Watch The Disciple

The Disciple, directed by Chaitanya Tamhane, is a character study of a young Indian classical musician who aspires to be a master of the art form. The film follows Sharad Nerulkar (played by Aditya Modak) through his daily life in Mumbai as a disciplined and dedicated student, diligently practicing and performing for audiences who only seem to want entertainment rather than a deeper appreciation for the music.

Set in the present day, but heavily influenced by India’s past, The Disciple is a slow-burning film that explores the themes of artistic integrity, cultural decay, and generational divides in modern-day India. Tamhane’s direction is understated but powerful, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in Sharad’s world and feel the weight of his passion for music.

Sharad's family has a rich history in the field of classical music, with his grandfather being a famous vocalist and his father following in his footsteps as a music teacher. Sharad is determined to continue this legacy, but as the film progresses, he becomes increasingly disillusioned with the present state of classical music.

Sharad's journey is marked by his interactions with several key figures in the music world, including his guru (played by Arun Dravid), an aging and eccentric musician who becomes his mentor but who Sharad ultimately becomes disillusioned with as well. Sharad also meets an influential music critic (played by Sumitra Bhave) whose opinion could make or break his career, and a successful young singer (played by Neela Khedkar) who represents the commercialization and commodification of classical music.

Throughout the film, Sharad's dedication to his craft and his desire to become a true master of classical music remain unwavering. However, he is constantly questioning whether the sacrifices he is making are worth the potential reward. He finds himself torn between his desire to uphold the traditions of classical music and his frustration with the music industry's inability to appreciate or understand it. Ultimately, Sharad's journey leads him to a poignant realization about his own place in the world of music.

The Disciple is a strikingly beautiful film, shot in a muted color palette that reflects the quiet melancholy of Sharad's life. Tamhane's camera lingers on the small details of Sharad's day-to-day existence, from the rituals of his morning routine to the cramped quarters of his music school. The film's sound design is equally as impressive, seamlessly blending the sounds of the city with the rich textures of classical music to create a rich aural landscape.

At its heart, The Disciple is a film about the complexities of artistic passion and the high stakes of pursuing it in the modern world. It is a poignant reflection on the human need for validation and the sacrifices we make to achieve success, as well as a meditation on the importance of preserving cultural traditions in a rapidly-changing world. With powerful performances by its cast, understated direction, and beautiful cinematography, The Disciple is a must-see film for anyone who appreciates the art of storytelling.

The Disciple is a 2021 drama. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 83.