Barroz review: Mohanlal impresses in his debut directorial which is a visual wonder

Mohanlal’s directorial debut Barroz hit the screens amid high expectations. The fantasy film was marketed as a children’s film, and it does justice to the genre. With 3D effects and fantasy elements, Barroz is a perfect choice for the family audience.

The makers made a wise decision to release the film on Christmas, further leveraging the holiday season.

Synopsis

The movie is set in two different eras: the present day and 1633 AD. It revolves around Barroz, a guardian who guards the treasures of Da Gama in Goa.

The story begins by introducing Barroz’s character, his mission to protect his master Da Gama’s mansion and treasures, and his deep commitment to the task.

The first half explores Barroz’s philosophical journey and his bond with Isabella, a young girl from the Gama family. Their relationship is like that of a father and daughter, which is a key highlight of the film.

The plot then shifts to present-day Goa, where the mansion is up for auction. In this era, Isabella, is a carefree woman from the Da Gama family, though it isn’t explicitly stated that the young girl also has been reincarnated, it is assumed so.

Barroz, having guarded the treasures for 389 years, emerges from the mansion in search of her. He feels the need to pass on the key to the treasure vault, but Isabella has no knowledge of the mansion’s history.

As Barroz tries to explain, evil forces aim to seize the mansion and its treasures. The second half is filled with fantasy elements and action sequences. Soon, Barroz and Isabella become allies, but whether they can reclaim the treasure for the Da Gama family is the core of the story—revealing this would be a spoiler.

Also Read: Mohanlal introduces animated character ‘Voodoo’ from ‘Barroz’

Visual spectacle

The first half of Barroz has a slow pace, but the second half picks up momentum with action sequences and other elements. A major highlight of the film is its technical aspects. Originally shot in 3D, the movie delivers impressive visuals.

It also features scenes reminiscent of My Dear Kuttichathan (1984), India’s first 3D film. The technical quality adds value to this prestigious project for Mohanlal.

The songs and background score, composed by Lydian Nadhaswaram, enhance the movie with a unique aura, setting it apart from typical Malayalam films. The music evokes a feel similar to the Hollywood film The Lion King, while the song “Bombasia” offers a distinct vibe. Mohanlal’s “Isabella” song is soothing.

The film is well-crafted, with stunning cinematography by Santosh Sivan and impressive art direction by Santosh Raman. The mansion’s setting and the treasures featured in the film are visually appealing.

The animated “Voodu” character, an accomplice of Barroz, adds humour to the film, as do the comedic scenes with Guru Somasundaram and Antony Perumbavoor.

A major drawback is the slow pace at times, which improves later. A more consistent pace would have made the film even better. Nonetheless, Barroz is a decent watch.

Performances

Mohanlal’s performance as Barroz is the major highlight of the movie. The veteran actor brings the character to life with unique traits. Known for his love of action scenes, Mohanlal excels in the intense climax fight sequences.

Maya Rao West, playing the modern-day Isabella, also delivers a strong performance. She shares some great chemistry with Mohanlal in their scenes together.

Guru Somasundaram, as the police officer, surprises audiences with his significant role in Malayalam cinema following his performance in Minnal Murali. His comedic scenes were a hit in theatres.

Most of the other actors are non-Malayalam, as required by the plot.

Also Read: Ahead of Mohanlal’s directorial debut with ‘Barroz’, Mammootty wishes him all the best

Final take

Mohanlal’s debut directorial venture Barroz is an impressive attempt by the veteran actor. The movie surely excels in its visual quality and 3D effects.

(Views expressed here are personal, edited by Sumavarsha)