Vismayam 2008 video fascinates

Thiruvananthapuram: Vismayam 2008 DVDs being sent as a free gift to the early birds continue to receive overwhelming response.

Joyous mood of the convention could be regained through the CD, they say. However, the Magic Academy has decided not to place the CD for sale.

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.

Sign of unity on the seashore

Marks of togetherness: A part of the big board carrying the signatures of Vismayam 2008 delegates.

Kanyakumari: Magicians swayed their pens over a blank white board mounted against the Gandhi Memorial at Kanyakumari in an act of inking for unity. Inside the premises of Gandhi Smriti Mandapam, close-to 1000 magicians jostled to sign over a big white board, under the title, ‘We do magic of unity’, with great enthusiasm. Signatures of black, red and green colours were in different languages and shapes. Once all magicians have put their signatures, the board stood carrying a unique design of oneness.

Magic stars rise at the Sunset point

Sparkles of wonder in the night skies: A firework marking grand finale of Vismayam 2008 at Kanyakumari beach.

Kanyakumari: As the Sun set, rising at the Sunset point here were magic stars. At a thatched temporary stage set on the elevated part of the seashore, enthralling a huge crowd including Vismayam 2008 delegates, were Manuel (Russia), Jorge Blass (Spain), Mirko (Argentina) and Kenrick ICE McDonald (U.S.A.).

Joining them, the magic couple, Prahlad Acharya and Poornima unleashed magical waves in rows during their modern but beautifully traditional magic performance. Mr. Prahlad’s ventriloquism has made the audience burst into laughter. Magic show by Tamil Nadu’s own Dhayanithi was received with rounds of thunderous applause from the audience.

The entire show came to an unforgettable finish with a magnetic firework presented by an expert team or pyrotechnicians from Sivakasi. Earlier Chairman of the organizing committee, Shajahan welcomed dignitaries and Secretary of the Press Club of Nagercoil, N.S. Manikandan expressed thanks.



Drenched in joy: Delegates forget their worries under the amusing ambiences of Baywatch seashore amusement park at Kanyakumari.



Chairman of the organising committee of grand finale at Kanyakumari, Shajahan greeting the magic champion, Dhayanithi. Gopinath Muthukad is on the left.



A family 'fight': Poornima (right) wife of Prahlad Acharya (left) handcuffing the latter during their magic show at Kanyakumari.



Rajamoorthy: The art of being a Master of Ceremony (left)



Kris: Making the magic of anchoring.

Magic to be included in the education curriculum: M.A. Baby

(From left) Ministers, N.K. Premachandran, M.A. Baby and Paloly Mohammed Kutty watching evening galas at Vismayam 2008.

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Minister of Education, M.A. Baby has informed that his Ministry was thinking of including magic as a subject for learning in the school and college curriculum.

The minister observed that this was essential to carve out a generation that do not fall prey to superstitions and false beliefs. “Magicians have a significant role in eradicating superstitions and the claims of certain God men of having some supernatural abilities”, the Minister added. “A section of magicians may object, but I don’t think there is anything wrong if some general tricks are handed down to school students with the aim of empowering them against superstitions”, Mr. Baby said. He was inaugurating the final rounds of competitions to decide the winner of Grand Champion of Magic title.

During his presidential address, the Minister of Local Self Government, Paloly Moham- med Kutty pointed out that magic was an art that could effectively reflect social issues.

The Minister of Water Resources, N.K. Premachandran, in his Keynote address commented that the Vismayam 2008 could bring in an international acclaim for Indian magic.

Magical road-train of interest

Thiruvananthapuram: Soon after the mass magic show for world peace, magicians left from Kanakakunnu for Kanyakumari. Arranged were 16 buses of Noorul Islam College of Engineering (NICE). These buses traveled in a chain to form a magical road-train. When the road-train carrying the conjurers from all parts of the world moved through NH 47, it was an interesting sight for the people along side the road.
Impeccable arrangements were provided throughout the travel. Necessary food and drinking water were served inside the bus. Managing Director of NICE, Fisal Khan was found waving hands at the magical travelers.

Magical experimentations are admirable: Defence Minister

A.K. Antony inaugurates Mass Magic Show for World Peace by Vismayam 2008 delegates


Defence Minister A.K. Antony, standing, front row, fifth from the right, sets free white pigeons, inaugurating a mass magical demonstration for world peace by the delegates of Vismayam 2008 in front of the Kanakakunnu Palace. Near him, on the left, is the Kerala Minister of Forest, Binoy Viswam. Also seen in the front row, (from third right): Chief organiser of Vismayam 2008, Gopinath Muthukad; Director of Tourism, M. Sivasankar and General Convenor of Vismayam 2008, M.B. Sanil Kumar.

