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{{Short description|Indian psychological drama film}}
{{Short description|2022 Indian psychological drama film}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2023}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2023}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
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| caption        = Official poster
| caption        = Official poster
| director      = [[Anvita Dutt]]
| director      = [[Anvita Dutt]]
| writer        = Anvita Dutt
| writer        = Anvita Dutt
| producer      = Karnesh Sharma
| producer      = {{plainlist|
* Karnesh Ssharma<!--DON‘T CHANGE HIS NAME! Please check the following SOURCE where they confirm he changed the SPELLING of his surname!.--><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/theres-lots-in-a-name-karnesh-ssharma-is-making-sure-his-name-adds-up-to-a-success-number/22862210|title = Karnesh Ssharma is making sure his name adds up to a success number|date = 27 June 2020}}</ref>
* [[Anushka Sharma]]
}}
| starring      = {{plainlist|
| starring      = {{plainlist|
*[[Tripti Dimri]]
* [[Tripti Dimri]]
*[[Swastika Mukherjee]]
* [[Swastika Mukherjee]]
*Babil Khan
* [[Babil Khan]]
}}
}}
| cinematography = Siddharth Diwan
| cinematography = Siddharth Diwan
| editing        = Manas Mittal
| editing        = Manas Mittal
| music          = [[Amit Trivedi]] <br/> (Songs) <br/> Sagar Desai <br/> (Background Score and Guest Composition)
| music          = '''Songs:'''<br />[[Amit Trivedi]]<br />Sagar Desai<br />'''Background Score:'''<br />Sagar Desai
| studio        = [[Clean Slate Filmz]]
| studio        = [[Clean Slate Filmz]]
| distributor    = [[Netflix]]
| distributor    = [[Netflix]]
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| language      = Hindi
| language      = Hindi
}}
}}
'''''Qala''''' ({{translation|Art}}) is a 2022 Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[psychological drama|psychological thriller drama]] film,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/regional-indian-cinema-news/article/psychological-drama-qala-to-release-on-dec-1-23253443|title=Psychological drama 'Qala' to release on Dec 1|date=2 November 2022|work=[[Mid-Day]]|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref> written and directed by [[Anvita Dutt]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/qala-director-anvitaa-dutt-on-telling-a-mother-daughter-story-in-the-upcoming-film/article66175791.ece|title='Qala' director Anvitaa Dutt on telling a mother-daughter story in the upcoming film|first=Pallavi|last=Keswani|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=29 November 2022|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref> The film is produced by Karnesh Sharma under [[Clean Slate Filmz]]<ref>{{cite news|work=[[India Today]]|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/anushka-sharma-s-brother-karnesh-on-babil-s-acting-debut-qala-says-he-has-dad-irrfan-s-rawness-1941607-2022-04-25|title=Anushka Sharma's brother Karnesh on Babil's acting debut Qala, says he has dad Irrfan's 'rawness'|last=Kanabar|first=Nirali|date=25 April 2022|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref> and stars [[Tripti Dimri]], [[Swastika Mukherjee]], and Babil Khan in his film debut.<ref>{{cite web|date=1 November 2022|title=Tripti Dimri, Babil Khan-starrer Qala set for December release on Netflix|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/tripti-dimri-starrer-qala-set-for-december-release-on-netflix-8242081/|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/sir-qala-belongs-to-me-too-swastika-mukherjee-slams-trade-analyst-for-omitting-her-name-from-film-cast-1994635-2022-08-31|last=Cyril|first=Grace|title=Sir, Qala belongs to me too! Swastika Mukherjee slams trade analyst for omitting her name from film cast|work=India Today|date=31 August 2022|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/irrfan-khans-son-babils-qala-ready-to-go-on-floors-in-december-1503127107.html|title=Irrfan Khan's son Babil's 'Qala' ready to go on floors in December|work=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]]|date=1 November 2022|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>  
'''''Qala''''' ({{lit|''Art''}}) is a 2022 Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[period drama|period]] [[psychological drama]] film,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/regional-indian-cinema-news/article/psychological-drama-qala-to-release-on-dec-1-23253443 |title=Psychological drama 'Qala' to release on Dec 1 |date=2 November 2022 |work=[[Mid-Day]] |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref> written and directed by [[Anvita Dutt]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/qala-director-anvitaa-dutt-on-telling-a-mother-daughter-story-in-the-upcoming-film/article66175791.ece |title='Qala' director Anvitaa Dutt on telling a mother-daughter story in the upcoming film |first=Pallavi |last=Keswani |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=29 November 2022 |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref> The film is produced by Karnesh Ssharma<!--DON‘T CHANGE HIS NAME! Please check the following SOURCE where they confirm he changed the SPELLING of his surname!.--><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/theres-lots-in-a-name-karnesh-ssharma-is-making-sure-his-name-adds-up-to-a-success-number/22862210|title = Karnesh Ssharma is making sure his name adds up to a success number|date = 27 June 2020}}</ref> under [[Clean Slate Filmz]]<ref>{{cite news |work=[[India Today]] |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/anushka-sharma-s-brother-karnesh-on-babil-s-acting-debut-qala-says-he-has-dad-irrfan-s-rawness-1941607-2022-04-25 |title=Anushka Sharma's brother Karnesh on Babil's acting debut Qala, says he has dad Irrfan's 'rawness' |last=Kanabar |first=Nirali |date=25 April 2022 |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref> and stars [[Tripti Dimri]], [[Swastika Mukherjee]], and [[Babil Khan]] in his film debut.<ref>{{cite web |date=1 November 2022 |title=Tripti Dimri, Babil Khan-starrer Qala set for December release on Netflix |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/tripti-dimri-starrer-qala-set-for-december-release-on-netflix-8242081/ |work=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/sir-qala-belongs-to-me-too-swastika-mukherjee-slams-trade-analyst-for-omitting-her-name-from-film-cast-1994635-2022-08-31 |last=Cyril |first=Grace |title=Sir, Qala belongs to me too! Swastika Mukherjee slams trade analyst for omitting her name from film cast |work=India Today |date=31 August 2022 |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/irrfan-khans-son-babils-qala-ready-to-go-on-floors-in-december-1503127107.html |title=Irrfan Khan's son Babil's 'Qala' ready to go on floors in December |work=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]] |date=1 November 2022 |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>
 
