“Barroz” is an upcoming epic fantasy film in the Malayalam language, directed by Mohanlal in his directorial debut. The movie, based on Jijo Punnoose’s novel “Barroz: Guardian of D’Gama’s Treasure,” is produced by Antony Perumbavoor of Aashirvad Cinemas. The lead cast includes Mohanlal in the titular role, alongside Maya, Cesar Lorente Raton, Kallirroi Tziafeta, Tuhin Menon, and Guru Somasundaram, with a musical score by Mark Kilian and songs by Lydian Nadhaswaram.

Principal photography commenced in March 2021 with a screenplay by Punnoose, but the COVID-19 pandemic in India led to significant changes in the story, screenplay, and cast. Mohanlal, along with T. K. Rajeev Kumar, rewrote scenes, characters, and locations, resulting in Punnoose’s departure from the project. Kalavoor Ravikumar took over as the dialogue writer. Filming resumed in December 2021 and concluded in July 2022, primarily in Kochi and Goa, with two songs filmed in Bangkok and Chennai. The film was shot in 3D.

“Barroz” is set to be released worldwide in theaters on 28 March 2024.

Premise:

The story revolves around Barroz, a treasure guardian entrusted with protecting Vasco da Gama’s hidden treasure for 400 years. Barroz’s duty is to hand over the wealth only to a true descendant of da Gama.

Film Details:

• Director: Mohanlal
• Writer (Dialogue): Kalavoor Ravikumar
• Based on: “Barroz: Guardian of D’Gama’s Treasure” by Jijo Punnoose
• Producer: Antony Perumbavoor
• Starring: Mohanlal
• Cinematography: Santosh Sivan
• Editing: B. Ajithkumar
• Music:
  • Score by Mark Kilian
  • Songs by Lydian Nadhaswaram

Production Information:

• Production Company: Aashirvad Cinemas
• Distribution:
  • Aashirvad Release (India)
  • Phars Film (overseas)
  • Aashirvad Cinemas Co. LLC (overseas)

Release Details:

• Release Date: 28 March 2024 (worldwide)
• Country: India
• Language: Malayalam

Cast & Characters :

• Mohanlal as Barroz
• Maya as Isabelle
• Cesar Lorente Raton as Mendoza
• Ignacio Mateos as Cristóvão da Gama
• Kallirroi Tziafeta as Teresa da Gama
• Guru Somasundaram
• Komal Sharma
• Pedro Figueiredo
• Pranav Mohanlal

Production:

Development:

Mohanlal announced his directorial debut in April 2019, adapting Jijo Punnoose’s novel. Originally planned as a 3D stage play, it evolved into a film due to high production costs. The fantasy tale, rooted in a Portuguese-Afro-Indian myth, explores maritime history. Changes to the story and screenplay were made during the pandemic, leading to Punnoose’s exit.

Casting:

The initial cast included foreign actors like Paz Vega and Rafael Amargo, but due to pandemic-related delays, there were significant changes. Prithviraj Sukumaran and Shayla McCaffrey were replaced, and new additions like Tuhin Menon and Maya were introduced.

Filming:

Principal photography began in March 2021 but faced interruptions due to the pandemic. After significant changes to the story, screenplay, and cast, filming resumed in December 2021 and concluded in July 2022. Locations included Kochi, Goa, Bangkok, and Chennai.

Post-production:

Post-production work commenced in 2022, with activities in Thailand and India. Sound mixing took place in Los Angeles, aiming for a theatrical release in March 2023.

Music:

Initially, 13-year-old Lydian Nadhaswaram was hired for the music, but later, Mark Kilian, known for Hollywood films, was brought in. The film features songs by Nadhaswaram and a score by Kilian.

Release:

Despite initial plans for a March 2023 release, “Barroz” is officially set to hit theaters worldwide on 28 March 2024.