Mohanlal reveals cast of his directorial debut ‘Barroz’

Malayalam superstar to also act in the 3D film that will star Spanish stars Paz Vega and Rafael Amargo

Actor Mohanlal's directorial debut will have an international cast. Barroz , which will be shot in 3D, will feature Spanish stars Paz Vega, an award-winning actress who shares screen space with Sylvester Stallone in the forthcoming Rambo: Last Blood , and Rafael Amargo.

“It is a fantasy film for children,” Mohanlal said on a video posted on his Facebook page. “ Barroz is set against the backdrop of maritime history of Portugal, Spain, Africa and India. It is indeed a story of our shared heritage.”

Mohanlal, one of India's most respected actors and a reigning superstar in Malayalam cinema for the last four decades, said the film would be shot in Goa.

It was last April when he made the first announcement of the film on his blog, communicating to his followers in the form of hand-written letters. “To become as a director was not a conscious decision I took, just as it wasn’t to be an actor,” he said. “But I have been acting for the last forty years and now my life is taking a new turn, as I am moving behind the camera from in front of it.”

Mohanlal said that Barroz was born after a discussion with Jijo, who directed India's first 3D film My Dear Kuttichathan . “It is based on a story Jijo told me, about the man who keeps Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama's treasures,” he said. “When he narrated that story, I wondered whether I could direct it. He said I should do it.”

Mohanlal will also play the title role in the film. He is currently shooting for

Big Brother , directed by Siddique, while his next release will be

Ittimani: Made in China.