''Qala'' was released on [[Netflix]] on 1 December 2022.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/story/babil-khan-tripti-dimris-qala-to-premiere-on-netflix-on-december-1-new-poster-out-2291829-2022-11-01 |title=Babil Khan, Tripti Dimri's Qala to premiere on Netflix on December 1. New poster out |work=India Today |date=1 November 2022 |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref> It is loosely based on [[K. Viswanath]]'s ''[[Swathi Kiranam]]'', and [[Miloš Forman]]'s ''[[Amadeus (film)|Amadeus]]''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/qala-poster-shows-tripti-dimri-s-classical-singer-avatar-release-date-announced-101667287485858.html |title=Qala poster shows Tripti Dimri in her classical singer avatar, release date of Netflix film announced |date=1 November 2022 |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>


It was released on [[Netflix]] on 1 December 2022.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/story/babil-khan-tripti-dimris-qala-to-premiere-on-netflix-on-december-1-new-poster-out-2291829-2022-11-01|title=Babil Khan, Tripti Dimri's Qala to premiere on Netflix on December 1. New poster out|work=India Today|date=1 November 2022|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref> The film received positive reviews from critics and audience, who praised the performances, direction, writing, visual style, cinematography and soundtrack.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/qala-poster-shows-tripti-dimri-s-classical-singer-avatar-release-date-announced-101667287485858.html|title=Qala poster shows Tripti Dimri in her classical singer avatar, release date of Netflix film announced|date=1 November 2022|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>
At the [[2023 Filmfare OTT Awards]], ''Qala'' received 6 nominations, including Best Web Original Film, Best Actress in a Web Original Film (Dimri) and Best Supporting Actress in a Web Original Film (Mukherjee), and won Best Production Design (Web Original Film) (Meenal Agarwal).


==Plot==
==Plot==
Set in 1940s Calcutta, ''Qala'' is about the tumultuous relationship between an aspiring singer and her domineering mother.
Set in the 1940s, ''Qala'' is about the tumultuous relationship between an aspiring singer and her domineering mother.
The movie begins with Qala Manjushree who has just won the "Golden Vinyl". She is being interviewed by several journalists who mention her brother. Distraught, Qala replies that she has no brother. In a flashback, her mother(Urmila) who was pregnant with twins gives birth to Qala, but her brother does not survive. Urmila attempts to smother Qala.
The movie begins with Qala Manjushree, who has just won the "Golden Vinyl." She is being interviewed by several journalists who mention her brother. Distraught, Qala replies that she does not have a brother. In a flashback, her mother, Urmila, who was pregnant with twins, gives birth to Qala, but her stillborn brother does not survive. In a fit of rage, Urmila attempts to smother Qala.
Urmila teaches Qala the art of music but warns her against being a courtesan. In the present, Qala is haunted by visions of her brother who accuses her of taking what is rightfully his. A doctor advises Qala to rest. In another flashback, Qala is being taught music to perform in 3 days but Urmila chides her and accuses her of not working hard enough. Urmila locks Qala out in the freezing snow. At the performance, few people show up and Qala is upstaged by an orphan, Jagan. Urmila takes a liking to Jagan's music and brings him home to live with her. Qala is jealous of Jagan. In the present, a renowned singer - Sanyal dies. In another flashback, her mother seduces Sanyal to obtain a chance for Jagan to sing with him. To further Jagan's career, Urmila attempts to marry Qala off but Qala declines. Urmila hosts a party and invites several influential people. At the party, Qala feels invisible but is noticed by Sanyal, whom she kisses. Unfortunately, Jagan falls sick and cannot sing so Qala sings instead, impressing the guests. Jagan gets sicker to the point of being unable to sing but is cared for by Urmila. Qala seduces Sumant Kumar to obtain a chance at recording a song, taking Jagan's place. That night Jagan talks to Qala one last time before he hangs himself in the forest. The next day, Qala discovers his body and hugs his corpse. Her mother is distraught and cradles Jagan in her hands. Urmila and Qala have a fight during which Qala calls Urmila a courtesan. Urmila forbids Qala from coming back to their house ever again. Qala leaves for Calcutta for her recording session. She is nervous and cannot sing even on the 11th take. She was forced to provide oral pleasure to Sumant, for a last chance. She recalls Jagan, who used to sing for himself. Taking his words into account, she successfully records the song. Anushka Sharma makes a cameo here as an actress. Qala slowly rises to fame as a singer. She becomes close with Majshoor, the songwriter who advises her to cease her arrangement with Sumant. While being interviewed by journalists again, she sees a vision of Jagan. While recording a song, she breaks down and sees snow falling all around her. Her mother hears her interview being broadcast over the radio. In a flashback, Qala drops a globule of mercury into Jagan's milk before his performance, leading to his cough. Now, Qala attempts to kill herself by overdosing on sleeping pills. Her doctor calls her mother and informs her of Qala's suicide attempt. Her mother comes to Calcutta and sees that Qala has hanged herself. Her mother tearfully listens to Qala's vinyl which she had sent to her in Himachal Pradesh.
 
Urmila teaches Qala the art of music but warns her against being a courtesan. Qala is haunted by visions of her brother, who accuses her of taking what is rightfully his, for which a doctor advises her to rest. In another flashback, Qala is being taught music for a performance in 3 days, but Urmila chides her and accuses her of not working hard enough. To punish her, Urmila locks Qala out in the snow. At the performance, few people show up, and Qala is upstaged by an orphan, Jagan. Urmila takes a liking to his music and brings him home to live with her, to the dismay of Qala, who is jealous of him. In the present, a renowned singer, Sanyal, has died. It is revealed that her mother seduced Sanyal to obtain a chance for Jagan to sing with him. To further Jagan's career, Urmila attempts to marry Qala off but she refuses. Urmila hosts a party and invites several influential people. At the party, Qala feels invisible but is noticed by Sanyal, whom she kisses.
 
Jagan falls sick and cannot sing so Qala sings instead, impressing the guests. Jagan's sickness worsens to the point of being unable to sing but is cared for by Urmila. Qala seduces Sumant Kumar to obtain a chance to record a song, taking Jagan's place. That night, Jagan talks to Qala one last time before he hangs himself in the forest. The next day, Qala discovers his body and hugs his corpse. Her mother is distraught and cradles Jagan in her hands. Urmila and Qala have a fight during which Qala calls Urmila a courtesan, after which she forbids Qala from coming back to their house ever again. Qala leaves for Calcutta for her recording session. She is nervous and cannot sing even on the 11th take. For a last chance, she is forced to provide oral pleasure to Sumant. She recalls Jagan, who said that he always sung for himself. Using this mindset, she successfully records the song. Qala slowly rises to fame as a singer, becoming close with Majrooh, the songwriter who advises her to cease her arrangement with Sumant.
 
