Mohanlal, the celebrated Malayalam superstar, has made his directorial debut with the highly anticipated fantasy film, Barroz: Guardian of Treasures, which hit theaters on December 25, 2024. Produced by Antony Perumbavoor under the banner of Aashirvad Cinemas, the film features both local and international talent, including Maya Rao West, Cesar Lorente Raton, and Ignacio Mateos. The narrative follows Barroz, played by Mohanlal, who has guarded Vasco da Gama’s hidden treasure for 400 years, as he aims to pass it to the true descendant of da Gama. Shot entirely in 3D, Barroz showcases stunning visuals captured at breathtaking locations including Kochi, Goa, Bangkok, and Chennai.
The ensemble cast is impressive, featuring: Mohanlal as Barroz, Maya Rao West as Isabella da Gama, Cesar Lorente Raton as Mendoza, Ignacio Mateos as Cristóvão da Gama, Kallirroi Tziafeta as Theresa da Gama, along with Tuhin Menon, Guru Somasundaram, and Komal Sharma, among others.
Although audiences have flocked to theaters, early evaluations have presented a mixed response. Many viewers praised the film’s visual effects and engaging storyline, with comments on social media noting the “Hollywood-level quality” of the visuals, comparing it to Disney movies due to its lavish aesthetics. One viewer captured these sentiments perfectly: “Barroz has the vibe of a Disney movie, with rich visuals. If it also establishes an emotional connect, then it will be a sure-shot winner,” shared on X (formerly Twitter).
On its opening day, Barroz achieved significant success at the box office, grossing approximately ₹10 crore across India. The film is projected to maintain strong performance throughout the holiday season, which traditionally supports box office earnings. According to review aggregator sites, it currently holds a rating of 7.5/10, indicating a broadly positive reception among viewers.
Technical contributions are noteworthy, featuring renowned industry professionals. Cinematographer Santosh Sivan and editor B. Ajithkumar played integral roles, with music composed by Mark Kilian for the background score and songs by Lydian Nadhaswaram. The visual appeal and technical execution have been consistently highlighted as one of the film's standout aspects.
Visitor sentiments expressed on social media varied significantly, with some praising the film's musical score and visual effects. A user noted, “If the story is emotionally engaging, we will have another blockbuster #Mohanlal,” referring to the film’s potential if its narrative resonates with fans. Another enthused: “#Barroz worked for me...it was a new experience...great job,” reflecting what many found appealing.
The film's reception during preview shows was predominantly positive, with audiences expressing excitement about the underwater sequences and the immersive 3D experience. Commenting on this aspect, one reviewer stated, “#Barroz3D—First 30 minutes of underwater scenes. The magic of #Real3D visuals is entirely different from normal 3D. I eagerly wait for the rest….”
Despite the praise, some critiques center on the overall impact of the story and dialogue delivery, which seemed to leave viewers divided. Some felt the set design and storytelling did not resonate with modern audiences, creating challenges for the film's broader appeal. The mixed reviews suggest Barroz might not fully meet the high expectations set by its creative ambitions.
Mohanlal’s enthusiasm for directing this project was evident, describing it as a dream come true. “Barroz is for all ages… it aims to celebrate the child within everyone,” he mentioned, underscoring its intent to deliver family-friendly entertainment.
While 2024 has been a celebrated year for Malayalam cinema, with hits such as Kishkindhaa Kaandam and others, the stakes for Barroz remain high. The fast-approaching popularity could spell either success or disappointment. With cinema-goers watching closely, and competition from other recent releases like Marco and Rifle Club, the interaction of word-of-mouth feedback will be pivotal.
Looking onward, Barroz: Guardian of Treasures stands as both a significant milestone for Mohanlal and Malayalam cinema at large, integrating the realms of fantasy and innovative 3D technology. Early returns suggest it could become another noteworthy achievement, but only time will tell as audiences continue to share their thoughts online and at the box office.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights as Barroz continues its theatrical run, and follow the buzz surrounding its future performance and overall impact on the industry.
