The dazzling action sequences that movie audiences enjoy are not without their dangers, even with the most rigorous safety measures in place. This was highlighted recently during the filming of Aayush Sharma’s upcoming action movie, “Ruslaan,” when a stunt performer suffered a mishap despite all precautions taken by the production team.
The incident occurred while shooting a particularly daring stunt. “In the teaser, you’ll see a scene where Aayush is firing at an antagonist, and the character is thrust through a glass wall,” explains director Karan L Butani. The glass used in this sequence was specifically designed for stunt work, intended to break safely without causing harm. “Nevertheless, a few shards ended up injuring the stuntman’s hands. We had to rush him to the hospital. Thankfully, he was fine,” Butani recounts.
This unfortunate event has shone a light on the stunt community, a group of often unsung heroes in the entertainment industry. They face danger daily to bring thrilling action to life on screen. Butani acknowledges the perils they face and the necessity of appreciating their valiant efforts.
Echoing the director, Aayush Sharma, the film’s lead actor, also emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of the stunt team. He reflects somberly on the accident, saying, “It really brings home the reality of the risks these professionals take. It’s sobering to finish a day of filming and realize the true bravery these persons embody.”
The injured stunt performer, who remains unnamed, was treated at a local hospital and released with just minor injuries—a testament to the production’s commitment to safety measures that potentially avoided a much more serious outcome. The incident underscores the film industry’s ongoing challenge to balance the creation of spectacular, realistic action with the responsibility of ensuring the safety of its stunt crews.
“Ruslaan,” which also features notable actors Jagapathi Babu, Vidya Malavade, and Sushrii Mishraa, is touted to be a high-voltage action entertainer. As the audience awaits the film’s release, the makers have been keen to highlight that the breathtaking sequences are the result of not just hard work but also the incredible courage of the stunt teams involved.
As per Butani, every measure is taken to ensure a safe filming environment. This includes rigorous checks, professional stunt coordinators on-site, and emergency protocols designed to act swiftly in the event of any untoward incidents.
Yet, no system is failproof, and as Aayush Sharma poignantly stated, every member of the crew is cognizant of the inherent risks. The accident has not only served as a stark reminder of these risks but also reinforced the production’s resolve to place the highest importance on safety, making every effort to prevent such incidents in future shoots.
The resilience and dedication of the injured stunt performer represent the ethos of all stunt professionals, whose work often goes unnoticed by the general public. As more prominence is given to the work these individuals do to create the thrilling action sequences that anchor films like “Ruslaan,” it’s important for both industry insiders and film enthusiasts to recognize and celebrate the bravery and sacrifice involved in bringing these cinematic visions to the screen.
In reflecting on the incident, the message from Butani and Sharma is clear: the sensational action on screen should never come at the cost of someone’s well-being. With this ethos in mind, “Ruslaan” aims to not only deliver an enthralling spectacle for the viewers but also to set a precedent for responsible action filmmaking. This balance of caution and courage ensures that the magic of movies continues to enthral audiences, while the heroes behind the scenes remain safe and celebrated.