While being interviewed by journalists again, she sees another vision of Jagan. While recording a song, she breaks down and sees snow falling all around her. Her mother hears her interview being broadcast over the radio. In a flashback, Qala is shown dropping a globule of mercury into Jagan's milk before his performance, leading to his sickness. She attempts to kill herself by overdosing on sleeping pills. Her doctor calls her mother and informs her of Qala's suicide attempt. Her mother comes to Calcutta to visit her, but finds that she has hanged herself. Later, she tearfully listens to Qala's vinyl which Qala had sent to her in Tanuku.


==Cast==
==Cast==
*[[Tripti Dimri]] as Qala Manjushree
* [[Tripti Dimri]] as Qala Manjushree
*[[Swastika Mukherjee]] as Urmila "Urmi" Manjushree<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/swastika-mukherjee-on-qala-my-character-urmila-is-different-from-the-mothers-you-have-seen-on-screen|title=Swastika Mukherjee on Qala: 'My character Urmila is different from the mothers you have seen on screen'|last=Bhatnagar|first=Rohit|website=Free Press Journal|date=16 September 2022|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>
** Aadhya Jha as young Qala
* Babil Khan as Jagan Batwal
* [[Swastika Mukherjee]] as Urmila "Urmi" Manjushree<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/swastika-mukherjee-on-qala-my-character-urmila-is-different-from-the-mothers-you-have-seen-on-screen |title=Swastika Mukherjee on Qala: 'My character Urmila is different from the mothers you have seen on screen' |last=Bhatnagar |first=Rohit |website=Free Press Journal |date=16 September 2022 |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>
*[[Amit Sial]] as Sumant Kumar
* [[Babil Khan]] as Jagan Batwal
*[[Samir Kochhar|Sameer Kochhar]] as Chandan Lal Sanyal
* [[Amit Sial]] as Sumant Kumar
*[[Girija Oak]] as Sudha
* [[Samir Kochhar|Sameer Kochhar]] as Chandan Lal Sanyal
*[[Swanand Kirkire]] as Mansoor Khan Sahab
* [[Girija Oak]] as Sudha
*Tasveer Kamil as Naseeban Appa
* [[Swanand Kirkire]] as Mansoor Khan Sahab
*[[Varun Grover (writer)|Varun Grover]] as Majrooh
* Tasveer Kamil as Naseeban Appa
*[[Abhishek Banerjee (actor)|Abhishek Banerjee]] as Dr. Banerjee
* [[Varun Grover (writer)|Varun Grover]] as Majrooh
*[[Anushka Sharma]] as Actress Devika (cameo)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/news/hindi/revealed-anushka-sharmas-cute-cameo-in-qala-exclusive/articleshow/95902523.cms|title=Revealed: Anushka Sharma's Cute Cameo in Qala - Exclusive|author=Subhash K Jha|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=1 December 2022|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>
* Veera Kapur EE as Rani Mandira
*Nitin Chatterjee as RJ
* [[Abhishek Banerjee (actor)|Abhishek Banerjee]] as Dr. Banerjee
* Alireza-Jadidi (voice)
* [[Anushka Sharma]] as Devika (special appearance) (Marks her appearance in films after last appearance 2018)


==Production==
==Production==
The film was announced by [[Netflix]] on 10 April 2021, [[Tripti Dimri]] was cast in the title role, and was joined by Babil Khan.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/qala-teaser-irrfan-khan-son-babil-to-debut-in-anushka-sharma-production-watch-first-look-video-7268025/|title=Qala teaser: Irrfan Khan's son Babil to debut in Anushka Sharma produced Netflix film, watch its first look|work=[[The Indian Express]]|date=10 April 2021|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Chowdhury|first=Rishita Roy|date=11 April 2021|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/story/irrfan-s-son-babil-to-debut-in-anushka-sharma-production-qala-first-look-out-1789625-2021-04-11|title=Irrfan's son Babil to debut in Anushka Sharma production Qala. First look out|work=India Today|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/first-look-of-babil-khan-s-acting-debut-unveiled-irrfan-s-son-to-be-launched-by-anushka-sharma-watch-101618068091622.html|title=First look of Babil Khan's acting debut unveiled, Irrfan's son to be launched by Anushka Sharma. Watch|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|date=10 April 2021|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/hot-on-web/babil-khan-marks-debut-with-netflixs-qala-opposite-tripti-dimri|title=Babil Khan Marks Debut With Netflix's Qala Opposite Tripti Dimri|date=11 April 2021|website=TheQuint|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref> The film marks the second collaboration between [[Tripti Dimri]], [[Anvita Dutt]] and [[Clean Slate Filmz]] after ''[[Bulbbul]]'' (2020).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/node/2885762/|title=Babil Khan's debut film 'Qala' announced, Irrfan Khan's son to star opposite Triptii Dimri in Anushka Sharma production|website=DNA India|date=10 April 2021|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>
The film was announced by [[Netflix]] on 10 April 2021, [[Tripti Dimri]] was cast in the title role, and was joined by Babil Khan.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/qala-teaser-irrfan-khan-son-babil-to-debut-in-anushka-sharma-production-watch-first-look-video-7268025/ |title=Qala teaser: Irrfan Khan's son Babil to debut in Anushka Sharma produced Netflix film, watch its first look |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=10 April 2021 |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Chowdhury |first=Rishita Roy |date=11 April 2021 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/story/irrfan-s-son-babil-to-debut-in-anushka-sharma-production-qala-first-look-out-1789625-2021-04-11 |title=Irrfan's son Babil to debut in Anushka Sharma production Qala. First look out |work=India Today |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/first-look-of-babil-khan-s-acting-debut-unveiled-irrfan-s-son-to-be-launched-by-anushka-sharma-watch-101618068091622.html |title=First look of Babil Khan's acting debut unveiled, Irrfan's son to be launched by Anushka Sharma. Watch |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=10 April 2021 |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/hot-on-web/babil-khan-marks-debut-with-netflixs-qala-opposite-tripti-dimri |title=Babil Khan Marks Debut With Netflix's Qala Opposite Tripti Dimri |date=11 April 2021 |website=TheQuint |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref> The film marks the second collaboration between [[Tripti Dimri]], [[Anvita Dutt]] and [[Clean Slate Filmz]] after ''[[Bulbbul]]'' (2020).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/node/2885762/ |title=Babil Khan's debut film 'Qala' announced, Irrfan Khan's son to star opposite Triptii Dimri in Anushka Sharma production |website=DNA India |date=10 April 2021 |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>


