When Art portrays with psychological hue, there creates the most aesthetic ecstasy...
'Qala' (2022, Director: Anvita Dutt Guptan), an underrated gem, presents a rich tapestry of psychological topics against a backdrop of societal expectations and personal tragedies, with a special emphasis on the effects of parental pressure, repressed grief, and the search for identity. A gifted young singer Qala Manjushree is the main character of this dark thriller.
Parental Pressure and Social Anxiety
A prominent psychological topic in 'Qala' is the tremendous pressure that Qala's mother, Urmila, a former classical singer, places on her daughter. Because of Urmila's harsh standards and unwavering quest of excellence in her daughter, Qala suffers from severe performance anxiety in a poisonous environment. This relationship is a prime illustration of the "drama of the gifted child," as psychologist Alice Miller refers to it. In this scenario, a child's value is derived from fulfilling their parents' expectations, which causes internalised pressure and problems with self-worth.
Unsettled Grief and Trauma
Unresolved pain and grief have severely marred Qala's psychological landscape. As the movie goes into Qala's background, it becomes clear that she feels guilty for her twin brother's death, which was a tragic event. Her psychological pain stems from this incident, which is shown in her constant feelings of guilt and unworthiness. She is plagued by the unresolved trauma, which frequently causes dreams and flashbacks that are suggestive of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Quest for Identity and Self-Perception
Identity conflict is yet another key element in 'Qala'. Qala's quest is characterised by her attempts to forge an identity apart from her controlling mother. Qala's personal development and self-discovery are impeded by her mother's obsession on making her into a carbon copy of herself. Erik Erikson recognises identity vs role uncertainty as a crucial stage during adolescence and early adulthood, and this struggle is a prime example of it. Her mother's overbearing behaviour stunts Qala's growth and causes her to have a shattered sense of self.
Desperation and Depression
Qala's mental state worsens throughout the movie, exhibiting signs of profound despair. She reaches a desperate point as a result of her mother's unceasing criticism, her own trauma, and guilt. Her retreat, disinterest in her music, and generalised sadness are characteristics of her depression bouts. The film powerfully captures the crippling effects of despair and how it robs people of their vitality and will to interact with the outside world.
Art and Art of Expression
In 'Qala', music functions as a battlefield as well as a comfort. Qala uses music as a means of self-expression and as a means of possibly escaping her harsh surroundings. But it also turns into a huge pressure point and a continual reminder of what her mother expects of her. This dichotomy captures the complex relationship that numerous artists have with their medium, in which creating is both a calming process and a cause of stress.
Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma
The film makes subtle allusions to the intergenerational transference of trauma, as Qala is projected with Urmila's unfulfilled goals and unsolved concerns. According to this theory, which has been studied by academics like Maria Yellow Horse Brave Heart, trauma can be inherited and affect the mental health and general wellbeing of future generations. Unresolved psychological scars cause Urmila to treat Qala harshly, which feeds the cycle of trauma and dysfunction.
'Qala' delves deeply into the complex network of psychological elements that influence a person's identity and mental well-being. With its moving depictions of unresolved pain, parental pressure, and the quest for self-acceptance, the movie offers a deep reflection on the nature of humanity. The tale of Qala is a sobering reminder of the value of supportive surroundings, the necessity of dealing with prior trauma, and the difficult path towards self-awareness and mental health.
Photo source: Google.com
Movie: Netflix
