The film stars Mohanlal in the titular role, alongside Maya Rao West, Cesar Lorente Raton, Ignacio Mateos, Kallirroi Tziafeta, Nerea Camacho and Tuhin Menon.

Mohanlal and T. K. Rajeev Kumar collaborated to rewrite the scenes, characters, and locations, leading to Punnoose's exit from the film and forfeiting his credits.

It was praised for its unique attempt, 3D effects, cinematography but criticized for its script, screenplay and cast performances and it was a disaster at the box office.

[5] Originally, Mohanlal and T. K. Rajeev Kumar had planned a 3D stage play, seeking guidance from Punnoose, the director of India's first 3D film, My Dear Kuttichathan (1984).

[7] Described as a "fantasy film for children",[8] the story is rooted in a 17th-century Portuguese-Afro-Indian myth from the Malabar Coast, centering on a hidden treasure belonging to the D'Gama family.

[13] Years later, responding to his colleagues' insistence, Punnoose decided to turn the story into a film in English and Hispanic languages, taking on the role of director.

By the time the lockdown restrictions began to ease, Aashirvad Cinemas had shifted their focus to producing films for direct OTT streaming.

[14][18] Considering the challenges posed by the pandemic, including the difficulty of bringing back foreign actors and shooting in distant locations, extensive discussions led to a decision to change the story, screenplay, and performers.

[14][18] Before Mohanlal took on the roles of actor and director, Punnoose had planned to direct the film as an international project in English and various Hispanic languages.

During this phase, he sent the novel to actors like Will Smith, Morgan Freeman, Eddie Murphy, Denzel Washington, and Idris Elba, considering them for the lead role of the Afrikaner ghost.

[19] In July 2019, Mohanlal announced the casting of Spanish actors Paz Vega, Rafael Amargo, and Cesar Lorente Raton in the film through social media.

[28] Due to the COVID-19 lockdown in India, the film faced delays, leading to the replacement of some major cast members when production resumed in December 2021.

[30] McCaffrey was replaced by Indo-British actress Maya Rao West[31] due to conflicts with her academic studies and noticeable physical changes.

Sharma shared her experience of working on the film, highlighting Mohanlal's equal treatment of all cast members regardless of their status as leading stars, newcomers, or children.

In May, efforts were focused on caring for the 24 infected cast and crew members and arranging the return of foreign actors to their home countries, as airline operations had been suspended.

[14] With Aashirvad Cinemas changing their plans, Barroz came close to cancellation, leading to the dismantling of the treasure cellar set at Navodaya Studio on Antony's instruction.

[51] In February 2024, he shared an image from Sony Pictures Studios in Hollywood, showing Kilian and Miller fine-tuning the music and sound.

[62] Coinciding with New Year's Eve (31 December), the makers released the first look poster featuring Mohanlal in a tonsured bald look for the titular character.

[63] In a radio interview in Doha in November 2022, Mohanlal stated that the film's trailer would be released in theatres along with Avatar: The Way of Water on 16 December 2022.

[69][70] The film's trailer was privately screened for the crew at PVR INOX cinema theatre in Mumbai in early August,[71] and was scheduled to be released on 6 September 2024 at the 3rd edition of IIFA Utsavam award ceremony held at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

[84][85] The trailer for the film's Hindi-dubbed version was launched on 11 December, at the Oberoi Mall in Mumbai,[86] with Akshay Kumar being present for the event.

[95] It will be held at the Jain University in InfoPark Kochi, where Mohanlal would be felicitated as the chief guest, and winners would get a cash reward in first three prizes worth ₹3,00,000, presented by the actor on stage.

[122] Princy Alexander of Onmanorama praised the performances of the lead actors, the computer graphics and cinematography, but felt the music was underutilized, and wrote that "Despite some of the flaws, Barroz is a welcome change at the theatres, which is currently ruled by action and violence-heavy movies.

"[127] Vivek Santhosh of The New Indian Express gave it two out of five stars and wrote, "Fantasy films for children are a rarity in Malayalam cinema, and Mohanlal deserves credit for attempting to fill this gap.

"[128] Janani K. of India Today gave it two out of five stars and wrote, "While the film is strong on the technical front, the story isn't captivating enough.

"[129] Ajay U. K. of The News Minute noted that "The ambition of Mohanlal's Barroz is appreciable, but it felt too forced in a film that came with high expectations.

Those who enjoy grand visuals and Mohanlal’s performances may appreciate the effort, but a stronger script would have elevated the film to greater heights.

"[131] Vishal Menon of The Hollywood Reporter India criticized the film for its failure to invest in emotional arcs, convoluted plot, and over-reliance on exposition, with the reviewer also criticizing the performances of the foreign actors, and noting that the film's prioritization of technology over storytelling makes it a disappointing experience that echoes Kochadaiiyaan (2014) rather than the classic My Dear Kuttichathan.

"[133] S. R. Praveen of The Hindu wrote, "Billed as a children’s film, Barroz severely lacks in the storytelling department, which is too sluggish to engage any child.

"[134] Anandu Suresh of The Indian Express gave it one out of five stars and wrote, "While the Mohanlal directorial might captivate infants who are just beginning to distinguish shapes and objects, expecting older children to be similarly enthralled by what Barroz has offered is unrealistic.