Thiruvananthapuram: The 12th anniversary celebrations of Magic Planet became a memorable spectacle, thrilling the audience with a series of adventurous and spine-chilling escape acts. As a tribute to Harry Houdini on his 100th death anniversary, the celebration featured the Milk Can Escape Act, Spike Escape Act and other daredevil performances, giving the event a unique dimension.

The audience witnessed a magical escape from numerous sharp spikes in the blink of an eye, and a magician bound in chains inside a water-filled milk can by unlocking the chains and making a dramatic escape from it – offering a novel experience for all. Renowned Karnataka magician Prakash Hemmady and Magic Planet artist M.N. Priyadarsan led the escape acts.

This was followed by a breathtaking performance by martial arts expert Abheesh that stunned the audience. The crowd erupted in applause as he shattered cement blocks, helmets, tender coconuts and coconuts with his elbows, head and knees within seconds. The audience was also left awestruck when he stopped the blade of a high-speed pedestal fan with his tongue while blindfolded.

The anniversary celebration and Houdini commemoration was inaugurated by Minister Shri. Shibu Baby John. In his inaugural address, he said that Different Art Centre is a world of art for the differently-abled and a unique space that not only encourages and supports the creative talents of children but also gives them due recognition.

The function was presided over by Different Art Centre Chairman Dr. Jiji Thomson IAS (Retd.), with film director Shri. Adoor Gopalakrishnan as the chief guest. Shri. Adoor Gopalakrishnan honoured Prakash Hemmady, M.N. Priyadarsan and Abheesh Dominic who presented special performances, by draping them with ponnada. Different Art Centre Executive Director Shri. Gopinath Muthukad welcomed the gathering and Director Shyla Thomas proposed the vote of thanks. As a tribute to Harry Houdini, escape acts have been staged at Magic Planet since March 2026.