Former magic students meet, share magical memories

Magician Chandrasenan Mithirmala (centre), Secretary of the newly formed Alumni organisation of the Magic Academy, being flanked by his colleagues. (From left) Magicians, J. Sreekumaran Nair (Treasurer), K. Sathyaseelan (Joint Secretary), S. Somasekharan Nair (President) and Sreena Sreekumar (Vice President).

Thiruvananthapuram: An alumni forum for the Asia’s first Magic Academy is launched to make none of its former students escape from the bondage of togetherness. When former students of the Magic Academy met, they bounded each other with chains of friendship and locks of affection – not to escape from, but to endure for ever.

They showed sleights of hand tricks and shared jokes. Many of them unveiled how they kept their magic learning a secret at their homes. Whenever Pradeepkumar, a senior lecturer in Medical Lab Techniques of the Medical College went for magic classes, he had used tell his wife that he was going for collecting some research materials. But once their magical skills were made public, families and friends had only acknowledged them with adoration.


Former student and present Director of the Academy, R. Raja Moorthy offering the magical delight to his friends at the alumni meeting.

71-year-old retired P.W.D. Engineer, Somakumar to 13-year-old Ramu Bhattathiri were among the former students. Women representation was also not bad. Music teacher, Geetha; engineering students, Athira and Rugma and plus two student, Sreena talked about the advantages of ladies learning the magical art. Both Athira and Rugma, who became magic students at the age of 10, were rhetoric on the benefits magic has earned for them, not only in their school and college classes, but also during campus interviews.

Students of the first batch, Chandrasenan Mithirmala and R. Raja Moorthy baffled their friends with some the latest demonstrations of legerdemain. For Mr. Chandrasenan who is also the chairman of the Head load Workers Welfare Board, magic is the principal source of solace during free time.

Present during the get-together were mainly those who have completed various courses offered at the Academy during the past 12 years. With an objective of updating as well as brushing up their knowledge in legerdemain, a new organization of the alumni was also formed.

Former students can join in the alumni by sending their details at magicacademy@gmail.com.

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Mentalism performed by magicians are

63% of our readers say it is Magic
37% of our readers assess it as an application of Psychology.

Vote for issues of still more interest!

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Guidance to cross the great wall of surprises

Vadodara: Doesn’t your heart murmur about the next FISM? Are you not ambitious of flying to China to be part of this magical Olympiad? If you have the dream, here comes an Indian hand that can help realise them. Group of magician K. Baba has been authorized by the China Acrobats Association as the Group Organiser for India to guide Indian magicians to join the world championship.

In a communiqué received recently, it was also mentioned that Mr. Baba has recently visited Beijing to see the preparations, venue and the hotel facilities that were being arranged to accommodate international magicians. Sufficient information on the FISM may be availed through email: magiciankbaba@yahoo.com.

Get the magic of red!

Editorial of Vismayam Magical News, August 2008.

Red is a colour with several unique features. Red colour primarily represents the valour, sacrifice and perseverance. The red not only points to socialism and egalitarianism, but also reminds us of danger zones in life. To paint red is the easiest way to catch the attention of onlookers to your sign boards. If these are societal connotations easily come to our mind with regard to this colour, red has more intriguing features, too.

Red is a primary colour that when merged with other colours produce tints of fascination. Another praiseworthy quality of this colour is that it possesses the highest wavelength. Second to infrared, red thus traverses the longest distances.
Red is a colour of beauty, too. The raising and setting Suns have that heavenly crimson that rejoice our eyes. Deep red flowers hold more charm than anything else. Red is the colour of Oxygenated blood. Hence it is a symbol of purity. Red is the colour of ripe fruits. Hence it is a representative of maturity.

On the magic stage, let us emulate the qualities of this wonderful colour. Let us work as hard as we can to attain the biggest wavelength for our magical performances. Let us promote our art to the maximum possible levels so that magic becomes a primary colour in the cultural spectrum. Let us practice relentlessly that our magic show becomes red in maturity. Let us transform our magic into a medium for carrying good messages so that it gains the red of purity.

In short, let us remain red with magic!

New CDs launched

Volume II of Muthukad's Illusions n National integration INDIA: magic of Harmony

Thiruvananthapuram: Two more video CDs have been brought forth by the Magic Academy’s reprographic studios. The latest creations are Volume II of ‘Greatest Illusions of Muthukad’ and a video memorabilia, ‘India: Magic of Harmony’, a national integration composition made by magician Gopinath Muthukad and team during their extensive India voyage, Vismaya Swaraj Yatra.

