DISCLAIMER: This review is not from me. It is from someone with a filmmaking degree. He also called Tripti one of the best talents he has seen in Bollywood in years.
I finally watched Qala. Qala is a period musical drama directed by Anvita Dutt. It is a visual feast, thanks in part to the stunning cinematography of Siddharth Diwan (previously, he got the best Cinematography award for Queen) along with production design by Meenal Agarwal. It's definitely one of the most visually striking Indian movies ever made. From the ferries on the Hooghly bridge to the snow-capped Himachal highlands and the vibrant evening scenes in Calcutta, the film is full of breathtakingly beautiful backdrops. The colors and imagery in each frame seem like they were plucked straight from an impressionist painting. I may repeat myself - but it's definitely one of the most aesthetically pleasing films of the year.
I loved the captivating performance of Tripti Dimri. The camera often lingers on her face, and her expressions do the heavy lifting to go into what is happening in her mind exploring the themes of Patriarchy, Jealousy, Hate, Loneliness, and Validation. Promising debut by Babil Khan (son of talented Irfan Khan which we all miss). We wish more from him to fill the void his dad left.
Additionally, the beautiful Amit Trivedi soundtrack serves as the film's heart, adding depth and emotion to the narrative.
And the director of the film - Anvita Dutt. From a successful career as a talented lyricist to a director of films "Bulbul" and "Qala," She has a unique style and vision evident in this film, which have garnered critical acclaim for their beautiful imagery and emotional depth. Anvita Dutt is a rising star in the film industry and has a bright future ahead of her. More to Woman Directors for their unique voice.
Qala is now streaming on Netflix.
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