Cast
View AllTriptii Dimri
as Qala Manjushree
Swastika Mukherjee
as Urmila Manjushree
Babil Khan
as Jagan Batwal
Amit Sial
as Sumant Kumar
Sameer Kochhar
as Chandan Lal Sanyal
Girija Oak
as Sudha
Swanand Kirkire
as Mansoor Khan Sahab
Tasveer Kamil
as Naseeban Aapa
Varun Grover
as Majrooh
Abhishek Banerjee
as Doctor Banerjee
Veera Kapur Ee
as Rani Mandira
Aadhya Jha
as 10 year old Qala
Anushka Sharma
as Devika
Crew
Director
- Anvita Dutt
Writer
- Anvita Dutt
Producer
- Karnesh Sharma
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Qala examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Anvita Dutt brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2022, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Qala took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 119 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 439 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 1727 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2022, when this film is released:
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Qala shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Melody of Love, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Qala subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Gulaab Gang and Anu explore similar territory, Qala stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 24, 2022
- Runtime: 1h 59m
Where to Watch

