Is Qala Based on a True Story? Ending Explained, Plot, and More
by Sona
Updated Apr 21, 2023
Qala
Anvita Dutt's 2022 Indian Hindi-language psychological drama film, Qala, was produced by Karnesh Sharma under Clean Slate Filmz. Starring Tripti Dimri, Swastika Mukherjee, and Babil Khan in his film debut, the movie was released on Netflix on December 1st, 2022.
Qala has garnered positive reviews from both critics and audiences, with particular praise for the performances, direction, writing, visual style, cinematography, and soundtrack. Loosely based on K. Viswanath's Swathi Kiranam and Miloš Forman's Amadeus, the film is a must-watch for cinema enthusiasts.
Is Qala Based on a True Story?
Qala is not a true story but an adaptation of a story created by the director, Anvita Dutt. Despite the vulnerability of the characters and the film industry's portrayal in 1940s India, there is no real-life inspiration behind them. Anvita came up with the concept after having an intriguing conversation with the famous Indian music composer Vishal Dadlani.
Although the movie is not based on any actual individuals, it is set in the mid-1900s when the music industry was heavily male-dominated, and female artists had limited opportunities to showcase their talent and hard work. This setting gives the movie an authentic feel.
Is Qala Horror Movie?
Netflix's 'Qala' is a psychological thriller movie directed by Anvita Dutt Guptan that tells the story of a musical prodigy haunted by her past and consumed by her hunger to excel. Set in pre-independence India, the movie follows Qala, a talented singer who rises to fame as a playback singer but grapples with the pressures of the film industry and her insecurities with a new rival.
Despite receiving adulation and accolades, she desperately seeks her estranged mother's validation and becomes a prisoner of her own mind. Ultimately, Qala is a poignant portrayal of a woman's quest for acceptance and the toll it takes on her.
Qala Movie Review
The film Qala delivers a powerful and nuanced message about mental health. Its portrayal of complex emotions, such as jealousy, partiality, sexual harassment, and love, feels authentic and believable. Visually stunning, the film effectively uses its medium to depict psychological elements.
The movie does an excellent job of delving into difficult themes while presenting characters that are morally ambiguous yet sympathetic. The cast delivers outstanding performances that bring the characters to life, adding depth and complexity to the story. Overall, Qala is a must-see film that will leave a lasting impact on its audience.
Qala Movie Story
Qala is a story set in 1940s Kolkata and follows the life of Qala Manjushree, a gifted singer and daughter of renowned classical musician Urmila. Qala is at the pinnacle of her career and receives the prestigious Golden Vinyl Award, but her mother doesn't seem pleased, which leaves Qala disheartened.
As her health begins to deteriorate, Dr. Banerjee finds no medical issues, and Qala's past reveals a tragic secret. She was born a twin, but her brother died, and Urmila later adopted a boy named Jagan. Urmila becomes obsessed with getting Jagan the best opportunities, causing jealousy to brew within Qala.
Jagan is the same boy that Qala dreamed about during a press conference. When Jagan fails to perform at a show, Qala mesmerizes the audience with her voice. However, her talent is not appreciated, which leads her to seduce music composer Sumant Kumar to gain entry into Kolkata's recording studios. Meanwhile, Jagan hangs himself due to depression.
Qala Movie Plot
Qala is a movie set in 1940s Calcutta that tells the story of an aspiring singer named Qala and her tumultuous relationship with her domineering mother, Urmila. Qala rises to fame as a singer but grapples with her insecurities, haunted by visions of her stillborn twin brother.
Urmila tries to further the career of another singer, Jagan, who becomes a rival for Qala's affection. As Qala's fame grows, she struggles with the pressure and eventually attempts suicide. In the end, her mother listens to Qala's vinyl and mourns her loss.
Qala Ending Explained
In the film "Qala," the strained relationship between Qala and her mother Urmila is a central issue. Despite Qala's success in her career as a singer, she still longs for her mother's approval and support. However, Urmila refuses to visit her daughter and their troubled past continues to haunt Qala.
She struggles with insomnia and has disturbing memories of her father's suicide. Her mental health deteriorates, and she becomes disconnected from reality. When Urmila finally does visit Qala, it's too late. Qala has already taken her own life, and Urmila is left with the devastating realization that her neglectful behavior contributed to her daughter's death.
The film highlights the importance of unconditional love and support for one's children, regardless of their career choices or past mistakes. It also highlights the importance of seeking help for mental health issues and not ignoring them.The film explores themes of toxic parenting, jealousy, and the facade of professionalism in the music industry.
However, the ending shifts the focus to the topic of suicide, with a concluding disclaimer urging viewers to seek help if they feel suicidal. The handling of this shift is awkward, with the film not making clear what it is pointing to as the cause of Qala's demise. The film could be interpreted as blaming Urmila's parenting, the patriarchal system, the lack of proper medical advice, a generational trait, or Qala's sense of guilt for her predicament.
Regardless, the main takeaway from "Qala" is that one's mental health and life are worth more than success or fame. The film urges viewers to prioritize their well-being and seek help if needed, rather than ignoring their struggles for fleeting fame.
Is Qala Based on a True Story? - FAQs
Qala is a Netflix movie about a young woman named Qala who becomes a successful singer despite the obstacles she faces due to her mother's favoritism and toxic behavior. The movie also deals with themes of mental health and suicide.
Qala was directed by Anvitaa Dutt.
Qala is not a true story but an adaptation of a story created by the director, Anvita Dutt.
While Qala has elements of supernatural horror, it is primarily a drama that deals with emotional and psychological themes.
The runtime of "Qala" is approximately 2 hours and 12 minutes.