An epic fantasy known as Barroz is guided by the vision of the legendary actor Mohanlal, making his directorial debut, this upcoming Malayalam-language masterpiece takes inspiration from Jijo Punnoose’s novel, Barroz: Guardian of D’Gama’s Treasure. Produced by Antony Perumbavoor under Aashirvad Cinemas, the film boasts a stellar cast featuring Mohanlal himself, alongside Maya, Cesar Lorente Raton, Kallirroi Tziafeta, Tuhin Menon, and Guru Somasundaram.
The journey began in April 2019 when Mohanlal announced his directorial venture. Originally envisioned as a 3D stage play, fate led it to transform into a captivating cinematic experience. The story, rooted in a 17th-century fable along the Malabar Coast, delves into the maritime history of Portugal, Spain, Africa, and India.
Principal photography kicked off in March 2021, weaving a visual tapestry with the expertise of cinematographer Santosh Sivan. However, the unfolding drama faced a twist with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a rewrite of scenes, characters, and locations. Mohanlal, alongside T. K. Rajeev Kumar, took charge, breathing new life into the project.
The cast, initially global with Spanish actors Paz Vega and Rafael Amargo, witnessed changes due to pandemic-induced challenges. The plot, revolving around the treasure guardian Barroz, played by Mohanlal, unfolded against the picturesque backdrop of Kochi and Goa, with a sprinkle of magic from Bangkok and Chennai.
The journey of Barroz faced storms, with Punnoose’s exit and a reshaping of the narrative. However, Mohanlal’s determination brought it back from the brink of cancellation. A carefully chosen cast, including Tuhin Menon and Maya, replaced earlier members, and filming resumed in December 2021.
As the reels kept rolling, Mohanlal’s directorial prowess took center stage, crafting a fantasy world for audiences. The post-production journey, traversing Thailand, India, and Los Angeles, aimed for a theatrical release by March 2023.
The musical notes of the film were composed by the young prodigy Lydian Nadhaswaram, joined by Hollywood’s Mark Kilian for the score. The anticipation rose as the release date, set for 28 March 2024, was unveiled.
In the grand tapestry of Indian cinema, Barroz stands as a testament to resilience, creativity, and the undying spirit of storytelling. As the clock ticks towards its release, the world awaits to be transported into the magical realm crafted by Mohanlal’s directorial debut—a tale bound to etch its mark in the sands of time.