Last updated: 8 May 2026


Malayalam · Action, Adventure, Fantasy
2h 34m · 25 Dec 2024
Music: Lydian Nadhaswaram, Mark Kilian | DOP: Santosh Sivan | Writer: Kalavoor Ravikumar
Ratings
Our Rating
0.75
Barroz: Guardian of Treasures is a fantasy adventure that follows the mystical guardian Barroz, played by Mohanlal, who protects ancient treasures hidden beneath the seas. The story weaves elements of folklore, magic, and history as Barroz confronts dark forces seeking to plunder the treasures. The narrative explores themes of legacy, courage, and the battle between good and evil, set against a richly imagined mythical backdrop.
Barroz: Guardian of Treasures offers a visually immersive experience, thanks largely to Santosh Sivan's cinematography, which beautifully captures the magical realism of the story. The screenplay attempts to balance fantasy with emotional depth, though the pacing fluctuates, with a stronger first half that establishes the world and characters effectively. The second half, while ambitious, occasionally feels overstuffed with exposition and slows down the momentum.
The music by Lydian Nadhaswaram and Mark Kilian complements the film's tone well, with memorable songs that blend traditional and contemporary sounds. The background score enhances the mystical atmosphere, though at times it overwhelms quieter moments. Overall, the film's content is rich and imaginative, but the screenplay could have benefited from tighter editing to maintain engagement throughout.
The songs are well-placed and add to the narrative without disrupting the flow. The film's ambitious attempt to create a new fantasy universe in Malayalam cinema is commendable, though it may appeal more to fans of the genre than to a general audience.
Mohanlal: Charismatic and commanding as Barroz, Mohanlal brings gravitas and charm to the titular role, anchoring the film with his presence.
Pranav Mohanlal: Shows promise with a natural performance, providing a strong supporting role that complements Mohanlal.
Maya Rao West: Delivers a poised and engaging performance, adding depth to the ensemble.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Mohanlal's direction reflects his passion for fantasy cinema and his desire to push Malayalam cinema into new territories. His storytelling is ambitious, though at times the narrative scope challenges the film's pacing and coherence. The direction shines in visual storytelling and character moments but could have benefited from tighter screenplay control.
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.00 / 5 | |
| 3.25 / 5 | |
| 3.00 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 |
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 40% |
| Neutral | 35% |
| Negative | 25% |
Critics have praised Barroz for its visual grandeur and Mohanlal's performance, highlighting the film's ambitious attempt at fantasy storytelling in Malayalam cinema. However, many have noted the uneven pacing and screenplay issues, which detract from the overall impact. The music and cinematography received consistent appreciation, while the narrative complexity divided opinions.
Final Box-Office Result
Barroz: Guardian of Treasures released on 25 December 2024 (2024).
Barroz: Guardian of Treasures is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Barroz: Guardian of Treasures OTT release date not announced yet.
Barroz: Guardian of Treasures directed by Mohanlal. Produced by Antony Perumbavoor.
Barroz: Guardian of Treasures stars Mohanlal, Maya Rao West, Rafael Amargo, Tuhin Menon, Sara Vega.
Tollybo rates Barroz: Guardian of Treasures 0.75/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
Music for Barroz: Guardian of Treasures composed by Lydian Nadhaswaram, Mark Kilian.
Barroz: Guardian of Treasures — Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Runtime: 154 minutes, Language: Malayalam.