Principal photography started in April 2021, in [[Kashmir]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/tripti-dimri-completes-first-schedule-of-netflixs-qala-says-super-happy-to-join-enthusiastic-team-7270283/|last=Sharma|first=Priyanka|title=Tripti Dimri completes first schedule of Netflix film Qala, says 'super happy to join enthusiastic team'|date=13 April 2021|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/babil-khan-resumes-shoot-of-debut-film-qala-post-lockdown-see-pics-1818713-2021-06-24|last=Srivastava|first=Samriddhi|title=Babil Khan resumes shoot of debut film Qala post lockdown. See pics|work=India Today|date=24 June 2021|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref> Filming was completed in October 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.millenniumpost.in/entertainment/tripti-reunites-with-anvita-dutt-for-qala-455825|title=Tripti reunites with Anvita Dutt for 'Qala'|date=14 October 2021|website=www.millenniumpost.in|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/triptii-dimri-shooting-qala-has-definitely-changed-me-as-a-person|last=Bhatnagar|first=Rohit|title=Triptii Dimri: 'Shooting Qala has definitely changed me as a person'|website=Free Press Journal|date=12 September 2022|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>
Principal photography started in April 2021, in [[Kashmir]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/tripti-dimri-completes-first-schedule-of-netflixs-qala-says-super-happy-to-join-enthusiastic-team-7270283/ |last=Sharma |first=Priyanka |title=Tripti Dimri completes first schedule of Netflix film Qala, says 'super happy to join enthusiastic team' |date=13 April 2021 |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/babil-khan-resumes-shoot-of-debut-film-qala-post-lockdown-see-pics-1818713-2021-06-24 |last=Srivastava |first=Samriddhi |title=Babil Khan resumes shoot of debut film Qala post lockdown. See pics |work=India Today |date=24 June 2021 |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref> Filming was completed in October 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.millenniumpost.in/entertainment/tripti-reunites-with-anvita-dutt-for-qala-455825 |title=Tripti reunites with Anvita Dutt for 'Qala' |date=14 October 2021 |website=millenniumpost.in |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/triptii-dimri-shooting-qala-has-definitely-changed-me-as-a-person |last=Bhatnagar |first=Rohit |title=Triptii Dimri: 'Shooting Qala has definitely changed me as a person' |website=Free Press Journal |date=12 September 2022 |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>


==Soundtrack==
==Soundtrack==
{{Main|Qala (soundtrack)}}
{{Infobox album
|name      = Qala
|type      = soundtrack
|artist    = [[Amit Trivedi]], Sagar Desai
|released  = {{Start date|df=yes|2022|11|24}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gaana.com/album/qala-music-from-the-netflix-film |title=Qala (Music From The Netflix Film) {{!}} Amit Trivedi |date=24 November 2022 |publisher=[[Gaana (music streaming service)|Gaana]]}}</ref>
|recorded  = 2021
|genre      = [[Feature film soundtrack]]
|length    = {{duration|m=25|s=24}}
|language  = [[Hindi]]
|label      = [[Netflix]], [[Sony Music India]]
}}
 
The music for the film was composed by [[Amit Trivedi]], the background score was composed by Sagar Desai, while guest-composed one song "Udh Jaayega" and lyrics were written by [[Amitabh Bhattacharya]], [[Swanand Kirkire]], [[Varun Grover (writer)|Varun Grover]] and [[Kausar Munir]]. The teaser of the [[ghazal]], "Phero Na Najariya", was released on 29 August 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gadgets360.com/entertainment/news/qala-netflix-movie-2022-cast-tripti-dimri-anvitaa-dutt-netflix-india-3297172 |last=Bhatnagar |first=Rohit |title=Watch the Sneak Peek at Netflix's Qala, Starring Tripti Dimri |website=Gadgets 360 |date=29 August 2022 |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/irrfan-khans-son-babil-khan-set-for-debut-with-period-film-qala-23243433 |title=Irrfan Khan's son Babil Khan set for debut with period film 'Qala' |date=30 August 2022 |website=Mid-day |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref> The first single "Ghodey Pe Sawaar" was released on 16 November 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ghodey Pe Sawaar (From "Qala") - Single by Amit Trivedi, Amitabh Bhattacharya & Sireesha Bhagavatula |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://music.apple.com/id/album/ghodey-pe-sawaar-from-qala-single/1654862552 |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref> The second single "Rubaaiyaan" was released on 22 November 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rubaaiyaan (From "Qala") - Single by Amit Trivedi, Swanand Kirkire, & Shahid Mallya |date=22 November 2022 |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/rubaaiyaan-from-qala-single/1655292108 |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref> The third single "Shauq" was released on 24 November 2022. The film also included a remake of a popular [[Kangri language|Kangri]] folk song, "Amma Puchdi", sung by Sireesha Bhagavatula.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}}


The music for the film was composed by [[Amit Trivedi]], the background score was composed by Sagar Desai, while guest-composed one song "Udh Jaayega" and lyrics were written by [[Amitabh Bhattacharya]], [[Swanand Kirkire]], [[Varun Grover (writer)|Varun Grover]] and [[Kausar Munir]]. The teaser of the [[ghazal]], "Phero Na Najariya", was released on 29 August 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gadgets360.com/entertainment/news/qala-netflix-movie-2022-cast-tripti-dimri-anvitaa-dutt-netflix-india-3297172|last=Bhatnagar|first=Rohit|title=Watch the Sneak Peek at Netflix's Qala, Starring Tripti Dimri|website=Gadgets 360|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/irrfan-khans-son-babil-khan-set-for-debut-with-period-film-qala-23243433|title=Irrfan Khan's son Babil Khan set for debut with period film 'Qala'|date=30 August 2022|website=Mid-day|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref> The first single "Ghodey Pe Sawaar" was released on 16 November 2022.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ghodey Pe Sawaar (From "Qala") - Single by Amit Trivedi, Amitabh Bhattacharya & Sireesha Bhagavatula|date=16 November 2022|url=https://music.apple.com/id/album/ghodey-pe-sawaar-from-qala-single/1654862552|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref> The second single "Rubaaiyaan" was released on 22 November 2022.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rubaaiyaan (From "Qala") - Single by Amit Trivedi, Swanand Kirkire, & Shahid Mallya|date=22 November 2022|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/rubaaiyaan-from-qala-single/1655292108|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref> The third single "Shauq" was released on 24 November 2022. The film also included a remake of a popular [[Kangri language|Kangri]] folk song, "''Amma Puchdi''", sung by Sireesha Bhagavatula.{{fact|date=February 2023}}
{{Track listing
|extra_column = Singer(s)
|title1 = Ghodey Pe Sawaar
|length1 = 3:14
|lyrics1 = [[Amitabh Bhattacharya]]
|music1 = [[Amit Trivedi]]
|extra1 = Sireesha Bhagavatula
|title2 = Rubaaiyaan
|length2 = 4:13
|lyrics2 = Swanand Kirkire
|music2 = Amit Trivedi
|extra2 = Shahid Mallya, Sireesha Bhagavatula
|title3 = Shauq
|length3 = 3:39
|lyrics3 = [[Varun Grover (writer)|Varun Grover]]
|music3 = Amit Trivedi
|extra3 = [[Swanand Kirkire]], [[Shahid Mallya]], Sireesha Bhagavatula
|title4 = Phero Na Najariya
|length4 = 4:00
|lyrics4 = [[Kausar Munir]]
|music4 = Amit Trivedi
|extra4 = Sireesha Bhagavatula
|title5 = Nirbhau Nirvair
|length5 = 5:08
|lyrics5 = Sant [[Kabir]], Anvitaa Dutt
|music5 = Amit Trivedi
|extra5 = Shahid Mallya
|title6 = Udh Jaayega
|length6 = 4:37
|lyrics6 = Sant Kabir
|music6 = Sagar Desai
|extra6 = Shahid Mallya
|total_length = 24:57
}}


