Lal’s tips cheer up Malhar team

Thiruvananthapuram: The magical figure of filmdom, Mohanlal attended the final rehearsals of Vismay Malhar held at the Tagore Theatre here on 29th May. On the rehearsal floors, he was present with a childlike curiosity to see magic, his passionate art.

He was all claps while his colleagues, Devan and Poojappura Radhakrishnan shined on the magic stage as Swathi Thirunal and Kottarathil Sankunni respectively. His eyes twinkled on seeing his magic guru, Gopinath Muthukad applying magic to levitate characters and create a downpour on stage.

He also had an interaction with the team members of the programme. Mr. Muthukad said the tips gifted by the great actor had enabled him to present Kaipuzha Thampan with added perfection.

“Vismay Malhar is a beautiful creation. I appreciate Mr. Muthukad for the same. In fact I longed for recreating the tales of Aithihyamala through television serial, but could not realise it. Now I am very happy to see that on Mr. Muthukad’s magic stage, due recognition has been brought for the legendary book”, Mr. Lal said.

Magical composition to relive spells of an ancient magician

Glorious tale: A scene from ‘Vismay Malhar’. (From left) Gopinath Muthukad as Kaipuzha Thampan; Devan as Swathi Thirunal and Poojappura Radhakrishnan as Kottarathil Sankunni.

Thiruvananthapuram: The Magic Academy can take pride from the very fact that its 13th anniversary celebrations are preceded by a tribute paid to an ancient magician. Conceived by the Academy’s Executive Director, Gopinath Muthukad, is a magical composition named,‘Vismay Malhar’, based on the 100-year-old book, ‘Aithihyamala’.

Tale of Thampan
Written by Kottarathil Sankunni who lived during 1855-1937, the fifth book in the Aithihyamala tells about Kaipuzha Thampan, a magician, who used to entertain Travancore King, Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma during 1829-1846.


The book, Aithihyamala

“Ours is a tribute to both Kaipuzha Thampan, a predecessor to magicians and Kottarathil Sankunni, the blessed writer who made legends immortal”, says Mr. Muthukad. King Swathi Thirunal was also great contributor and fan of classical music. The name Vismay Malhar is derived from the classical Hindustani Rag, ‘Megh Malhar’, believed to have power to bring rain wherever sung. The coming together of the three characters would be the most captivating visual treat. In a function chaired by the Academy’s patron, O.N.V. Kurup, Chief Minister, V.S. Achuthanandan will inaugurate the show at 6pm on 30th of May at Tagore Theatre.

Film stars
Noted film star Devan comes as Swathi Thirunal whereas the writer Kottarathil Sankunni’s role is played by Poojappura Radhakrishnan. Mr. Muthukad appears as Kaipuzha Thampan. The script for this unique composition is made by Sreekanth Kottakkal. Playback singer, G. Venugopal has recited a poem penned by O.N.V. Kurup.


Team behind Vismay Malhar during a video session.