No matter how much an artist tries to temper expectations, their reputation inevitably raises the bar. Mohanlal, a towering figure in Indian cinema for over four decades, is no exception. His decision to make his directorial debut with a children’s fantasy film—especially one in 3D with heavy visual effects—was a bold move that generated significant anticipation. However, despite the ambitious scope of Barroz: Guardian of D’Gama’s Treasure, the film fails to live up to the hype.
The film follows the story of Barroz, a ghost who has been guarding Vasco da Gama’s treasure in Goa for 400 years. His mission is to await the rightful heir of the treasure to finally be freed from his eternal duties. The movie begins with a voiceover narration by Malayalam megastar Mammootty, setting the stage for a tale of adventure and mystery. Soon, we are introduced to Barroz, played by Mohanlal himself, who embarks on his quest with his voodoo doll companion.
The opening sequence, set in 1633 AD, attempts to lay the groundwork for the film’s characters and their motivations, while also showing Barroz defending the treasure from a group of looters. While the film’s premise is intriguing, the execution falls flat, leaving viewers disappointed despite the star power and high ambitions. With an overreliance on visuals and a narrative that doesn’t resonate as expected, Barroz ultimately fails to deliver a truly captivating cinematic experience.
Read also