Vazhakkunnam

Vazhakunnam Neelakanthan Namboothiri
Born (1903-02-08)February 8, 1903
Thiruvegappura, Pattambi, Kerala
Died February 9, 1983(1983-02-09) (aged 80)
Occupation Magician, Illusionist
Religion Hindu
Spouse(s) K C Anujathi Thampuratty
Children K C Aravindakshan Raja, K C Thulasidas Raja, K C Sumathy

Vazhakunnam Neelakanthan Namboothiri or Prof. Vazhakkunnam(February 8, 1903 – February 9, 1983) is known as the Grand Father of Kerala's Magic. He gave a new meaning to magic in Kerala. He is praised as the patriarch of magic in the State. He played an important role in bringing Magic as an Art. For more than half a century, he had kept the onlookers spellbound in spite of his extreme simplicity and being devoid of any elaborate stage and costume. `Prof. Vazhakkunnam, born in an orthodox Namboodiri `illam' at Thiruvegappura, near Pattambi, is considered to be the `guru' of magic by contemporary magicians like Gopinath Muthukad.

Documentary on Vazhakkunnam

The 12-minute `Manthrika Muthachan,' presented by Muthukad's Magic Academy that was screened at the Press Club on February 9, 2007, captures the life and the art practised by the legendary magician.

The docu-fiction tracks the transformation of a boy, enthralled by the sleight of hand of a magician who had performed at the `illam' into a magician of versatility. Prof. Vazhakkunnam's six-decade long devotion to magic is highlighted through narratives and visuals. The work shows how the magician captivated children with his chalices with unbelievable dexterity. The script of the docu-fiction, written by Sreekanth Kottakkal, is narrated by Aliyar.


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