Aashirvad Cinemas’ Barroz (dubbed from the Malayalam film of the same name) is a fantasy drama.
Barroz (Mohanlal), a loyal servant, had been cursed to guard a hidden treasure in Goa 400 years ago. His loyalty is put to test several times but he guards it fiercely and will continue to do so till he hands it over to its rightful owner. Only then will his spirit be freed. Isabella da Gama (Maya Rao West), a 13-year-old girl, arrives in Goa with her father. Barroz is convinced, Isabella is the rightful heir to the treasure he has protected since centuries. He begins trying to connect with her but convincing Isabella is not easy.
Based on Jijo Punnoose’s novel, Barroz: Guardian Of D’Gama’s Treasure, the story is meant for children but does not have much for grown-ups. The screenplay is not consistently engaging as it often bores. Consequently, the drama is sometimes interesting but oftentimes, dull. Dialogues are routine.
Mohanlal does well in the title role but there’s nothing outstanding about his performance. Maya Rao West is alright as Isabella da Gama. Cesar Lorente Raton lends fair support as Mendoza. Ignacio Mateos is so-so as Cristòvão da Gama. Kallirroi Tziafeta is okay as Theresa da Gama. Tuhin Menon (as Ron Madhav), Nerea Camacho, June Vig, Guru Somasundaram, Komal Sharma and Pedro Figueiredo provide average support.
Mohanlal’s direction is not up to the mark. The narration often gives the audience the feeling that they are watching incidents and anecdotes pieced together haphazardly. Music (Lydian Nadaswaram, Fernando Guerreiro and Miguel Guerreiro) is not of the popular variety. Lyrics are so-so. Song picturisations are average. Mark Kilian’s background music is appropriate. Santosh Sivan’s cinematography is brilliant. Action and stunt scenes (by Jakkrit Kanokpodjananon) are thrilling. Santhosh Raman’s production designing is of a fine standard. B. Ajithkumar’s editing is sharp but the film gets boring despite that. Dubbing is okay.
On the whole, Barroz is a flop show. The Hindi dubbed version’s commercial prospects will also suffer because of lack of awareness about the film and its release, among the Hindi film-going audience.
Released on 27-12-’24 at Metro Inox (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru PEN Marudhar Cine Entertainment. Publicity & opening: weak. …….Also released all over. Opening was poor everywhere.