It won’t be wrong to describe Qala as the not-too-distant cousin of Triptii Dimri’s last release, Bulbbul (2020). Both boast of visually stunning worlds that slowly suck you into the dark abyss of patriarchy. What makes Qala more nuanced is that director Anvitaa Dutt shows how sometimes, women aren’t above perpetuating gender discrimination. She showcases how a mother neglects her singer-daughter, essayed by Dimri, in favour of a male singer. In turn, the protagonist sabotages her competitor’s career, just to feel seen by her mother. Dimri says she feared people would end up hating her character.

Triptii Dimri