December 26, 2024: Mohanlal’s Barroz 3D – Guardian of Treasure marks a groundbreaking moment in Indian cinema, blending the world of fantasy adventure with cutting-edge 3D technology. As the actor makes his directorial debut, the film brings a fresh experience to audiences, particularly children, which is a genre rarely explored in Indian cinema, especially in the 3D format.
Mohanlal opened up about the challenges and excitement behind directing this ambitious project. He explained that the process of shooting in 3D, a rare feat in Indian filmmaking, was particularly demanding. With the use of two cameras to capture the right depth, the team had to carefully balance the 3D effects to avoid disorienting the audience. The challenge was to create a visually immersive experience without overwhelming the viewer with excessive depth or motion. “It was both exciting and challenging. This journey was made possible by an exceptionally talented team,” he shared.
Mohanlal, known for his illustrious career in acting spanning over four decades, revealed that he was initially hesitant to step behind the camera. However, when the opportunity to direct Barroz 3D arose, it felt like a natural next step, particularly since the film was meant to be a children’s movie—a project he felt compelled to take on. “This film is a labour of love and a collaborative effort, fuelled by passion and creativity,” Mohanlal remarked.
The film is based on the novel Barroz: Guardian of D’Gama’s Treasure by Jijo Punnoose. Originally, Jijo intended to direct the film, but after deciding to pursue other projects, he handed the reins to Mohanlal. “I think I am the chosen one to do this 3D film; no other director was ready to take it on,” Mohanlal said, expressing his gratitude and sense of responsibility. The film’s appeal lies in its imaginative storytelling, which merges the past with the present and focuses on themes of loyalty, friendship, and breaking ancient curses.
What sets Barroz 3D apart is not just the technology but also its international collaboration. The production team used cutting-edge techniques to bring the underwater sequences and the vibrant, fantastical world of Barroz to life, offering audiences an experience like never before. The underwater animated song sequence is a particularly unique feature.
The film, produced by Antony Perumbavoor under the banner of Aashirvad Cinemas, was released worldwide on December 25, 2024, and stars Mohanlal in the titular role. It also features a talented cast including Maya, Cesar Lorente Raton, Ignacio Mateos, and Komal Sharma.
With Barroz 3D making waves in the industry, Mohanlal’s fans are also eagerly awaiting his next project, L2: Empuraan, the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer, slated for release on March 27, 2025.
