Barroz: How Reliance-Disney merger could impact Mohanlal directorial's release | Exclusive

Mohanlal’s directorial debut Barroz, which was slated to release in 2024, could face another set to roadblocks due to the merger of Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema

Mohanlal as Barroz

Despite Malayalam superstar Mohanlal sharing a photo with the crew during a recent closed screening of his directorial debut Barroz as well as its final mix, it seems that the movie, which is currently set for Christmas 2024 release, could face further roadblocks. This time, courtesy of the ongoing Reliance-Disney merger.

For the uninitiated, the makers of Mohanlal’s 3D children’s film Barroz were banking on Disney for its worldwide distribution, and were also in advanced discussions for its leading OTT platform Disney+ to snap up its OTT rights, according to a highly-placed source from the film, on condition of anonymity.

'Disney personnel were happy with Mohanlal's Barroz'

“But the merger has now thrown a spanner in the works,” says the source. “We had shown the movie to the decision-making authorities of Disney and they were actually happy with what they saw. But now, that decision to whether buy the rights of the film or take it up for distribution doesn’t rely on them.”

Also read: Mohanlal’s Barroz finally gets a release date? Here’s what we know

A screening of the film was held in Mumbai in early October that was attended by Mohanlal, cinematographer Santosh Sivan, chief associate director TK Rajeev Kumar, art director Santosh Raman and producer Antony Perumbavoor. Our source tells us, “Everyone was happy and satisfied with how the film has turned out. However, there were certain areas of VFX that Mohanlal and the others thought needed to be improved and currently, the team is working on that.”

Barroz OTT rights will have to be re-negotiated: Source

Would the merger delay Barroz further – especially considering that the makers are looking at a December 19 release date? “We can’t say for sure. Because the initial plan was for Disney+ Hotstar to purchase the OTT rights and Disney+, the international platform, to showcase the film across the world in different foreign languages as well,” the source explains. “Now, the OTT rights will have to be re-negotiated and the producers will be selling it to the highest bidder.”

That said, the source also confirms that the team has big plans leading up to the film’s release, whenever it is set. “There will be special previews in Kochi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Mumbai. It’s a big film – in terms of budget – and it will come with that kind of promotions. Apart from the 3D versions, Barroz will also have an IMAX version,” the source explains.

Also read: Barroz: Jijo Punnoose reveals Antony Perumbavoor thought of shelving Mohanlal film due to Bro Daddy, Monster

Over the past year, Mohanlal has also been actively involved in the post-production of the movie, which also stars Maya as the protagonist Isabelle, Guru Somasundaram and Thuhin Menon. The movie’s filming had begun in March 2021 but delays due to scheduling conflicts with Mohanlal’s acting projects as well as creative conflicts with its scriptwriter Jijo Punnoose , forced the movie to be pushed further. The actor-director finally resumed shooting the movie by November 2021 and wrapped it by mid-2022.

'No Barroz release till Mohanlal is creatively satisfied with output'

Given, the newly expanded distribution network Aashirvad Cinemas, the production company backing Barroz, that spans North America, Europe and the Middle East – the main markets of Malayalam cinema outside India, sources believe that the makers will be pushing for a December 2024 release, instead of further stalling it. “Mohanlal will have the final say. More than the money, it’s a pet project and Mohanlal might not even direct another film again; so, he wants to make sure he is creatively satisfied with the output,” concludes the source.

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