Qala

Qala is one of those films which makes you feel books are better than films. It is just so difficult to tune everything to the same frequency the cinematography, acting, pacing, storytelling, music(which is top-notch in this one btw.) etc. It could have been one fine mystery short story, but of course, how would we have gotten the great album then?

I don't have much problem with its slow pacing because it picks up in 2nd half, and I am used to slow-paced films. What bothered me the most was the monotonicity.

Playing the role of a child who has a disturbing childhood and is continuously deprived of her mother's attention and love despite being a single child is not easy, even for someone who has done a dozen films, let alone a new actor. And it did prove a bit too much for Tripti Dimri(Qala). She's cute, but her expressions in the film are primarily scared (that too in a weird way) or terrified. Very sorry to say, but Babil Khan(Jagan) was not up to the mark either. I absolutely loved the bits with Sunil Grover(he's an absolute gem) and his thoughtful dialogue:

". . . Par daur badlega. Daur ki ye puraani aadat hai."

Apart from music, the colour grading is very beautiful, which complements the dark aspects of the film industry. The shooting locations and photography are great too.

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.

My god what musical numbers, what storyline,what performances by all the the actors, specifically tripti she definitely will steal your heart with her performance, her childlike innocence and struggle to seek validation from her mother really comes as genuine. This film is truly slap on haters of bollywood who think bollywood dead and doesn't have any original storyline. What an amazing story and with character depth. Every scene of this movie feels like painting .Each frame has so much meaning behind it. Amit trivedi really did sone amazing work with the music and every song feels like breath of fresh air. I can't tell you how song beautifully infused life in this movie. Please give it a watch who who thinks bollywood is dead.

The story is beautiful & so are the songs in the movie. It tugged at some mother issues I have as well, so it connected with me. How your mother labels you remains with you forever. The plot is unraveled very beautifully for the audience, Anvita Dutt is a brilliant director. And the aesthetics is just - chef's kiss.

Amit Trivedi has done a beautiful job with the music. The entire soundtrack is a banger. Hands down, best album in a Bollywood movie in 2022. Brahmastra's album is a close second, but not ALL the songs in that album are as amazing as the songs in Qala.

Tripti Dimri, Swastika Mukherjee & Babil Khan have done a fine job. Especially Tripti, showing all the emotions a mentally disturbed person might feel with her expressions, body language & tone of voice so effortlessly. I'm excited to see more of her future works.