Barroz Movie Review: Mohanlal starrer is a Christmas treat for children being technically brilliant, but falls short in screenplay

As a lifestyle expert with over three decades in the film industry, I must say that Barroz: Guardian of Treasures is a refreshing change from the usual run-of-the-mill movies. Having watched countless films, it’s always exciting to come across something as unique and well-crafted as this one.

The much-anticipated movie “Barroz: Guardian of Treasures,” featuring Mohanlal, is now playing in cinemas after years of production. This film represents the directorial debut of the superstar and has generated a lot of excitement since its announcement, with multiple delays in its release.

This Christmas season, the movie makes its grand debut on the big screen, presenting a captivating tale steeped in Portuguese folklore. An impressive ensemble of actors including Maya Rao West, Cesar Lorente Raton, Ignacio Mateos, Kallirroi Tziafeta, Nerea Camacho, Tuhin Menon, and others take on pivotal roles within the storyline. If you’re considering a trip to the cinema, here is TopMob’s review for your perusal.

The Plot:

The movie titled “Barroz,” helmed by Mohanlal, revolves around the tale of a devoted lieutenant serving under Portugal’s Da Gama rulers. On a voyage from Portugal to India in 1663, the king entrusts Barroz with the protection of his valuable assets and instructs him to deliver it solely to a relative of Da Gama.

In my role as a dedicated follower, I’ve been entrusted with safeguarding a hidden treasure for four centuries, transforming into a guardian spirit of this mysterious fortune. Now, it falls upon me, Isabella – a young girl rumored to be a kin – to carry on this legacy and claim the treasure. This act will allow the spirit to fulfill his unfinished vow to the king and return to his own realm. The enchanting tale unfolds in a children’s fantasy movie, exploring whether I accept the treasure, if the spirit, Barroz, can find his way back home, and everything that happens in between.

The Good:

The movie “Barroz” stands out as a unique production within Indian cinema, but it resonates strongly in global cinema. Diverging from the typical narratives found in mainstream films, this movie concentrates on crafting an engaging story about a spirit’s unwavering devotion to the Da Gama family.

The heartfelt backdrop shaping the narrative offers a distinctive brand of enchantment seldom seen in filmmaking. This ambitious production, unfolding against the vibrant backdrop of Portugal, coupled with the global cast’s budding talents, promises an engaging and one-of-a-kind cinematic experience.

In this movie, Mohanlal delivers an outstanding performance, yet the supporting cast members each deliver strong performances in their respective roles, adding depth to the production. Ultimately, what truly stands out about Barroz is its exceptional technical elements.

In this film, Santosh Sivan’s exceptional skill is showcased as it was originally filmed in 3D, resulting in stunning visual effects. This demonstrates why he is highly regarded as one of the best cinematographers. The art department also played a crucial role in enhancing these remarkable visuals.

Additionally, Lydian Nadhaswaram’s exceptional skills in music significantly contribute to the movie and its genre. Instead of employing popular melodies, his grand compositions skillfully capture the audience’s attention. This approach seems particularly effective in a film that leans more towards English drama. Meanwhile, Mark Killian has also made substantial efforts to deliver fitting background scores for the production.

Moreover, since the technical elements effectively matched the movie’s grandness, it is worthy of praise that Mohanlal skillfully utilized his extensive acting background to create a film of this caliber. His performance aligns with his renowned status in the industry.

The Bad:

In this rephrased version, let’s consider the following: The children’s fantasy movie primarily targets young audiences, but it might not resonate with those who anticipate something ordinary from Mohanlal. Despite his timeless charm as an actor, this film is neither a tribute to the superstar nor will it fulfill expectations of fans seeking such homage. Instead, the movie shares similarities with Malaikottai Vaaliban by offering a distinctive cinematic experience tailored to cater to Mohanlal’s experimental side as an actor.

As we progress, it’s important to note that the film seems to fall short in maintaining a cohesive narrative that aligns with its grandeur. While the story and characters originate from a captivating novel, the reworked screenplay by Mohanlal and TK Rajeev Kumar appears to leave little room for viewers to establish an emotional bond with each character.

The storyline might have been more engaging for both kids and adults if it had a robust narrative to support its fantastical elements. Furthermore, shortening the film’s duration to around two hours would make it more enjoyable and less time-consuming for viewers.

Additionally, although the actors delivered strong performances, the dubbing given to them by well-known voices seemed contrived and somewhat unpleasant, detracting from the overall impact of the movie.

The Performances:

The Malayalam movie “Barroz,” featuring Mohanlal, heavily leverages his star power and skills. Compared to other actors’ performances, this film presents an unusual take on typical Mohanlal films. Given his status as a superstar, taking on such a character might not be straightforward, yet it appears effortless in the hands of the actor.

Moreover, Maya Rao West, the young actress portraying the role, brings an exceptional touch to her acting that sets her apart from typical child performers often seen on screen.

Watch the Barroz Trailer

The Verdict:

The movie “Barroz,” starring Mohanlal, is specifically designed for children, featuring a lighthearted and straightforward plot that’s easy to follow. The magical aspects and themes within the story have been carefully crafted with this age group in mind.

Although the movie provides an enjoyable experience for families and kids during Christmas, it might not meet the expectations of fans looking for witty dialogue or action-packed lines from the actor that typically signify festive celebrations.

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2024-12-25 14:53