Laser show Mazhavillu to begin on Thursday

KOCHI: The cultural life of the city may have come to a standstill thanks to the ongoing work of Kochi Metro. But the city is will get more entertainment this Onam season with the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) planning to launch the much-publicized laser show project, Mazhavillu, at Rajendra Maidan next week.
The project, said to be the first of its kind in Kerala, is also expected to boost tourism.The inaugural laser show will be held at 7.30pm on September 4.
Announcing the launch, urban affairs minister Manjalamkuzhi Ali said, "This will be collage of fountain dancing, water, laser, fire, smoke and video. The laser show in Kochi is the second such project in the country and the first in south India. It will add to the city's entertainment quotient."
About 800 people can watch the 50-minute-long show at the venue. The development authority plans to hold one show per day, between 7.30pm and 8.30pm.
The authority has spent an estimated Rs 3.25 crore for the project, executed by Laser Tech India, a private agency. "We will issue tickets. This will cover the installation cost. We will introduce special concession and packages for students and provide online booking facility," said GCDA chairman N Venugopal.
The firm which has installed the project will provide technical support for one year. An annual maintenance contract is also being signed with them for a year. GCDA assured that Rajendra Maidan will be made available for organising other events.
Actor Mammooty will provide the voice for the show, scripted by John Paul. Ashiq Abu will direct it. Music director Biji Bal, actor Rima Kallingal, lyricist Santhosh Varma and cinematographer Shyju Khalid are the others who are part of the team.
"The show follows the story of two children who are guided by the Queen of Arabian Sea through the history of Kochi. Almost all folk arts from the state are featured in the show. The first show is for three months. Well-known Singer K J Yesudas will be part of the next edition," said John Paul.
More elements would be incorporated in the show after considering suggestions from people, he said.