Alappuzha: Celebrated magician Samraj is gearing up to stage a breathtaking new illusion titled "The Great Missile Blast Escape" — a patriotic tribute to the Indian Army’s courage during Operation Sindoor.

The act, set to be performed in Alappuzha on August 28, coincides with the festivities of the famed Nehru Trophy Boat Race and is expected to draw thousands of spectators.

Designed as a symbolic salute to the bravery of soldiers, the act will portray the dramatic story of a captured Indian soldier trapped inside a massive missile rigged for explosion by enemy forces.

“In the dramatic sequence, terrorists attempt to annihilate both the missile and the captive with a massive explosion,” Samraj told IANS.

In a heart-stopping finale, the magician — playing the role of the soldier — escapes just moments before detonation, defeating the enemies’ plan.

“The theme was inspired by the resilience and heroism of Indian soldiers during Operation Sindoor, which continues to serve as a powerful reminder of national courage and sacrifice,” he added.

The act will be staged at 7 p.m. at John’s Ground, Mullakkal. It is being organised by the Kerala government in collaboration with the Nehru Trophy Boat Race Society, the Department of Tourism, and the Alappuzha district administration.

Following its national premiere in Alappuzha, Samraj said the act will be performed at selected Indian Army camps across the country as a tribute to the armed forces.

The centrepiece of the illusion is a giant missile prop — 18 feet tall and 6 feet wide — constructed from metal and foam sheets under the supervision of a technical team from Chennai.

This is not Samraj’s first high-stakes act in Alappuzha. In 1997, his now-famous "Fire Escape" performance gained national attention just before the Nehru Trophy festivities. IANS