Greatest Illusions of Muthukad-Volume II is written by R. Raja Moorthy and anchored by Deepa. It begins with a rousing magic show presented as a tribute on the occasion of the death centenary of martyr, Bhagat Singh. Sequel to this, a chain of trendy illusions appear.

The video CD, ‘India: Magic of Harmony’ comprises of the vibrant system of Indian topographies and culture. National integration is served with all its pungency in its frames. Each scene has lingering flavours of patriotism streaming through historic spots including Red Fort, India Gate and Wagah.

Cost of these DVDs are Rs.100 each. Postage Rs. 50 will be extra.Those who purchase Volue 1 (VCD) and 2 (DVD) of Muthukad's Illusions and INDIA: Magic of Harmony have to pay just Rs.250. For purchase, contact: magicpurchase@gmail.com">magicpurchase@gmail.com.

Video mementos of Vismayam 2008 ready

Not for sale, but a free gift for Early birds

Thiruvananthapuram: Much-awaited video CDs of Vismayam 2008 are ready for delivery. 1-hour-long DVD carries memorable visuals of the four-day-long milestone magic meet.
Varying activities of the event including the magical march, cultural pageantry and gala shows are among the videos. Snippets of teaching classes and competitions are also there.
Early birds will get the DVD free of cost by post, along with a photo CD. Second category of early birds will get photo CD alone.

Illusion stunt on the street against drug abuse and tobacco menace

An ill-fated drug addict floats at the brim of a burning cigarette


Pledge on the magic stage: Minister of Home and Tourism, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan (second from right) reading out an anti-narcotic pledge. M.L.A. V. Sivankutty (right), Inspector General of Police, Arunkumar Sinha (second from left), City Police Commissioner, Ravada Chandrashekhar and Gopinath Muthukad are also seen.

Thiruvananthapuram: A drug-addict youth brought to the stage carried on the shoulders of his aides, was suspended at the tip of a burning cigarette, in public view. That marked an amazing as well as dramatic beginning to Gopinath Muthukad's public show of his latest illusion against drug abuse and tobacco use on the International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, yesterday.

Hundreds of people - majority of who were residents of Karimadom colony could find still more scenes of amazement, on a makeshift stage setup at one corner of the busy East Fort. They could not believe their eyes when, the cigarette pierced the youth's dorsal first and protuberated upward, piercing his stomach. Hanging from all over his body were syringes and sachets of tobacco products. The ill-fated man remained suspended in the air, reminding the spectators of an important message: not to allow drugs to have a place in their lives. Quite fittingly, in witness of this grave magical scene, the Minister of Home and Tourism, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan read out a pledge for the people to take.


Imbibing a message: People of all ages throng at the magic venue with equal enthusiasm.

Mr. Muthukad's public performance of this latest illusion was organized by the City Police as part of its Community Policing programme. Earlier Mr. Balakrishnan inaugurated the programme that was presided over by M.L.A., V. Sivankutty. Inspector General of Police, Arunkumar Sinha, City Police Commissioner, Ravada Chandrashekhar and Assistant Commissioner, Sasikumar spoke on the occasion. The residents of Karimadom colony came to the venue, leading a procession.

Poll Result (March 2008 -1)

Should magic be included as a curriculum subject in schools?
89% say Yes.

11% say No.

Cast your vote now! Find the polling booth right on top corner of side bar.

Previous polls: January ( 1 2 3 4) February ( 1 2 3)

Defence Minister releases India: Magic of Harmony

Defence Minister, A.K. Antony (right) releases India: Magic of Harmony, a video souvenir at Kalabhavan Theatre in Thiruvananthapuram.

Thiruvananthapuram: Vismay Swaraj Yatra from Kashmir to Kanyakumari conducted by magician Muthukad and team, was a patriotically charged mission, said Defence Minister A.K. Antony. He was speaking after releasing ‘India: Magic of Harmony’, a video souvenir of the Yatra, produced by the Magic Academy here on 9th February. The Minister also told that the entourage displayed an exceptional strength of mind to accomplish this patriotic mission transforming their trials and tribulations into triumphs.
The function was presided over by poet, O.N.V. Kurup, the patron of the Academy. Veteran actor, Madhu was present as the guest of honour. Mr. Madhu during his speech mentioned about how he was being beckoned by circus, magic and acting since childhood. The video souvenir is conceived by Jithu Kolayad. The script in Malayalam, made by Sreekanth Kottakkal was read by Aliyar.

