Magicians protest against Mohanlal's decision to perform

[netfree]

KOCHI: A group of magicians on Monday protested against popular film actor Mohanlal's decision to perform the "death defying escape act-burning illusion" on April 27 at Thiruvananthapuram, saying it was a highly "risky and dangerous" stunt.

The group, claiming to have the support of at least 300 magicians, said the magicians are able to perform the feat only after several years of training and dedication to magic.

But through "small tricks, if the feat is performed, it will be a mockery of our hard work and dedication," well-known Magician Samraj and General Secretary of the Kerala Brotherhood of Magicians O M S Azeez told reporters here.

Mohanlal's claim that the actor had studied magic for the past two years under Gopinath Muthukkad, a well-known magician, was difficult to accept, Samraj said.

Magic requires continuous and hard practice for several years. Though Mohanlal was his favourite actor for whom he had great respect, this trick was too "dangerous" for the actor, he said.

Magician Gopinath Muthukkad, in whose academy Mohanlal had reportedly practised the trick, had been badly burnt while doing the trick six years ago in Bahrain, Samraj claimed.

Muthukkad wants to get "cheap publicity" for himself and his organisation through Mohanlal, he said.

Another magician Pradeep Menon said there have been several instances when those performing difficult magic tricks had to sacrifice their life.

The special item will have Mohanlal handcuffed and wrapped in chains with the keys in the hands of dignitaries watching the show. The actor will then be put inside a box which will be thrown into a ball of fire from where he has to escape.