Kochi: Malayalam cinema’s beloved actor Mohanlal’s debut directorial venture Barroz is scheduled for release on December 25, Christmas day. The release date was announced by renowned director Fazil, who was also taken aback by the coincidence, considering the actor’s long history of iconic films being released on the same date.

A surprising coincidence

In an endearing video, Fazil shared how the release date of Barroz felt like fate. “Even though the release date was set without any prior planning or expectations, it felt like a pure coincidence, a divine decision, a stroke of fate. When I shared my feelings with Mohanlal, he was even more surprised than I was. He was left speechless for some time, and then, without realising it, he exclaimed, 'God!' After that, he called his wife Suchitra, then Antony, and Antony then called me... It was truly amazing how everything came together,” said Fazil.

He recalled that Mohanlal’s first appearance on screen, in 1980, also came out on December 25. "The 19-year-old Mohanlal was transformed into the star we know today by the film Manjil Virinja Pookkal. It was a movie that audiences watched repeatedly. It became a super hit and was considered a game-changer for Malayalam cinema. It also received the State Award," added Fazil.

The same date marked the release of another Mohanlal film in 1993, which became a massive hit. “Another film by Mohanlal, released after many years, was Manichitrathazhu. It became an even bigger hit, with audiences watching it repeatedly. The film was considered timeless and went on to receive both the State and National Awards. Manjil Virinja Pookkal was released on December 25, 1980, and coincidentally, Manichitrathazhu was released on December 25, 1993.” Fazil, reflecting on this pattern, remarked that it felt like “divine will” that Barroz too would release on December 25, the same date that marked the start of Mohanlal’s successful journey in cinema.

Barroz: A labour of love

Fazil also shared that Barroz has been the culmination of over 700 days of intense work and dedication. He described the project as a “Brahmanda” film, underscoring the scale and importance of the movie. The film, which Mohanlal directed after four decades in the industry, is expected to be a landmark in Malayalam cinema. Fazil praised Barroz as a unique work of art, likely to stand out even higher than some of Mohanlal’s previous cinematic milestones, including Manichitrathazhu and Manjil Virinja Pookkal.

Reflecting on the actor’s journey, Fazil said that Mohanlal’s directorial debut comes after four-and-a-half decades of experience in the industry. “It’s a film that will be far beyond Manichitrathazhu, Manjil Virinja Pookkal, and all the other iconic films. I hope and pray from the bottom of my heart that Barroz becomes a global epic,” Fazil added.

The growing excitement around Barroz

The anticipation for Barroz is already building, as the film’s 3D trailer began screening in theatres recently. Fazil concluded by wishing Mohanlal and the entire team of Barroz all the best, expressing his confidence that the film would be a landmark success in the Malayalam film industry.