==Marketing and release==
==Marketing and release==
The teaser for the film launched on 24 September 2022, on [[Netflix]], and the trailer of the film was released on 15 November 2022.<ref>{{cite news|date=24 September 2022|title=Irrfan Khan's Son Babil Khan Makes A Musical Debut In Netflix's 'Qala' Teaser|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/irrfan-khan-s-son-babil-khan-makes-a-musical-debut-in-netflix-s-qala-teaser-news-225568|magazine=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/irrfan-khans-son-babil-makes-a-musical-debut-in-netflixs-qala-teaser-1503114649.html|title=Irrfan Khan's son Babil makes a musical debut in Netflix's 'Qala' teaser|work=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]]|date=24 September 2022|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/qala-trailer-irrfan-khans-son-babil-khan-and-tripti-dimri-shine-in-this-psychological-drama-11637571.html|title=Qala Trailer Out: Babil Khan and Tripti Dimri shine in upcoming Netflix drama|date=16 November 2022|website=Firstpost|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>
The teaser for the film launched on 24 September 2022, on [[Netflix]], and the trailer of the film was released on 15 November 2022.<ref>{{cite news |date=24 September 2022 |title=Irrfan Khan's Son Babil Khan Makes A Musical Debut In Netflix's 'Qala' Teaser |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/irrfan-khan-s-son-babil-khan-makes-a-musical-debut-in-netflix-s-qala-teaser-news-225568 |magazine=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/irrfan-khans-son-babil-makes-a-musical-debut-in-netflixs-qala-teaser-1503114649.html |title=Irrfan Khan's son Babil makes a musical debut in Netflix's 'Qala' teaser |work=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]] |date=24 September 2022 |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/qala-trailer-irrfan-khans-son-babil-khan-and-tripti-dimri-shine-in-this-psychological-drama-11637571.html |title=Qala Trailer Out: Babil Khan and Tripti Dimri shine in upcoming Netflix drama |date=16 November 2022 |website=Firstpost |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>


The film had its World Premiere in Goa at the [[53rd International Film Festival of India]], on 24 November 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/netflix-announces-feature-line-53rd-international-film-festival-india-iffi-goa/|title=Netflix announces its feature line-up at the 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa : Bollywood News|website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]|date=18 November 2022|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1877482|title=Fauda S4 to premiere at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI)|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://iffigoa.org/schedules/|title=IFFI 53 Events-Schedule-International Film Festival of India 2022|website=iffigoa.org|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/netflix-goa-iffi-1235436727/|title=Netflix to Make Series and Films Splash at Goa's IFFI|first=Patrick|last=Frater|date=18 November 2022}}</ref> ''Qala'' was released on [[Netflix]] on 1 December 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/netflix-to-stream-new-film-qala-on-1-december-11668581120362.html|last=Jha|first=Lata|title=Netflix to stream new film 'Qala' on 1 December|date=16 November 2022|website=Mint|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/tripti-dimri-starrer-qala-set-for-december-release-on-netflix/article66085744.ece|title=Tripti Dimri-starrer 'Qala' set for December release on Netflix|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=2 November 2022|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>
The film had its World Premiere in Goa at the [[53rd International Film Festival of India]], on 24 November 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/netflix-announces-feature-line-53rd-international-film-festival-india-iffi-goa/ |title=Netflix announces its feature line-up at the 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa : Bollywood News |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |date=18 November 2022 |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1877482 |title=Fauda S4 to premiere at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://iffigoa.org/schedules/ |title=IFFI 53 Events-Schedule-International Film Festival of India 2022 |website=iffigoa.org |access-date=4 December 2022 |archive-date=2 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202191749/https://iffigoa.org/schedules/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/netflix-goa-iffi-1235436727/ |title=Netflix to Make Series and Films Splash at Goa's IFFI |first=Patrick |last=Frater |date=18 November 2022}}</ref> ''Qala'' was released on [[Netflix]] on 1 December 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/netflix-to-stream-new-film-qala-on-1-december-11668581120362.html |last=Jha |first=Lata |title=Netflix to stream new film 'Qala' on 1 December |date=16 November 2022 |website=Mint |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/tripti-dimri-starrer-qala-set-for-december-release-on-netflix/article66085744.ece |title=Tripti Dimri-starrer 'Qala' set for December release on Netflix |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=2 November 2022 |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==
{| class="wikitable infobox" style="float:right; width:20%; font-size:80%; text-align:center; margin:0.5em 0 0.5em 1em; padding:0;" cellpadding="0"
{{Rotten Tomatoes prose|score=80|count=15|average=5.7|consensus=|ref=yes |access-date=25 March 2024}}
!colspan=2 style="font-size:120%;"|Professional reviews
{{Film and game ratings
|-
| rev1 = [[India TV]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/movie-review/qala-review-tripti-dimri-babil-khan-musical-period-drama-journey-of-envy-and-jealousy-netflix-movie-rating-695 |title=Qala Review: Tripti Dimri, Babil Khan's musical period drama marks the journey of envy and jealousy |last=Devnath |first=Aparupa |publisher=India TV News |date=1 December 2022 |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>
!colspan=2 style="background:#d1dbdf; font-size:120%;"|Review scores
| rev1score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}
|-
| rev2 = [[NDTV]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/qala-review-period-drama-rides-on-impressive-turns-by-tripti-dimri-and-swastika-mukherjee-3-5-stars-3568806 |last=Chatterjee |first=Saibal |title=Qala Review: Period Drama Rides On Impressive Turns By Triptii Dimri And Swastika Mukherjee |publisher=[[NDTV]] |date=1 December 2022 |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>
!Source
| rev2score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}
!Rating
| rev3 = [[Pinkvilla]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/reviews/qala-review-triptii-dimri-babil-khan-swastika-film-is-a-delectable-prose-of-jealousy-ambition-and-passion-1201448 |title=Qala Review: Triptii Dimri, Babil Khan, Swastika film is a delectable prose of jealousy, ambition and passion |last=Lohana |first=Avinash |website=PINKVILLA |date=1 December 2022 |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>
| rev3score = {{Rating|4|5}}
| rev4 = [[The Indian Express]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/qala-movie-review-tripti-dimri-babil-khan-film-8299996/ |last=Gupta |first=Shubhra |title=Qala movie review: The stately beauty of Tripti Dimri-Babil Khan film works against it |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=1 December 2022 |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>
| rev4score = {{Rating|2.5|5}}
| rev5 = [[The Times of India]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/qala/ottmoviereview/95852110.cms |last=Vyavahare |first=Renuka |title=Qala Review: A haunting tale of validation and penance |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=1 December 2022 |access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>
| rev5score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}
}}
 
