Qala (film)

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Qala
File:Qala.jpeg
Official poster
Directed byAnvita Dutt
Produced byKarnesh Sharma
Written byAnvita Dutt
Starring
Music byAmit Trivedi
(Songs)
Sagar Desai
(Background Score and Guest Composition)
CinematographySiddharth Diwan
Edited byManas Mittal
Production
company
Distributed byNetflix
Release date
  • 1 December 2022 (2022-12-01)
Running time
119 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi

Qala (transl. Art) is a 2022 Indian Hindi-language psychological thriller drama film,[1] written and directed by Anvita Dutt.[2] The film is produced by Karnesh Sharma under Clean Slate Filmz[3] and stars Tripti Dimri, Swastika Mukherjee, and Babil Khan in his film debut.[4][5][6]

It was released on Netflix on 1 December 2022.[7] The film received positive reviews from critics and audience, who praised the performances, direction, writing, visual style, cinematography and soundtrack.[8]

Plot[edit]

Set in 1940s Calcutta, 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. 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.

Cast[edit]

Production[edit]

The film was announced by Netflix on 10 April 2021, Tripti Dimri was cast in the title role, and was joined by Babil Khan.[11][12][13][14] The film marks the second collaboration between Tripti Dimri, Anvita Dutt and Clean Slate Filmz after Bulbbul (2020).[15]

Principal photography started in April 2021, in Kashmir.[16][17] Filming was completed in October 2021.[18][19]

Soundtrack[edit]

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.[20][21] The first single "Ghodey Pe Sawaar" was released on 16 November 2022.[22] The second single "Rubaaiyaan" was released on 22 November 2022.[23] 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]

Marketing and release[edit]

The teaser for the film launched on 24 September 2022, on Netflix, and the trailer of the film was released on 15 November 2022.[24][25][26]

The film had its World Premiere in Goa at the 53rd International Film Festival of India, on 24 November 2022.[27][28][29][30] Qala was released on Netflix on 1 December 2022.[31][32]

Reception[edit]

Professional reviews
Review scores
Source Rating
India TV[33] 3.5/5 stars
NDTV[34] 3.5/5 stars
Pinkvilla[35] 4/5 stars
The Indian Express[36] 2.5/5 stars
The Times of India[37] 3.5/5 stars

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. "Psychological drama 'Qala' to release on Dec 1". Mid-Day. 2 November 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. "Tripti Dimri, Babil Khan-starrer Qala set for December release on Netflix". The Indian Express. 1 November 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  5. 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.
  6. "Irrfan Khan's son Babil's 'Qala' ready to go on floors in December". The Statesman. 1 November 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  7. "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.
  8. "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.
  9. 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.
  10. Subhash K Jha (1 December 2022). "Revealed: Anushka Sharma's Cute Cameo in Qala - Exclusive". The Times of India. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  11. "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.
  12. 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.
  13. "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.
  14. "Babil Khan Marks Debut With Netflix's Qala Opposite Tripti Dimri". TheQuint. 11 April 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  15. "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.
  16. 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.
  17. Srivastava, Samriddhi (24 June 2021). "Babil Khan resumes shoot of debut film Qala post lockdown. See pics". India Today. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  18. "Tripti reunites with Anvita Dutt for 'Qala'". www.millenniumpost.in. 14 October 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  19. Bhatnagar, Rohit (12 September 2022). "Triptii Dimri: 'Shooting Qala has definitely changed me as a person'". Free Press Journal. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  20. Bhatnagar, Rohit. "Watch the Sneak Peek at Netflix's Qala, Starring Tripti Dimri". Gadgets 360. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  21. "Irrfan Khan's son Babil Khan set for debut with period film 'Qala'". Mid-day. 30 August 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  22. "Ghodey Pe Sawaar (From "Qala") - Single by Amit Trivedi, Amitabh Bhattacharya & Sireesha Bhagavatula". 16 November 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  23. "Rubaaiyaan (From "Qala") - Single by Amit Trivedi, Swanand Kirkire, & Shahid Mallya". 22 November 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  24. "Irrfan Khan's Son Babil Khan Makes A Musical Debut In Netflix's 'Qala' Teaser". Outlook. 24 September 2022.
  25. "Irrfan Khan's son Babil makes a musical debut in Netflix's 'Qala' teaser". The Statesman. 24 September 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  26. "Qala Trailer Out: Babil Khan and Tripti Dimri shine in upcoming Netflix drama". Firstpost. 16 November 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  27. "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.
  28. "Fauda S4 to premiere at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI)". Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  29. "IFFI 53 Events-Schedule-International Film Festival of India 2022". iffigoa.org. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  30. Frater, Patrick (18 November 2022). "Netflix to Make Series and Films Splash at Goa's IFFI". Variety.
  31. Jha, Lata (16 November 2022). "Netflix to stream new film 'Qala' on 1 December". Mint. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  32. "Tripti Dimri-starrer 'Qala' set for December release on Netflix". The Hindu. 2 November 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  33. Devnath, Aparupa (1 December 2022). "Qala Review: Tripti Dimri, Babil Khan's musical period drama marks the journey of envy and jealousy". India TV News. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  34. Chatterjee, Saibal (1 December 2022). "Qala Review: Period Drama Rides On Impressive Turns By Triptii Dimri And Swastika Mukherjee". NDTV. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  35. Lohana, Avinash (1 December 2022). "Qala Review: Triptii Dimri, Babil Khan, Swastika film is a delectable prose of jealousy, ambition and passion". PINKVILLA. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  36. Gupta, Shubhra (1 December 2022). "Qala movie review: The stately beauty of Tripti Dimri-Babil Khan film works against it". The Indian Express. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  37. Vyavahare, Renuka (1 December 2022). "Qala Review: A haunting tale of validation and penance". The Times of India. Retrieved 4 December 2022.

External links[edit]

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