Thiruvananthapuram: The 4th of May, the concluding day for the Vismayam 2008 was awakened by the fluttering of hundreds of pigeons. They, created magically from nowhere by the magician delegates of the event, flapped their wings and flew skyward, denoting eternity of the world peace – the much needed commodity of the hour.

While inaugurating the event, Defence Minister, A.K. Antony himself set free a white dove that was handed over to him. “I have been watching magical experimentations of Muthukad with great enthusiasm. It is admirable to have this sort of a magical feat for the sustenance of global harmony. Let us see how this magic brings in peace”, Mr. Antony said during his inaugural address.

Kerala Minister of Forests, Binoy Viswam chaired the function. Executive Director of Magic Academy, Gopinath Muthukad was present. Director of Tourism, M. Sivasankar welcomed the dignitaries and the General Convenor of Vismayam 2008, M.B. Sanil Kumar tendered vote of thanks.

The winners

Out of the 100 magicians who underwent tests at various levesl, only nine topped. Out of them only eight were qualified for stepping on to the final battle gounds. They, from left, are (age and State within brackets): Zenia Bhumgara (10, Maharashtra) third in Junior conjuring, third in Best Entertainer; Soumita Bag (10, West Bengal) second in Junior Conjuring; Karun Krishna (14, Bangalore) first in Junior conjuring; Rakesh Shyam (34, Tamil Nadu) Third in Close up; Edmundo Da Kunha (38, Goa) second in Close up; Kudroli Ganesh (36, Karnataka) First in Close up, first in Best Entertainer; Palladam M. Yona (46, Tamil Nadu) second in Best Entertainer and Third in Conjuring Seniors; Dhayanithi (32, Tamil Nadu) second in Conjuring Seniors and Hashim M.P. (35, Kerala) first in Conjuring Seniors.

Dhayanithi aims at becoming the world’s no.1

Vismayam 2008 Grand Champion of Magic, Dhayanithi on an email chat with Magic Academy's monthly organ, Vismayam Magical News



VMN: What was your feel on becoming the Grand Champion of Magic?

Dhayanithi: I am really very happy; Grand Champion of Magic award is a milestone in my career. It was a wonderful moment receiving it.

VMN: Secret behind your success? Any special efforts?

DN: I love my magic and always believe in hard work that alone can earn success. Practice, Practice, Practice, ... make the crux of secret behind my success.


VMN: Chief feature of your competition show?

DN: Timing and more energy.

VMN: How do you practice?

DN: I watch the performance videos of the world’s greatest magicians like Channing Pollock, Lance Burton Magician David Copperfield, Jeff McBride Tony Clark's...etc.
I use to practice in front of Mirror and video camera, 12hrs per day. In order to correct mistakes, I have no hesitation to practice 1000 or even more times.

VMN: About other contestants in the finals?

DN: Excellent and each one of them had more energy.

VMN: About Vismayam 2008?

DN: Very nice, excellent and very well organized. In future Vismayam will be at par with the ranks of IBM and FISM Conventions.

VMN: Future Plans?

DN: To become world’s number one magician. I’m ambitious of participating in IBM and SAM conventions for presenting my skills. I am also attending FISM 2009.

VMN:Support from family?

DN: My marriage with Kausalya was in December, 2007. At home she is a consoling presence and provides me the much-essential encouragement.

VMN: Message for your young magic friends?

DN: Be more creative, innovate and successful. Achieve an international QUALITY in magic.

Dhayanithi, Grand Champion of Magic

Advisor Corporate Relations of The Leela, Major General MKV Panicker VSM (Rtd.), on the left and Chief Manager of Union Bank of India, O.P. Oommen, presenting The Leela Rolling Trophy and a Cheque for Rs.1,00, 000 to 32-year-old Tamil Nadu magician, Dhayanithi, who was adjudged the Grand Champion of Magic. Also seen, third from left: M.L.A., N. Sakthan; Executive Director of Magic Academy, Gopinath Muthukad and Director, R. Rajamoorthy. Runner Up, M.P. Hashim is seen, back row, first right.

Hashim Runner Up, Kudroli twice ace

M.P. Hashim (top) and Kudroli Ganesh

Thiruvananthapuram: With their amazing caliber and inventivenes, M.P. Hashim of Kerala and Kudroli Ganesh of Karnataka made the final not a piece of cake for their close contestants. Mr. Hashim’s entry to the finals was through the first in Conjuring Senior category he has fetched in earlier two levels.
Kudroli’s was an impressive entry by becoming first, both in the Close up and Best Entertainer categories.