Debiparna Chakraborty of [[MovieWeb]] wrote, "Anvita Dutt’s 2022 psychological drama ''Qala'' holds up a mirror to misogyny through a neo-expressionist lens with its distorted shadows and angles. From Amit Trivedi’s music to Siddharth Diwan’s cinematography, ''Qala'' weaves a beautiful but harrowing and tragic tale of loss, grief, and desire that starts off in the snowy moors of Shimla and ends in a burnished manor of Calcutta."<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 December 2022 |title=How Netflix's Qala Explores The Profound Horror Of Grief |url=https://movieweb.com/how-netflixs-qala-explores-the-profound-horror-of-grief/ |access-date=3 June 2023 |website=MovieWeb |language=en}}</ref>
 
Renuka Vyavahare of [[The Times of India]] wrote, "A fictitious period drama about a playback singer, Qala treads an unfamiliar, unspoken path in terms of relationships. It looks beyond the obvious to explore the underlying complexities of a mother-daughter equation, a rare sight in Hindi cinema. The latter has either overlooked or villainised the conflict for the gallery. Qala dares to observe the raw, even ugly insides of a seemingly normalised relationship with heart aching longing and regret at its core."<ref>{{Cite news |title=Qala Review : A haunting tale of validation and penance |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/qala/ottmoviereview/95852110.cms |access-date=3 June 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
 
== Accolades ==
{| class="wikitable"
! Year
! Award ceremony
! Category
! Nominee / work
! Result
! {{Ref heading}}
|-
|-
|[[India TV]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/movie-review/qala-review-tripti-dimri-babil-khan-musical-period-drama-journey-of-envy-and-jealousy-netflix-movie-rating-695|title=Qala Review: Tripti Dimri, Babil Khan's musical period drama marks the journey of envy and jealousy|last=Devnath|first=Aparupa|publisher=India TV News|date=1 December 2022|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>
| rowspan="6" |[[2023 Filmfare OTT Awards|2023]]
|{{Rating|3.5|5}}
| rowspan="6" |[[Filmfare OTT Awards]]
|Best Web Original Film
|''Qala''
|{{nom}}
| rowspan="6" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nominations for the Filmfare OTT Awards 2023: Full List Out {{!}} Femina.in |url=https://www.femina.in/trending/in-the-news/nominations-for-the-filmfare-ott-awards-2023-full-list-out-279050.html |access-date=9 February 2024 |website=www.femina.in |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|-
|[[NDTV]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/qala-review-period-drama-rides-on-impressive-turns-by-tripti-dimri-and-swastika-mukherjee-3-5-stars-3568806|last=Chatterjee|first=Saibal|title=Qala Review: Period Drama Rides On Impressive Turns By Triptii Dimri And Swastika Mukherjee|publisher=[[NDTV]]|date=1 December 2022|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>
|Best Actress in a Web Original Film
|{{Rating|3.5|5}}
|[[Triptii Dimri]]
|{{nom}}
|-
|-
|[[Pinkvilla]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/reviews/qala-review-triptii-dimri-babil-khan-swastika-film-is-a-delectable-prose-of-jealousy-ambition-and-passion-1201448|title=Qala Review: Triptii Dimri, Babil Khan, Swastika film is a delectable prose of jealousy, ambition and passion|last=Lohana|first=Avinash|website=PINKVILLA|date=1 December 2022|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>
|Best Supporting Actress in a Web Original Film
|{{Rating|4|5}}
|[[Swastika Mukherjee]]
|{{nom}}
|-
|-
|[[The Indian Express]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/qala-movie-review-tripti-dimri-babil-khan-film-8299996/|last=Gupta|first=Shubhra|title=Qala movie review: The stately beauty of Tripti Dimri-Babil Khan film works against it|work=[[The Indian Express]]|date=1 December 2022|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>
|Best Background Music (Web Original Film)
|{{Rating|2.5|5}}
|Sagar Desai
|{{nom}}
|-
|-
|[[The Times of India]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/qala/ottmoviereview/95852110.cms|last=Vyavahare|first=Renuka|title=Qala Review: A haunting tale of validation and penance|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=1 December 2022|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>
|Best Production Design (Web Original Film)
|{{Rating|3.5|5}}
|Meenal Agarwal
|{{won}}
|-
|-
|Best Cinematographer (Web Original Film)
|Siddharth Diwan
|{{nom}}
|}
|}


==See also==  
==See also==
*[[List of Netflix original films (since 2022)|List of Netflix original films]]
* [[List of Netflix original films (since 2022)|List of Netflix original films]]


==References==
==References==
Line 106: Line 193:
[[Category:Films about teacher–student relationships]]
[[Category:Films about teacher–student relationships]]
[[Category:2022 drama films]]
[[Category:2022 drama films]]
[[Category:2022 films]]
[[Category:Indian psychological drama films]]
[[Category:Indian psychological drama films]]
[[Category:Hindi-language Netflix original films]]
[[Category:2022 Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:2022 Indian films]]
[[Category:Netflix original films]]
[[Category:2022 musical films]]

