In a remarkable progression of his illustrious career, Malayalam cinema’s beloved icon Mohanlal transcends his roles in front of the lens to take on the mantle of directorship with the highly anticipated fantasy drama ‘Barroz’. This film emerges not only as a test of Mohanlal’s directorial prowess but stands as a testament to the vibrancy and versatility of the Indian cinema landscape.
Mohanlal’s directorial debut is ushered in by the release of a behind-the-scenes video, showcasing the multi-talented actor now steering the production’s helm. Antony Perumbavoor of Aashirvad Cinemas dons the producer’s cap, while Santosh Sivan, a name synonymous with illustrious cinematography, weaves the visual magic for the movie. As revealed in the BTS teaser, Mohanlal, sporting a heavy-set beard, adopts a striking bald look for his ventures both in front of and behind the camera, manifesting his whole-hearted dedication to the directorial role as well as his character in the film.
The visual vignette gives us a glimpse into the making of ‘Barroz’, featuring an engaged Mohanlal orchestrate a rich interplay of actors and technicians. The actor-director outfits himself in period costumes, embodying the titular character ‘Barroz’, who is entrust with the monolithic task of safeguarding the hidden treasures of Vasco da Gama.
Undertaking a majestic narrative arc, the film is an adaptation of Jijo Punnoose’s novel ‘Barroz: Guardian of D’Gama’s Treasure’. The production’s canvas expands across diverse locations with shots captured in the scenic locales of Kochi, Goa, Bangkok, and Chennai, the camera rolls within grandiose sets and captures moments in picturesque live locations. Such expansiveness promises a visual feast that is set to captivate audiences within cinema’s three-dimensional space, as the film gears up for a 3D release.
Music, the soulful counterpart to the film’s visual splendour, is brought to life in the behind-the-scenes video which offers audiences a sneak peek into the recording sessions helmed by the prodigious talents of Lydian Nadhaswaram and Hollywood composer Mark Kilian.
With the screenplay woven together by Kalavoor Ravikumar and Krishnadas Panki, ‘Barroz’ promises a rich tapestry of dialogue that can equivalently articulate the film’s fantastical and historical essence. Complementing Mohanlal’s magnetic presence are the potent performances of Guru Somasundaram, Komal Sharma, Thuhin Menon, and Maya. The international flavour is further enhanced by Cesar Lorente Raton and Ignacio Mateos, bringing a global touch to the heart of Malayalam cinema.
The film’s release date teeters on the brink of finalization, as the creators beam with an eagerness to deliver this cinematic experience. The anticipation surrounding this 3D extravaganza is palpable, rippling through social media and industry circles alike with promises of enchantment and awe.
As the realm of Indian cinema stretches its creative boundaries, ‘Barroz’ stands poised as a cultural landmark, a vessel borne from the dreams and visions of one of its most venerable artists, Mohanlal. As fans and cinephiles alike await what promises to be a mesmerizing maiden voyage into direction for this skilled actor, one aspect remains certain—‘Barroz’ will be a cinematic treasure hunt worth witnessing on the silver screen.