Captivating cultural pageantry of folk art forms

Soorya Krishnamoorthy’s Cultural pageantry gave the first and the best impression during the opening ceremony of Vismayam 2008. Padayani, Seethankan Thullal, Krishnattam, Theyyam, Chavittu Natakam and a Kathakali depicting Droupati’s plight were deftly composed together by Mr. Krishnamoorthy. The Kathakali scene depicting magical creation by Sri Krishna, of Droupati’s dress during Duryodha’s attack, marked the conclusion for the cultural show.

Magicians march for their beloved art

Magic prowess showcased on the main roads of the city



Thiruvananthapuram: Rallies are not new to this political capital of Kerala. Commuters and drivers here know the Houdini trick of escaping from these long-winding demonstrations that throws the city into hours-long standstill. May 1st in particular, is a day of rallies, owing to usual processions by various trade unions, showcasing their prowess through the length, breadth and thickness of the rallies. But May 1st, this time, went with a different addition.

A procession by Vismayam 2008 delegates from St. Joseph’s school to Asan Square has introduced before the onlookers not only the strength of magician fraternity, but also the flamboyance of their magical costumes, hats and wands. Adding grandeur to the rally, went a brigade of the mounted police. Bands of traditional percussions went behind it.

Magicians marched in ecstasy, inspired by the magical moments that beckon. They danced in joy driven by the dreams of delight. They moved shoulder to shoulder, unbothered of mundane burdens. It was a show, a march, an expression from the hearts for magic, the beloved art.

Wouter is here

Thiruvananthapuram: Wouter Bijdendijk, is here again. An ardent lover of Indian magic, this magician from Netherlands, is not unknown to magicians here. He rose to fame in India, with his levitation act in December 2005 in front of the Kanakakunnu palace.

The event, then was as a curtain raiser to the first ever festival of Indian street magicians, Mazma, organized by the Magic Academy. The same levitation trick and its variations now keep him in the air around the world. But he found his own time to land on the floors of street magic shows at the venues of Vismayam 2008. Mr. Wouter was found thouroughly enjoying the vintage wonders of India in their flourishing compositions. He along with friend was very busy taking photos with ethnic street magicians of north India.

Cultural ambassador from Japan

Mami Yamada (right), who preserves an intimate passion towards Indian mysticism, magic and culture was again in Kerala for attending Vismayam 2008. An author of the book on Indian magic, ‘Wheel of Destiny’ and Director Linguistics of the Indo Japan Art Institute Trust, Mami was an enthusiastic visitor at the venues of the global event. In the photo you find her sharing a lighter moment with Gopinath Muthukad and Kaizad Bhumgara.

Bring the science and art of magic to the people: Binoy Viswam

Reverent gesture: Minister, Binoy Viswam greeting senior magician Great K. Lal at the gala venue, on the second day of Vismayam 2008.

Thiruvananthapuram: The Minister of Forests, Binoy Viswam has called for bringing the art and science of magic to the people. “Unless institutions like the Magic Academy were there, propagators of superstitions would have made the art of magic ugly in our soceity”, the Minister said.

K. Lal graces the event

Doyen of magic from Gujarat, Great K. Lal was the chief guest. Mr. Lal was of profound appreciation for the magical endeavours of the Academy’s Executive Director, Gopinath Muthukad. He was luxurious in praising the national integration endeavour undertaken by Mr. Muthukad. Following the speeches, the venue was taken over by global magic stars, Jorge Blass (Spain), Mirko (Argentina) and Fukai disciples, Hikari Furuyama and Shinichiro Ito (Japan).

A magic boy, who fights against his fate

Ashley's boldness is the only comfort for his parents...


Ashley Vanristell with his mother Andria

This magic boy with his cherubic smile conquerred the hearts of Vismayam 2008 delegates. Even as a life threatening disease pose him a challenge too big for a tender boy like him, he is capable of pulling out rabbits from the dark of his life.

Meet Ashley Vanristell, a 10-year-old boy magician, who is suffering from congenital disorder of blood cells called Hypogammaglobulinemia. Per month, injections worth Rs.64000 is inevitable for him. The treatment has to be continued throughout his life or this tender bud will wilt at the deteriorating immunity of his body.

The meager income earned by his father and mother is nothing in front of this huge requirement. But Ashley is bold. In the world of creativity, he is a promise. It is still more admirable a model that his tender hands have taken up the responsibility of making money for own treatment. He struggles hard and spends a lot of time, besides school studies, in acting for television commercials and performing magic for entertaining people. Still, his humble efforts have limitations.

