‘Qala’: Sharp, visceral and captivating

The film, written and directed by Anvita Dutt, follows the tragic life of a singer, Qala Manjushree.

Qala Manjushree is a singer. No, not just any singer—perhaps the best of her era. She is talking to reporters after winning the prestigious ‘Golden Vinyl’ award. The clicks and flashes of cameras follow her. One of the reporters asks her the typical how-do-you-feel question about her recent accomplishment. Her reply is a bit theatrical but fairly emotive. “It feels like I’ve finally reached home, spent and exhausted, and Mother has opened the door, welcoming me,” she says.