in which each episode takes the point of view of a different character who would have been introduced in the film.
Apart from Vettuvam, Pa Ranjith also has Sarpatta Round 2 which was announced back in 2023.