Support Ashley. Provide donations. Contact: Ashley Vanristell, Melanda villa, Tony compound, Church Pakadi Road, No - 1, Sahar Village, Andheri (E), Next to Sahar Petrol pump, Mumbai – 400099. Email: ashley_vanristell@yahoo.co.in

CM lauds magicians’ virtuous move

V.S. Achuthanandan inaugurates Vismayam 2008


Chief Minister, V.S. Achuthanandan lighting a traditional lamp marking the inauguration of Vismayam 2008. Also seen are (from left): General Convenor of the festival, M.B. Sanil Kumar; Chairman of SB Global, R. Balachandran; Tourism Secretary, Dr. V. Venu; Minister of Tourism, Home and Vigilence, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan; Minister of Law, Sports and Youth Affairs, M. Vijayakumar and Executive Director of Magic Academy, Gopinath Muthukad.

Thiruvananthapuram: “Under Gopinath Muthukad, magicians of the country are inspired to carry a fight for the win of virtues over evils” said the Chief Minister, V.S. Achuthanandan. He was addressing one thousand magicians assembled from various parts of the country and abroad, after inaugurating the four-day global festival of magic, Vismayam 2008 at the University Senate Hall on 1st May. The CM described the international convention as an admirable movement and wished every success for the same.

Magic for tourism stressed
During his presidential speech, the Minister of Tourism and Home, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan pointed that the international confluence was held at a time when magic was becoming more and more popular as an art. His department’s decision to support the event was chiefly because of the proven quality of magical art as a tourism catalyst.

Foil attempt flayed
The Vismayam 2008 was an endeavour to liberate the art of magic to the masses which required support from all corners, said the Minister of Law, Sports and Youth Welfare, M. Vijayakumar.

“It was the unwanted suspicion a section of people had, that has foiled the proposed magic show by Mohanlal”, the Minister told.

Chairman of SB Global, R. Balachandran spoke on the occasion. Tourism Secretary, Dr. V. Venu welcomed the dignitaries and Executive Director of Magic Academy, Gopinath Muthukad tendered vote of thanks.

Earlier, magicians came to the venue taking a procession accompanied by traditional percussions, men holding decorated umbrellas and a contingent of mounted police. The gates to University Senate Hall were thrown open to the magicians by Dr. V. Venu.

Poll result (May 2008 -1)

31% of readers select Competitions as the most favourite event in Vismayam 2008

25% say their favourite event is Traditional Street Magic or Lecture Classes

18% have Gala Shows as their favourite

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

Previous polls: January ( 1 2 3 4) February ( 1 2 3)March (1 2)April ( 1 2 3 4 5)

Magician dares darting bullets pursuing peace mantra

Lethality tested: Chairman of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, Cheriyan Philip examining the originality of the gun used for the Bullet Catching Act by Bengal magician Prince Sil (left).

Thiruvananthapuram: While standing bold showing his bare chest before a 12-bore gun loaded with lethal bullets, Bengal magician, Prince Sil had only one message to the society: let no more apostles of peace become prey to bullets of violence as happened to Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation nearly six decades ago. If the miscreant's bullets took the life of the Mahatma on a January 30th, now the magician's endeavour to bite a fast moving bullet was on yesterday the 30th April.


Destructive: A piece of glass sheet on the way to magician being smashed into a spray of particles by the bullet.

At 4.30pm, beneath the large statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi Park here, he stood wearing magic costumes and glittering headgear. Dignitaries including the Leader of the Opposition, Oommen Chandy; Mayor, C. Jayan Babu, Chairman of Indian Council for Gandhian Studies, Dr. N. Radhakrishnan and chieftain of Magic Academy, Gopinath Muthukad sat on one corner of the sprawling open air stage. Hundreds of people thronged around the park. A licensed gun was loaded with a lethal bullet that was duly marked X for identification, by Mr. Philip. Spectators kept turning their eyes between the magician on the stage and the gunner on the opposite side. In between the rifle and the magician was placed a piece of glass.

Bullet hit: Magician trembles as if being hit by a high-speed bullet.

One, two, three… a big shot and shattering sound… the piece of glass was into a heap of broken pellets. And there falls a trembling magician, possibly hit by the bullet, with his face down on the stage. This was enough to shake a few feeble-hearted spectators. Ladies closed their eyes, some bend their head and closed their ears… Only a few seconds went and the magician stood on his feet with that winning smile. His well-trimmed mustache expanded to turn it into a very magical smile of a victorious magician. In his mouth, held was a dark brown coloured metal part of the bullet. It was re-examined by Mr. Philip, who declared that the X mark he has put was there intact.

The bullet is bitten: Magician shows the bullet deftly caught in his mouth.

Applause bestowed over Mr. Sil from all corners. And it was the final shot for the chain of curtain raiser programmes held for Vismayam 2008.

In due honour: Leader of Opposition, Oommen Chandy drapes a shawl around magician Prince Sil prior to the magician's dare-devil feat of Bullet Catching Act.