Qala (soundtrack) is the official album for the 2022 Indian psychological drama film Qala, directed by Anvita Dutt and produced by Clean Slate Filmz. The soundtrack was composed by Amit Trivedi, with lyrics by Varun Grover, Swanand Kirkire, and Kausar Munir. The album gained widespread acclaim for its intricate fusion of classical Indian music and modern cinematic elements, reflecting the film's exploration of art and emotional struggles.
Background
Qala is set in the 1940s, during the early days of the Hindi film industry. Trivedi aimed to create melodies that felt authentic to vintage Hindi film music yet appealing to contemporary listeners. He studied the works of C. Ramchandra, S. D. Burman, and Naushad to inform his compositions. His focus was on Dutt's story, describing it as "a mother-daughter story, and there [was] a real haunting quality to it."[2][3]
In an interview with Swati Chopra of The Quint, when asked about the soundtrack's inspiration from Guru Dutt's filmography, Dutt stated, "We never specifically talked about any particular director or composer while working on the songs, because we didn't want anybody to be influenced. We only spoke about the character and the story."[4]
The songs were composed in three days during a Goa staycation with Dutt and lyricist Swanand Kirkire. Trivedi acknowledged the difficulty of composing in retro-classical styles but completed the score in a short time. The script narration took one day, and scoring took two. He also mentioned that he almost abandoned the project before finishing it.[5][6]
To suit the early 1940s setting, the soundtrack avoided electronic instruments, using classical Indian instruments including accordion, tabla, dholak, rebab, and sitar. The songs were sung by Sireesha Bhagavatula and Shahid Mallya, for Tripti Dimri and Babil Khan's characters, respectively. Mallya described the experience as "a golden opportunity".[7] Bengaluru-based musician Iman Das contributed additional vocals to two tracks.[8]
Songs
The album consists of eight tracks, blending various genres and showcasing the vocal talents of prominent playback singers:
"Ghode Pe Sawar" – Vocals by Sireesha Bhagavatula
"Shauq" – Vocals by Swanand Kirkire, Sireesha Bhagavatula, and Shahid Mallya
"Rubaiyaan" – Vocals by Shahid Mallya and Sireesha Bhagavatula
"Nirbhau Nirvair" – Vocals by Shahid Mallya
"Phero Na Najariya" – Vocals by Sireesha Bhagavatula
"Udh Jaayega" – Vocals by Swanand Kirkire
"Kahani Kya Hai" – Vocals by Amit Trivedi and Rupali Moghe
Dutt and Trivedi drew inspiration for the songs from the film's narrative.[4] The ballad "Shauq" depicts the relationship between Qala's mother and a record executive. Dutt visualized the scene with the characters in a boat at night, the Howrah Bridge visible.[2]
"Phero Na Najariya" is described as a song of redemption for Qala, and "Nirbhau Nirvair" portrays the competition between Qala and Jagan.[9] "Udh Jayega" features imagery of death and freedom, playing after Jagan's death. [9]
Firstpost writer Deepansh Duggal interpreted "Ghodey Pe Sawaar" as a critique of stalking in Hindi songs.[9] It depicts Qala's rebellion. Trivedi used the accordion to evoke O. P. Nayyar's "Piya Piya Piya Mera Jiya Pukare".[5][4]Anushka Sharma, the film's producer, had a cameo in the song.[10][11]
"Rubaiyaan" was recorded but not included in the final film.[5]
Qala received positive feedback, with some praising it as one of 2022's best soundtracks. Deepansh Duggal noted that "the music is a character.There are times when it acts like an oracle prophesying future events".[9] Vipin Nair stated that "Anvita Dutt makes up for the lack of songs in her [previously-released] debut movie with style!".[12]
Manjeet Singh of Leisure Byte called the music "the core element of the film".[13] Bhavya Sadhwani of India Times described the songs as "original and authentic".[14] Anish Mohanty of Planet Bollywood felt that "Qala serves as a reminder of how Amit Trivedi is a gifted composer".[15] Roktim Rajpal of India Today offered a more mixed review, stating that "Amit Trivedi tunes prove to be a mixed bag".[16]
The soundtrack was praised by some new-age listeners for its "transcendental music and lyrics".[17] "Ghodey Pe Sawaar" gained popularity, leading to cover versions by fans and celebrities, including Madhuri Dixit.[18] A fan-made male version by Jainam Barot received mixed reactions.[19]
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