Qala’s Jagan Provides an Evolved Gaze Into Mental Health of Men in Hindi Films

One of the biggest movies that really started to change the narrative is Konkona Sen Sharma’s. death in the gunj. The film follows a family in Kolkata, who have returned to their ancestral home in the small town of McCluskiegunj. As events unfold, we see the already fragile mind of a young man collapse. The family is joined by old friends and lovers, most of whom are complicit in the pursuit of Shutu (Vikrant Massey). The film explores the ruthless bullying Shutu is subjected to, all in the name of “teasing.” All the characters are aware of his cruelties, but take sadistic pleasure in pushing someone against a wall.

Anvitaa Dutt’s Qala takes the conversation forward and puts the spotlight on mental health without creating villains. All the characters react in a certain way because circumstances have forced them to do so. While the central character Qala (Triptii Dimri) is consumed by his own demons and his mother finds it impossible to break out of her conditioning, we also see a young musician Jagan (Babil Khan) struggling with his deteriorating mental health after he loses his voice. In one of the most disturbing scenes in the film, Jagan is seen sitting with his Tanpura, trying to sing, only to be betrayed by his own voice. Tears stream down his face as Qala watches, struggling to feel his pain.

There is another heartbreaking scene where Jagan tells Qala how scared he is. “Andar kuch toot gaya hai”, he says pointing to his heart. There’s a strange feeling of foreboding, and then tragedy strikes. As the layers come off, we understand the reason behind Qala’s meltdowns, but it’s never been hinted that she contributed to Jagan’s failed state of mind. If anything, there is enough sympathy to go around.

Qala it’s a glimmer of hope that the narratives are changing for the better, albeit slowly.