We Followed Every Protocol: Pa Ranjith Brushes Off Negligence Reports In First Statement On The Stuntman Raju's Death

Pa Ranjith has finally broken his silence on the tragic demise of SM Raju, the stuntman who lost his life while performing a high-risk car sequence for his film. The incident sent a shockwave across the industry and raised critical questions regarding the safety protocol for the cast and crew on a movie set, especially during action sequences. In the first statement, the filmmaker shared the details of the day when the tragedy took place and also stressed that all safety gears were put in place before the shoot commenced. 

Pa Ranjith subtly clarifies the negligence rumours in SM Raju's death case

On July 15, Pa Ranjith took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to share an official statement providing condolences to SM Raju following his death. He penned a note for the bereaved family of the 52-year-old stuntman. Sharing details from the day of the tragedy, he wrote, “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. This has sent us all into shock and heartbreak.” 

Also Read: Who Was SM Raju aka Mohan Raj? 52-year-old Stuntman Who Died Performing High Risk Car Stunt Scene In Chennai

In his note, Pa Ranjith also clarified that SM Raju was a ‘veteran in performing stunts’ and he had the expertise in the art, on which everyone in the team had confidence. He further stressed, “We relied on the expertise of our Stunt Director Dilip Subbarayan and followed every protocol, every detail that was needed to make this safe. That in spite of all of our preparations and precautions, 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, has affected us deeply. He will have our respect, love and adoration always." 

Also Read: Chilling Video Of Car Toppling Sequence That Killed Stuntman Raju On Pa Ranjith's Film Set Surfaces 

The director concluded the note by writing, “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.”

Pa Ranjith and three others booked in connection with SM Raju's death

Also Read: Gross Negligence? Stuntman Raju's Death On Film Set Raises Critical Safety Concerns 

Pa Ranjith's statement comes after he and three others have been reportedly booked for negligent conduct, abetment of an offence and culpable homicide. As per a report in The Hindu, the director, along with stunt choreographer Rajkamal, Neelam Productions and Prabhakaran, were booked under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act. More details on the case are awaited.