Latest revision as of 10:26, 2 March 2026


Qala
Official poster
Directed byAnvita Dutt
Produced by
Written byAnvita Dutt
Starring
Music bySongs:
Amit Trivedi
Sagar Desai
Background Score:
Sagar Desai
CinematographySiddharth Diwan
Edited byManas Mittal
Production
company
Distributed byNetflix
Release date
  • 1 December 2022 (2022-12-01)
Running time
119 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi

Qala (lit. 'Art') is a 2022 Indian Hindi-language period psychological drama film,[2] written and directed by Anvita Dutt.[3] The film is produced by Karnesh Ssharma[4] under Clean Slate Filmz[5] and stars Tripti Dimri, Swastika Mukherjee, and Babil Khan in his film debut.[6][7][8]

Qala was released on Netflix on 1 December 2022.[9] It is loosely based on K. Viswanath's Swathi Kiranam, and Miloš Forman's Amadeus.[10]

At the 2023 Filmfare OTT Awards, Qala received 6 nominations, including Best Web Original Film, Best Actress in a Web Original Film (Dimri) and Best Supporting Actress in a Web Original Film (Mukherjee), and won Best Production Design (Web Original Film) (Meenal Agarwal).

Plot[edit | edit source]

Set in the 1940s, Qala is about the tumultuous relationship between an aspiring singer and her domineering mother. The movie begins with Qala Manjushree, who has just won the "Golden Vinyl." She is being interviewed by several journalists who mention her brother. Distraught, Qala replies that she does not have a brother. In a flashback, her mother, Urmila, who was pregnant with twins, gives birth to Qala, but her stillborn brother does not survive. In a fit of rage, Urmila attempts to smother Qala.

Urmila teaches Qala the art of music but warns her against being a courtesan. Qala is haunted by visions of her brother, who accuses her of taking what is rightfully his, for which a doctor advises her to rest. In another flashback, Qala is being taught music for a performance in 3 days, but Urmila chides her and accuses her of not working hard enough. To punish her, Urmila locks Qala out in the snow. At the performance, few people show up, and Qala is upstaged by an orphan, Jagan. Urmila takes a liking to his music and brings him home to live with her, to the dismay of Qala, who is jealous of him. In the present, a renowned singer, Sanyal, has died. It is revealed that her mother seduced Sanyal to obtain a chance for Jagan to sing with him. To further Jagan's career, Urmila attempts to marry Qala off but she refuses. Urmila hosts a party and invites several influential people. At the party, Qala feels invisible but is noticed by Sanyal, whom she kisses.

Jagan falls sick and cannot sing so Qala sings instead, impressing the guests. Jagan's sickness worsens to the point of being unable to sing but is cared for by Urmila. Qala seduces Sumant Kumar to obtain a chance to record a song, taking Jagan's place. That night, Jagan talks to Qala one last time before he hangs himself in the forest. The next day, Qala discovers his body and hugs his corpse. Her mother is distraught and cradles Jagan in her hands. Urmila and Qala have a fight during which Qala calls Urmila a courtesan, after which she forbids Qala from coming back to their house ever again. Qala leaves for Calcutta for her recording session. She is nervous and cannot sing even on the 11th take. For a last chance, she is forced to provide oral pleasure to Sumant. She recalls Jagan, who said that he always sung for himself. Using this mindset, she successfully records the song. Qala slowly rises to fame as a singer, becoming close with Majrooh, the songwriter who advises her to cease her arrangement with Sumant.

While being interviewed by journalists again, she sees another vision of Jagan. While recording a song, she breaks down and sees snow falling all around her. Her mother hears her interview being broadcast over the radio. In a flashback, Qala is shown dropping a globule of mercury into Jagan's milk before his performance, leading to his sickness. She attempts to kill herself by overdosing on sleeping pills. Her doctor calls her mother and informs her of Qala's suicide attempt. Her mother comes to Calcutta to visit her, but finds that she has hanged herself. Later, she tearfully listens to Qala's vinyl which Qala had sent to her in Tanuku.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Production[edit | edit source]

The film was announced by Netflix on 10 April 2021, Tripti Dimri was cast in the title role, and was joined by Babil Khan.[12][13][14][15] The film marks the second collaboration between Tripti Dimri, Anvita Dutt and Clean Slate Filmz after Bulbbul (2020).[16]

Principal photography started in April 2021, in Kashmir.[17][18] Filming was completed in October 2021.[19][20]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

Qala
Soundtrack album by
Amit Trivedi, Sagar Desai
Released24 November 2022 (2022-11-24)[21]
Recorded2021
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length25:24
LanguageHindi
LabelNetflix, Sony Music India

The music for the film was composed by Amit Trivedi, the background score was composed by Sagar Desai, while guest-composed one song "Udh Jaayega" and lyrics were written by Amitabh Bhattacharya, Swanand Kirkire, Varun Grover and Kausar Munir. The teaser of the ghazal, "Phero Na Najariya", was released on 29 August 2022.[22][23] The first single "Ghodey Pe Sawaar" was released on 16 November 2022.[24] The second single "Rubaaiyaan" was released on 22 November 2022.[25] The third single "Shauq" was released on 24 November 2022. The film also included a remake of a popular Kangri folk song, "Amma Puchdi", sung by Sireesha Bhagavatula.[citation needed]

No.TitleLyricsMusicSinger(s)Length
1."Ghodey Pe Sawaar"Amitabh BhattacharyaAmit TrivediSireesha Bhagavatula3:14
2."Rubaaiyaan"Swanand KirkireAmit TrivediShahid Mallya, Sireesha Bhagavatula4:13
3."Shauq"Varun GroverAmit TrivediSwanand Kirkire, Shahid Mallya, Sireesha Bhagavatula3:39
4."Phero Na Najariya"Kausar MunirAmit TrivediSireesha Bhagavatula4:00
5."Nirbhau Nirvair"Sant Kabir, Anvitaa DuttAmit TrivediShahid Mallya5:08
6."Udh Jaayega"Sant KabirSagar DesaiShahid Mallya4:37
Total length:24:57

Marketing and release[edit | edit source]

The teaser for the film launched on 24 September 2022, on Netflix, and the trailer of the film was released on 15 November 2022.[26][27][28]

The film had its World Premiere in Goa at the 53rd International Film Festival of India, on 24 November 2022.[29][30][31][32] Qala was released on Netflix on 1 December 2022.[33][34]

Reception[edit | edit source]

