Release Date : December 25, 2024
123telugu.com Rating : 2.5/5
Starring : Mohanlal, Kallirroi Tziafeta ,Guru Somasundaram, Shayla McCaffrey, Ignacio Mateos, Padmavati Rao Caesar, Raphael Amargo, Prashant Nair, Komal Sharma, Tuhin Menon, Maya, and others
Director : Mohanlal
Producer : Antony Perumbavoor
Music Directors :Lydian Nadhaswaram
Cinematographer : Santosh Sivan
Editor: B Ajith Kumar
Related Links : Trailer
Malayalam stalwart Mohanlal’s latest biggie, Barroz 3D, marks his directorial debut. The pan-India film’s theatrical trailer offered a few glimpses of the grand visual spectacle this adventurous fantasy drama has in store for fans. Barroz 3D was released in cinemas worldwide this morning as a Christmas treat. Check out our review to know if the film has managed to live up to the expectations.
Story:
Barroz 3D’s story is set in 1663. Barroz (Mohanlal) is a loyal lieutenant of the royal Da Gama kings, who came to India from Portugal. The King of Da Gama (Ignacio Mateos) employs Barroz as the guard of his treasure. What happens to Barroz in this process? How does he stay in that palace as a ghost for 400 years? Who tried to steal the treasure? Will Barroz get salvation ever? What is the role of a child named Isabella (Shayla McCaffrey) in this story? You need to watch Barroz 3D on the big screen to know the rest of the story.
Plus Points:
Barroz 3D is undoubtedly one of the decent fantasy wonders that hit theaters in recent times. The film feels like a Chandamama story. Those who enjoy such fantasy movies may appreciate some of the visuals and plot in Barroz 3D. Also, you will understand why this film is being released only in 3D format once you watch it on the big screen.
Mohanlal, who donned the director’s hat for the first time, impresses with his visual brilliance in terms of 3D effects. His performance, too, is quite good. He thoroughly entertains as a loyal lieutenant and a ghost. The child artist Esha has also done a good job. The emotional scenes between Barroz and Esha have come out well.
Also, the film is rich in terms of technical aspects. Ace cinematographer Santosh Sivan’s splendid cinematography and the background score will leave the audience impressed. All the English actors who played key roles have done well in carrying the story forward.
Minus Points:
Although Barroz 3D is high on technical standards, it fails to engage the audience with its lackluster story. After an interesting start, the film quickly loses its sheen and offers a sense of deja vu, finally ending up as a routine watch.
Adventurous fantasy films like Barroz 3D are made very rarely. Siddharth’s Aangana O Dheerudu, which released nearly 15 years ago, still manages to entertain fans. But Barroz 3D tests the patience of a section of the audience. The story gets very routine and unnecessarily stretched.
Mohanlal should have focused on scripting an exciting story. A taut storyline, exciting fantasy elements, and more depth to the treasure concept would have made Barroz 3D an even better watch. Adding to the woes, most of the film runs on a flat note, and the absence of exciting elements or twists comes across as yet another drawback.
Technical Aspects:
As mentioned above, Barroz 3D is technically quite solid. Every rupee spent by the makers is translated into grand visuals that are crucial for a fantasy film. Also, the production design, music, and cinematography are stunning in this high-budget film. The 3D effects, in particular, are top class. On the flip side, the VFX are weak in certain sequences. Some scenes should have been trimmed on the editing table.
Coming to director Mohanlal, he seems to have planned to come up with a good fantasy film for children and the current generation. However, it would have been better if he had penned a better story with intriguing layers to make the film more engaging. Technically, Mohanlal mesmerizes with his grand vision. However, he should have worked on the screenplay and emotional quotient. He succeeded in deriving fine performances from the actors. All said and done, it still feels like something is amiss eventually.
Verdict:
Barroz 3D looks technically well-made. The visuals look amazing in 3D. And those who like adventurous fantasy stories may find Barroz 3D an okay watch, but the rest of the audience may find it difficult to sit through it. Most of the narrative feels stretched. The only major saving grace is the spectacular 3D effects. The film is strictly for children and Mohanlal fans, while others may skip it.
123telugu.com Rating: 2.5/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team