Qala

It explores an unexpected theme bounded by metaphors and symbolisms pointing to the vulnerability of women to make a career in showbiz. Envy, guilt, trauma are some of the key motifs. Dichotomy of fame is portrayed with flashes and blinding lights. With earnest acting performances and art direction. The anatomy of Qala is enthralling. We often stage sadness rather than madness as the cornerstone of female heartache. Qala rectifies that with the freedom to lose control. With an unsettling aftertaste it left me with a story that felt familiar with a syntax of arthouse and unconventional horrors.

After impressing the audience with skillful writing in Bulbul, Anvita Dutta steps into the area with direction and she does comes out well in the today's release - Qala

Based in the lovely city of Calcutta during the 1930's era, Qala tells the story of a female playback singer (Tripti Dimri) who life goes for a toss when her mother Urmila (Swastika Mukherjee) brings home an orphaned boy, Jagan (Babil Khan) who poses threat when it comes to singing.

Debutant director Anvita Dutta creates an artistic world of Qala with mesmerizing cinematography and enchanting art direction where each frame is so ecstatically presented that it is difficult to take your eyes off the screen. The tale of aspiration, opportunity, jealousy and betrayal is well balanced thanks to the tight screenplay, fine technical aspects and electrifying performances by Tripti Dimri, Swastika Mukherjee and Babil Khan.

Overall, well written and stunning performances is what makes Qala a pleasant watch.

I do not know how to describe this movie. It's not a movie but an EMOTION! Or rather a tsunami of emotions!!!

The CINEMATOGRAPHY itself is so BEAUTIFUL that it will break your heart! I was so mesmerized, that I rewinded and rewatched some scenes 20-30 times!

The story is simple and straightforward. It's no mystery what happened even though the directors and writers could have infused some intrigue. And that's my only gripe. They revealed what happened too early and they should have kept their cards close to their heart to maintain some suspense.

But the BEAUTY of the movie has not suffered because of that. The HEART of this movie is based on EMOTIONAL COMPLEXITY. Mother-daughter relations, jealousy, competition, that eternal strive to gain the approval of your parents!

SONGS are another highlight of this film. Drawing on our folklore, spiritual and mesmarizingly haunting!

There were a few hiccups in acting from Tripti Dimri but all the others carried their roles to superlative PERFECTION!

In this era where Bollywood churns disappointing gutter movies so often, this one stands out like a diamond in a coal mine! You will not regret watching this!

Qala is a poignant masterpiece. The movie is dark, mysterious amd powerful of capturing the attention of the spectators. Not just the plot, the minute details that the setting holds are eerie and at the same melancholic just like a still painting. It is a concoction of resentment, desire to love and be loved and an extreme form of jealousy that leads to the metamorphosis of a being. The enchanting aura of Tripti Dimri as Qala and the magical acting of Babil Khan as Jagan does full justice to the plot. Comprehensively, it is a gut -wrenching narrative with extremely beautiful musical that narrates/describes the inner psyche of the characters.

Loved it. Such films are rarely made or attempted. All cast are brilliant. 9/10.

Clean Slate Filmz has given #Pataal Lok, Bulbul, Mai , and now Qala. All were great success. This film is even better.

Triptii Dimri is a versatile actor who has great future.

This movie relates to all generation. Mother -Daughter relationship, art, female artistes survival in Bollywood , can be watched with family. No abuses, no gali. Watch it with family.

It's songs will linger for long time. Babil has done great work in limited space shows he has potential and will have great future.

Anvita Dutt knows how to portray dark, female side and hidden world with great aesthetic.

A must watch.