Template:Rotten Tomatoes prose Template:Film and game ratings

Debiparna Chakraborty of MovieWeb wrote, "Anvita Dutt’s 2022 psychological drama Qala holds up a mirror to misogyny through a neo-expressionist lens with its distorted shadows and angles. From Amit Trivedi’s music to Siddharth Diwan’s cinematography, Qala weaves a beautiful but harrowing and tragic tale of loss, grief, and desire that starts off in the snowy moors of Shimla and ends in a burnished manor of Calcutta."[35]

Renuka Vyavahare of The Times of India wrote, "A fictitious period drama about a playback singer, Qala treads an unfamiliar, unspoken path in terms of relationships. It looks beyond the obvious to explore the underlying complexities of a mother-daughter equation, a rare sight in Hindi cinema. The latter has either overlooked or villainised the conflict for the gallery. Qala dares to observe the raw, even ugly insides of a seemingly normalised relationship with heart aching longing and regret at its core."[36]

Accolades[edit | edit source]

Year Award ceremony Category Nominee / work Result Template:Ref heading
2023 Filmfare OTT Awards Best Web Original Film Qala Nominated [37]
Best Actress in a Web Original Film Triptii Dimri Nominated
Best Supporting Actress in a Web Original Film Swastika Mukherjee Nominated
Best Background Music (Web Original Film) Sagar Desai Nominated
Best Production Design (Web Original Film) Meenal Agarwal Won
Best Cinematographer (Web Original Film) Siddharth Diwan Nominated

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Karnesh Ssharma is making sure his name adds up to a success number". 27 June 2020.
  2. ↑ "Psychological drama 'Qala' to release on Dec 1". Mid-Day. 2 November 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  3. ↑ Keswani, Pallavi (29 November 2022). "'Qala' director Anvitaa Dutt on telling a mother-daughter story in the upcoming film". The Hindu. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  4. ↑ "Karnesh Ssharma is making sure his name adds up to a success number". 27 June 2020.
  5. ↑ Kanabar, Nirali (25 April 2022). "Anushka Sharma's brother Karnesh on Babil's acting debut Qala, says he has dad Irrfan's 'rawness'". India Today. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  6. ↑ "Tripti Dimri, Babil Khan-starrer Qala set for December release on Netflix". The Indian Express. 1 November 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  7. ↑ Cyril, Grace (31 August 2022). "Sir, Qala belongs to me too! Swastika Mukherjee slams trade analyst for omitting her name from film cast". India Today. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  8. ↑ "Irrfan Khan's son Babil's 'Qala' ready to go on floors in December". The Statesman. 1 November 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  9. ↑ "Babil Khan, Tripti Dimri's Qala to premiere on Netflix on December 1. New poster out". India Today. 1 November 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  10. ↑ "Qala poster shows Tripti Dimri in her classical singer avatar, release date of Netflix film announced". Hindustan Times. 1 November 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  11. ↑ Bhatnagar, Rohit (16 September 2022). "Swastika Mukherjee on Qala: 'My character Urmila is different from the mothers you have seen on screen'". Free Press Journal. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  12. ↑ "Qala teaser: Irrfan Khan's son Babil to debut in Anushka Sharma produced Netflix film, watch its first look". The Indian Express. 10 April 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  13. ↑ Chowdhury, Rishita Roy (11 April 2021). "Irrfan's son Babil to debut in Anushka Sharma production Qala. First look out". India Today. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  14. ↑ "First look of Babil Khan's acting debut unveiled, Irrfan's son to be launched by Anushka Sharma. Watch". Hindustan Times. 10 April 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  15. ↑ "Babil Khan Marks Debut With Netflix's Qala Opposite Tripti Dimri". TheQuint. 11 April 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  16. ↑ "Babil Khan's debut film 'Qala' announced, Irrfan Khan's son to star opposite Triptii Dimri in Anushka Sharma production". DNA India. 10 April 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  17. ↑ Sharma, Priyanka (13 April 2021). "Tripti Dimri completes first schedule of Netflix film Qala, says 'super happy to join enthusiastic team'". Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  18. ↑ Srivastava, Samriddhi (24 June 2021). "Babil Khan resumes shoot of debut film Qala post lockdown. See pics". India Today. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  19. ↑ "Tripti reunites with Anvita Dutt for 'Qala'". millenniumpost.in. 14 October 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  20. ↑ Bhatnagar, Rohit (12 September 2022). "Triptii Dimri: 'Shooting Qala has definitely changed me as a person'". Free Press Journal. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  21. ↑ "Qala (Music From The Netflix Film) | Amit Trivedi". Gaana. 24 November 2022.
  22. ↑ Bhatnagar, Rohit (29 August 2022). "Watch the Sneak Peek at Netflix's Qala, Starring Tripti Dimri". Gadgets 360. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  23. ↑ "Irrfan Khan's son Babil Khan set for debut with period film 'Qala'". Mid-day. 30 August 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  24. ↑ "Ghodey Pe Sawaar (From "Qala") - Single by Amit Trivedi, Amitabh Bhattacharya & Sireesha Bhagavatula". 16 November 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  25. ↑ "Rubaaiyaan (From "Qala") - Single by Amit Trivedi, Swanand Kirkire, & Shahid Mallya". 22 November 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  26. ↑ "Irrfan Khan's Son Babil Khan Makes A Musical Debut In Netflix's 'Qala' Teaser". Outlook. 24 September 2022.
  27. ↑ "Irrfan Khan's son Babil makes a musical debut in Netflix's 'Qala' teaser". The Statesman. 24 September 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  28. ↑ "Qala Trailer Out: Babil Khan and Tripti Dimri shine in upcoming Netflix drama". Firstpost. 16 November 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  29. ↑ "Netflix announces its feature line-up at the 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa : Bollywood News". Bollywood Hungama. 18 November 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  30. ↑ "Fauda S4 to premiere at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI)". Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  31. ↑ "IFFI 53 Events-Schedule-International Film Festival of India 2022". iffigoa.org. Archived from the original on 2 December 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  32. ↑ Frater, Patrick (18 November 2022). "Netflix to Make Series and Films Splash at Goa's IFFI". Variety.
  33. ↑ Jha, Lata (16 November 2022). "Netflix to stream new film 'Qala' on 1 December". Mint. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  34. ↑ "Tripti Dimri-starrer 'Qala' set for December release on Netflix". The Hindu. 2 November 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  35. ↑ "How Netflix's Qala Explores The Profound Horror Of Grief". MovieWeb. 24 December 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  36. ↑ "Qala Review : A haunting tale of validation and penance". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  37. ↑ "Nominations for the Filmfare OTT Awards 2023: Full List Out | Femina.in". www.femina.in. Retrieved 9 February 2024.

External links[edit | edit source]

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