Prithviraj Sukumaran recently discussed his decision to step away from the highly anticipated film Barroz, directed by Malayalam cinema legend Mohanlal, during an interview with Club FM. The film, which marks Mohanlal's directorial debut, has generated a great deal of buzz, particularly due to the actor's unique transformation and the promise of a three-dimensional (3D) cinematic experience. It is slated for release on December 25 in multiple languages.
Speaking candidly about his withdrawal, Prithviraj expressed regret, saying, "I really feel bad about stepping back from Barroz, but at that time, there were valid reasons for my decision." He admitted feeling guilty for not being part of such an exciting project but explained that a number of personal and professional commitments had led him to make the difficult choice.
Initial Involvement and Withdrawal
Earlier reports had indicated that Prithviraj would play a role in the film. However, due to scheduling conflicts with his other ongoing projects, he ultimately had to bow out. Reflecting on his brief involvement, he said, "During my time on the set of Barroz, I was trying to figure out how a 3D film could be shot. I was truly invested in understanding the techniques used in creating such a film."
He added that his decision to leave came when the filming schedule for Barroz clashed with his commitments to other projects, specifically Aadujeevitham, a film that was crucial for his career. "Had it not been for these prior commitments, I would have never stepped away from Barroz," Prithviraj shared.
A Valuable Learning Experience on Set
Despite his withdrawal from the project, Prithviraj spoke highly of his experience on the Barroz set. "Even though I was only there for a short period, it was an invaluable opportunity to learn," he said. "I constantly observed how the filming process was carried out and thought about what I would do differently if I were to make my own 3D film. It was a fantastic learning curve."
Barroz is being hailed as one of the most technically advanced films in Malayalam cinema, with the team using cutting-edge 3D technology and some of the finest 3D cameras available. Prithviraj commended the production for its commitment to perfection, praising the talented technicians behind the scenes. He also highlighted the film's advanced technical aspects, which set it apart from other Malayalam productions.
Industry Leaders Involved in the Project
The film also benefits from the involvement of some of the industry's leading figures, including renowned cinematographer Santosh Sivan and director Jijo Punnoose, who have been instrumental in shaping the film's visual and technical elements. Prithviraj expressed awe at the level of expertise involved, noting that his time on set had only deepened his appreciation for the project’s potential.
Looking ahead, Prithviraj expressed optimism about the future of 3D cinema in the Malayalam industry, suggesting that Barroz could set a new benchmark for such films in the region.
A Surprising Coincidence: Barroz Release Date and Mohanlal's Film Legacy
Meanwhile, veteran director Fazil shared an interesting anecdote about the release date of Barroz. In an endearing video, he revealed that the December 25 release date felt like a divine coincidence. "It felt like a pure stroke of fate," Fazil said. "When I shared this feeling with Mohanlal, he was left speechless for a moment. He then called his wife, Suchitra, followed by Antony, and eventually, the news spread. It was truly amazing how everything fell into place."
Fazil reflected on the significance of the date, noting that Mohanlal's first appearance in a lead role, Manjil Virinja Pookkal, was released on December 25, 1980. The film went on to become a super hit and is credited with catapulting Mohanlal to stardom. "It became a game-changer for Malayalam cinema and received the State Award," Fazil added.
Moreover, another Mohanlal film, Manichitrathazhu, also had its release on December 25, 1993, and went on to become one of Malayalam cinema’s most iconic films, receiving both State and National Awards. Reflecting on these coincidences, Fazil said, "It feels like divine will that Barroz too would release on December 25, marking another milestone in Mohanlal’s cinematic journey."
Barroz: A Labour of Love
Fazil also described Barroz as a culmination of over 700 days of hard work and dedication. He called the film a "universal" project, underscoring its scale and importance within Malayalam cinema. The film has been a labour of love for everyone involved, and with its unique blend of advanced technology and creative storytelling, Barroz is set to make a lasting impact on the industry.
As the release date approaches, excitement continues to build around Barroz, with both industry professionals and fans eager to see how the film will shape the future of Malayalam cinema, especially in the realm of 3D filmmaking. (With inputs from Agencies)
Published: 21 Nov 2024, 09:29 am IST
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