A silent ride with a vociferous cause

With his versatile dexterity dominating over deformity, magician Preeth triumphs with a blindfold motorbike riding.

Preeth, getting his blindfold motorbike ride started,as Gopinath Muthukad, his master clears the way.

Thiruvananthapuram: It was a vociferous blindfold act from the valley of silence to open the eyes of the society. When 26-year-old magician Preeth bearing a congenital hearing impairment readied for the trick, many eyebrows raised in disbelief. Yet stubborn, were his masters from the Magic Academy, including Gopinath Muthukad.
The show meant for making city dwellers sensitize on traffic rules, was held under the aegis of the City Traffic Police.
At 12 noon on 7th February, as the city stood sweltered in sunlight, its chief artery in front of the Government Secretariat was made a starting point for the magical ride. The Minister of Home, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan; M.L.A., V. Sivankutty; Inspector General of Police, Arunkumar Sinha; City Police Commissioner, Ravada Chandrashekhar; Traffic Assistant Commissioner, Mohanan Nair and a number of other officials were present at the shade of a wayside tree.


Minister of Home, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan checking to his satisfaction, thick pad used for blindfolding.

At first it was the master's magic on Minister's hand. To establish that if you uphold traffic rules, road accidents will not occur to hurt your limbs, Mr. Muthukad tried a chopping magic on the hands of the Minister. Minister's hand, holding a traffic awareness placard was placed beneath a Chinese sword. The sword though it was so sharp to cut a cucumber into many pieces in a single sway, could do little harm to the VIP's hand. "See if you uphold traffic rules, there is no harm", was the message given by the magic number.
The air getting charged in magic, it was now the Minister's turn to inspect the thick dark clothe used for blindfolding Mr. Preeth's eyes. Mr. Balakrishnan placed the dark rag over his own eyes and said, "Nothing is seen". The dark mask was now wrapped around the face of the young magician throwing him into a state of immobilizing sightlessness. To prove that there was no magic to protect your head, a helmet was then duly fitted on the blind magician's head. With the help of his aides, chiefly his masters, Mr. Preeth managed to sit over his bike. Now as the Minister waved a green flag, the blindfolded motorist put his two-wheeler on its gears. The magical ride began with a host of journalists, escorting policemen and laymen escorting it from both sides and at time from in front.
Not with a great speed, but without getting the heavy traffic restricted, the blindfold motorbike riding progressed smoothly. People thronged on two sides of the main road with many of them getting their jaws down at the awesome sight. At Gandhi Park, hardly 1.5 kilometers away from the starting point, the magical trip came to a successful close. Mr. Preeth was then given a trophy by the Police Commissioner. In the following hours, the act became a talk of the town. The question, 'if a blindfolded Preeth can do it safely, why can't you ride vehicle safely on the city roads?' became an inspiring question to many.

Animated moments: Preeth along with father Dr. K.N. Pavithran (right)soon after the magic feat.

Preeth, who is already a diploma holder in Electronics, now works as a multimedia animator at Sherston Educations Software Pvt. Ltd. at the Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram. During his spare time, he uses to wear the coat of a magic teacher at the Magic Academy.

Magic sooths like a poetry: O.N.V. Kurup

Poet, O.N.V. Kurup lighting a traditional lamp, inaugurating the Vazhakunnam Day. He is flanked by (from left) son of Vazhakunnam, K.C. Thulasidasa Raja, Magic Academy Executive Director, Gopinath Muthukad and senior disciple of Vazhakunnam, Cheerakuzhi Unnikrishnan.

Thiruvananthapuram: Magic show, pure and powerful, generates the same soothing effect like a lovely poem, says poet and patron of Magic Academy, O.N.V. Kurup. He said this while addressing 150 magicians gathered to commemorate the 25th death anniversary of Vazhakunnam Neelakantan Namboodiri, the magic guru of Keralites.

Magic to be pure, the magician should not claim that the wonders were products of any supernatural ability. It impures the art of magic. Magic Academy, through its variegated projects has been re-establishing the huge power of magic as a medium for communicating virtuous messages in the society, he said.

Earlier Mr. Kurup along with veteran magician Cheerakuzhi Unnikrishnan and son of Vazhakunnam, K.C. Thulasidasa Raja lit a traditional lamp to begin the commemorative functions. Executive Director of Magic Academy, Gopinath Muthukad was also present.