Qala

Set in late 30's early 40's in pre-Independent India, with amazing locations from Himachal and Calcutta, Qala is about a singer, haunted by her past, a talented with a rising career, having just won an aware,  coping with the pressure of success, a mother's disdain and the voices of doubt within her. This movie gives a strong message on mental health in depth. Every emotion of this movie whether jealousy or partiality or sexual harassment or love feels real.

Tripti Dimri and Babil in stills from Qala. Babil is Irfan Khans son and Tripti had won  award for Bulbul, and even here, she is amazing. Also starring are Amit Sial, lyricist Varun Grover and is produced by Karnesh Ssharma, who previously collaborated with Anvitaa Dutt the director for Bulbbul. 

The movie revolves around a popular singer played by Tripti Dimri who is admired by many because of her ‘mesmirising’ voice. She, however, is not able to enjoy this fame as she is constantly haunted by her past. As the film progresses, we learn more about her strained relationship with her mother played by Swastika Mukherjee.

It looks like with great cast and rich look and great feel, thanks to cinematographer Siddharth Diwan, story is an ambitious and sincere attempt at story telling, but lacked the punch, because of its screenplay. It could have been more subtle and relied more on ‘showing’ than ‘telling'. Pacing too is not catchy.  As the movie ends, you feel sad. 

Songs are profound, mesmerising and deep, especially this one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKv8FqBSkRk

The film’s music is by Amit Trivedi with lyrics by Anvitaa, Varun, Swanand Kirkire and Kausar Munir.