When Mohanlal announced that he would direct a film, it was one of the biggest stories in Malayalam cinema. The Barroz trailer, released ahead of the film’s Christmas 2024 opening, offered the first proper look at that ambitious debut: a 3D fantasy about a centuries-old guardian of a legendary treasure, aimed squarely at children and families. In this breakdown, we look at what the trailer revealed, the talent behind the camera, and how the film was ultimately received.
Key Takeaways
- Barroz marked Mohanlal’s debut as a director; he also played the title role.
- The trailer presented a 3D fantasy world built around a guardian of Vasco da Gama’s treasure.
- Renowned cinematographer Santosh Sivan shot the film; young prodigy Lydian Nadhaswaram composed songs.
- The film released on 25 December 2024 and received mixed reviews, performing below expectations at the box office.
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About Barroz
Barroz – Guardian of Treasures is a 3D fantasy film based on a story by Jijo Punnoose, the director of My Dear Kuttichathan (1984), India’s first 3D film. Mohanlal plays Barroz, a loyal guardian who has protected the treasure of Vasco da Gama for around 400 years, waiting for a true descendant to whom he can hand it over. The film was produced by Antony Perumbavoor under Aashirvad Cinemas and was in development and production for several years, with delays due to the pandemic and its complex 3D workflow.
| Director | Mohanlal |
|---|---|
| Story | Jijo Punnoose |
| Producer | Antony Perumbavoor (Aashirvad Cinemas) |
| Cinematography | Santosh Sivan |
| Music | Lydian Nadhaswaram (songs), Mark Kilian (score) |
| Release | 25 December 2024 |
What the Barroz Trailer Revealed
- A fantasy world: grand, colourful sets inspired by Portuguese-era Goa and Kerala, with magical elements designed for 3D.
- Mohanlal’s transformation: a bald, bearded guardian figure in period costume — a look unlike anything in his earlier films.
- A child’s adventure: the trailer emphasised a young girl’s connection with Barroz, signalling a family-friendly story.
- 3D spectacle: floating objects, animated creatures and depth-heavy shots designed to pop out of the screen.
- International score: orchestral music that gave the promo a Hollywood fantasy feel.
The Talent Behind the Camera
Santosh Sivan, one of India’s most acclaimed cinematographers (Dil Se, Roja, Iruvar), shot the film in 3D. Lydian Nadhaswaram, the Chennai-born piano prodigy who won the global talent show The World’s Best in 2019, composed the songs while still a teenager — a remarkable debut. Hollywood composer Mark Kilian provided the background score. The Barroz trailer showcased all of this craftsmanship, and many viewers praised its technical polish.
Reception: Promise vs Result
The trailer built curiosity, especially among families and Mohanlal’s loyal fans. However, when the film released on Christmas 2024, reviews were mixed. Critics appreciated its visual ambition, the 3D work and Mohanlal’s sincerity as a first-time director, but many felt the screenplay was thin and the pacing slow for its target audience of children. The film underperformed commercially, especially given its long production and high expectations.
Mohanlal bounced back strongly in 2025 with L2: Empuraan and Thudarum. Read our Mohanlal movies guide and our Thudarum trailer breakdown.
Barroz and the Tradition of Malayalam Fantasy
Malayalam cinema has a small but cherished tradition of children’s fantasy, led by My Dear Kuttichathan (1984). That film’s legacy hung over Barroz, since both are connected to Jijo Punnoose and both used 3D as a central attraction. In recent years, the genre has found new life through films like Minnal Murali, ARM and Lokah, which blend fantasy with local folklore. In that context, Barroz is an interesting experiment — a sincere attempt to give Malayali children their own big-screen fantasy. See our Lokah Chapter 1 trailer breakdown for a fantasy that hit the jackpot.
Legacy of the Film
Although Barroz did not become a hit, it remains significant as the directorial debut of one of India’s greatest actors. It also offered work and visibility to young talents like Lydian Nadhaswaram and showed the potential — and challenges — of large-scale 3D production in Malayalam. Many fans hope Mohanlal will direct again, applying lessons learned from this ambitious first attempt.
Barroz Trailer: Our Take
As a piece of marketing, the trailer did a good job of selling the film’s visual world and the novelty of Mohanlal as director. Where it struggled was in conveying a clear, emotionally gripping story — a weakness that reviewers also identified in the film. For examples of trailers that balanced spectacle and story more effectively, see our list of the best Malayalam movie trailers.
Who Should Watch Barroz?
Barroz works best for families with young children and for Mohanlal fans curious about his first film as a director. Its colourful sets, gentle humour and 3D visuals are designed to delight kids, while older viewers may appreciate the craft of Santosh Sivan’s camera and the ambition of the project. Viewers expecting a tight thriller or a mass entertainer should adjust expectations: the Barroz trailer promised a fairy tale, and that is what the film is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Barroz directed by Mohanlal?
Yes. Barroz (2024) is Mohanlal’s directorial debut, and he also plays the title role.
What is Barroz about?
It is a 3D fantasy about Barroz, a guardian who has protected Vasco da Gama’s treasure for centuries, waiting for its true heir.
Who composed the music for Barroz?
Lydian Nadhaswaram composed the songs, while Mark Kilian composed the background score.
Was Barroz a hit?
No. The film received mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office.
When did Barroz release?
It released in theatres on 25 December 2024.
Who wrote the story of Barroz?
The film is based on a story by Jijo Punnoose, director of My Dear Kuttichathan.
Who shot Barroz?
Santosh Sivan was the cinematographer.
Conclusion
The Barroz trailer captured the ambition of Mohanlal’s first film as director — a colourful 3D fantasy made for families. While the film itself divided audiences, it remains a unique chapter in his legendary career. Learn more on Wikipedia.
