Barroz: The Unexplored Lore

“Barroz: Guardian of Treasures” was never a film that carried high expectations, even among fans. After the trailer release, curiosity has sparked among many. Notably, the trailer, released in Virtual 3D for the first time in Malayalam cinema, has been hailed as a visual spectacle. Yet, the true excitement lies beneath the surface. When you dive into the urban legend behind Barroz, the historical backdrop, and the backstory in the original novel, this film transforms into more than just another release, it becomes a cinematic treasure waiting to be discovered. Barroz could have been the first 3D film in Malayalam. Back in 1984, ‘Kappiri Muthappan’ was one of the many concepts considered for India’s first 3D movie. Although “My Dear Kuttichathan” won that race, the idea of Barroz resurfaced in 2003, and now, after years of waiting, the movie is finally hitting screens on December 25. But what is the story of Barroz? To unravel it, we must journey back to 1498, when the Portuguese explorer ‘Vasco da Gama’ first set foot in Kerala, heralding a new era of trade and colonialism in India.

-Portuguese in Kerala & The Legend of Kappiri Muthappan-

In 1498, Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed in Kozhikode, marking the beginning of European trade and colonial influence in India. Over time, the Portuguese expanded their presence, bringing African slaves called “Kappiris” to Kerala. The term Kappiri is believed to have derived from the Arabic word “Kafir”, meaning non-believer. When the Dutch army eventually overpowered the Portuguese, the latter were forced to retreat. Unable to carry their vast treasures, the Portuguese buried them in secret locations. Kappiris were tasked with guarding these treasures, often sealed in chambers through rituals involving spells and voodoo. Legend has it that these Kappiris continued to protect the treasures even after death, becoming guardian spirits. While some tales describe them as benevolent entities that saved lives, others speak of curses befalling those who dared to steal the treasure. Over time, these spirits came to be worshipped as Kappiri Muthappan in Kochi, with shrines dedicated to them still visible today. The titular character Barroz is one such Kappiri, guarding an extraordinary Vasco da Gama family treasure.

-The Backstory of Barroz-

The movie intertwines two timelines: Barroz’s life centuries ago with the Portuguese and the events unfolding in the present day. The original novel, released in 2018, narrates Barroz’s past story. Known as “Black Pa,” Barroz was a loyal servant of the D’Gama family. On Christmas Eve, when the Dutch attacked, the Portuguese fled, leaving behind their mansion and priceless treasures. Barroz vowed to protect them, undergoing a voodoo ritual to become an eternal guardian. Centuries later, a teenage girl named Isabella – a descendant of the D’Gama family – emerges in the present timeline to claim her legacy. However, her father is Indian-origin: Ron Madhav, who played a pivotal role in the story. Most likely Prithviraj Sukumaran was initially considered for this role but he had to step away due to scheduling conflicts.

-Evolution from Novel to Film-

The movie is expected to diverge significantly from the novel. While the book focuses on Isabella’s journey, the film shifts the spotlight to Barroz, his struggles, and his legacy. However, the core plot and characters will remain the same. The living Voodoo Doll, a companion of Barroz, is brought to life through motion capture. An animated short series titled Barroz & Voodoo was briefly released to promote the film but was later removed. It lacked a strong storyline but hinted at the evolving creative direction of this long-delayed project.

-From Idea to Reality: A 40-Year Journey-

The concept of Barroz has been in development for decades. In 1984, ‘Jijo Punnoos’, the visionary behind “My Dear Kuttichathan”, considered adapting the Kappiri Muthappan legend into a 3D film. But eventually, Kuttichathan came out and made history. But the idea resurfaced in 2003 when Jijo revisited the legend during a stroll in Kochi. This eventually led to a limited-release novel in 2018, followed by plans for a global stage adaptation. When logistical challenges arose, the story was reimagined as a film. Under Mohanlal’s direction, the project finally gained momentum in 2021. Despite pandemic-related delays and creative reshuffles – including the departure of Prithviraj Sukumaran and Prathap Pothen – the movie progressed, with Mohanlal and Rajeev Kumar refining the script.

-Expectations and Challenges-

“Barroz: Guardian of Treasure” arrives with muted hype, owing to production delays and skepticism surrounding experimental big-budget films. However, the trailer promises exceptional technical brilliance, elevating anticipation among cinephiles. What sets Barroz apart is its originality. An Indian-Afro-Portuguese myth rooted in Kerala’s culture and history brought to life with cutting-edge 3D technology. If the film succeeds in connecting emotionally with its audience, it could redefine Malayalam cinema on the global stage.”Barroz: Guardian of Treasures”, directed by Malayalam’s own Mohanlal, releases tomorrow. Will this film rise to the occasion and claim its place as a treasure of Indian cinema? Let’s wait for that moment.