Barroz: Guardian of Treasures (2024)

Interesting facts

Barroz is a 2024 Indian children's fantasy film directed by Mohanlal, in his directorial debut, and produced by Antony Perumbavoor's Aashirvad Cinemas. The film stars Mohanlal in the titular role, alongside Maya Rao West, Cesar Lorente Raton, Ignacio Mateos, Kallirroi Tziafeta, Nerea Camacho and Tuhin Menon.The story centers on Barroz, a mysterious, centuries-old guardian spirit entrusted with protecting the hidden treasure of Vasco da Gama. Bound by an ancient spell, Barroz cannot leave his post or hand over the treasure to just anyone. Everything changes when a young girl enters his life.

Production

On 21 April 2019, Mohanlal announced his directorial debut—a 3D film adaptation of Jijo Punnoose's novel Barroz: Guardian of D'Gama's Treasure. Originally, Mohanlal and T. K. Rajeev Kumar had planned a 3D stage play, seeking guidance from Punnoose, the director of India's first 3D film, My Dear Kuttichathan (1984). However, due to high production cost, the project was put on hold.

Punnoose discovered the Portuguese-Afro-Indian myth in 1980 while exploring various indigenous fables for India's first 3D film. Eventually, he opted to adapt the kuttichathan myth instead. In 2003, he revisited the subject and crafted a story that he shared with friends. Years later, responding to his colleagues' insistence, Punnoose decided to turn the story into a film in English and Hispanic languages, taking on the role of director.

In a 2022 blog, Punnoose provided a detailed explanation of the film's development and its departure from his original work. In mid-2018, Mohanlal and Kumar sought Punnoose's consultation for a 3D stage show. Kumar proposed making the film in Malayalam language, with Mohanlal portraying Barroz. In February 2019, Punnoose changed the character to a Malayali to accommodate Mohanlal, but opted out of directing.

Preparations for the film were finalized by early January 2020 and filming was set to begin in June. However, their plans were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in India, which affected the set work scheduled for February. The work resumed by the end of 2020. A team of approximately 160 personnel worked at Navodaya Studio at various departments.

Considering the challenges posed by the pandemic, including the difficulty of bringing back foreign actors and shooting in distant locations, extensive discussions led to a decision to change the story, screenplay, and performers. In December 2021, Mohanlal and Kumar collaborated to rewrite the scenes, locations, and characters to ensure the film's feasible completion.

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