Here is why Prithviraj opted out of Mohanlal's directorial debut ‘Barroz’

Prithviraj has backed out of the fantasy drama ‘Barroz’ which also marks the directorial debut of screen icon Mohanlal. The former opted out of the mega-budget movie after his dates clashed. Prithviraj is currently acting in ‘Kaduva’ directed by Shaji Kailas. After that, he will be joining the sets of ‘Aadujeevitham’ for its next schedule. Prithiviraj plans to allot more time for this movie as he has to undergo a physical transformation for the role. This is also the reason why Prithviraj chose to back away from‘Barroz’.

The filming of ‘Barroz’ got stalled by the middle of this year due to the Covid-induced lockdown. ‘Barroz’ went on the floors in Kochi right before the second lockdown was announced in the state. The filming had to be stopped just weeks after it was rolled. The crew could resume shooting only on 26 December.

Mohanlal had earlier announced that some of the portions would be reshot. The physical transformation of the child artist who plays the lead role was cited as the main reason for it.

‘Barroz’ narrates the story of friendship between a little girl and a demon that guards an ancient treasure chest. Interestingly, Mohanlal essays the titular role of Barroz. Shayla McCaffrey was roped in to play the role of the little girl. However, she didn’t join the cast when the filming resumed recently. Shayla was a little girl when the casting call for the movie was done. But, she grew up by the time the filming was restarted after the break. Meanwhile, Mumbai native Maya has replaced Shayla in the movie. Even though Maya is born in India her father is a Briton.

Veteran actor Prathap Pothen and noted Spanish actress Paz Vega too play pivotal roles in the movie. ‘Barroz’ is a period drama narrated on the background of the Portuguese invasion of India. Barroz is a genie or a demon who guards the incredible treasure of Vasco da Gama. The demon who has been guarding the treasure for more than four hundred years is waiting for the right inheritor. The story begins when a little girl comes looking for the treasure.

Jijo Punnoose who created the iconic movie ‘My Dear Kuttichathan’ is the writer of ‘Barroz’. Award winning cinematographer Santhosh Sivan handles the cinematography. Production design is by Santhosh Raman. ‘Barroz’ is bankrolled by Antony Paerumbavoor for the banner of Aashirvad Cinemas.