THE DISCIPLE (2020)

Genre: Drama
Director: Chaitanya Tamhane
Cast: Aditya Modak, Dr. Arun Dravid, Sumitra Bhave, Deepika Bhide Bhagwat, Kiran Yadnyopavit, Abhishek Kale, Neela Khedkar, Makarand Mukund, Kristy Banerjee, Prasad Vanarse
Runtime: 2 hrs 8 mins
Rating: M18 (Some Sexual Content)
Released By: Lighthouse Film
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 3 December 2020 Exclusively at The Projector

Synopsis: Sharad Nerulkar has devoted himself to becoming an Indian classical vocalist, a lifelong quest in which few succeed. Initiated into this centuries-old tradition by his father, he follows his dream with sincerity and discipline, committing himself entirely to his artistic journey. As he strives to attain the highest level of his craft, Sharad traces his way through the hallowed mysteries and rituals of past musical legends. But as the years pass, Sharad will be forced to negotiate between the complex realities of life in contemporary Mumbai and his chosen path, leading him to find his true voice in music and in life.

Movie Review:

Focus, practise hard and you will be able to excel. That seems to the formula to success. We have seen enough feel good movies that put protagonists through a series of trials and tribulations, but thanks to countless hours of blood, sweat and tears, they emerge victorious. Alas, while such stories give people a dosage of much needed hope, the real world often doesn’t work like that. And this deeply honest film written and directed by Chaitanya Tamhane is a reflection of how artists struggle to find their form.

When we first meet Sharad, he is a fine looking young man who diligently follows the traditions and disciplines of his guru so he can become a successful Indian classical music vocalist like the old masters before him. He listens to audio tapes of the guru who taught his own mentor, as she talks about the philosophy of what is needed to master the art. As she gives stern advice about forgetting the audience and fully immersing oneself in the music, the world around Sharad slows down.

We also see Sharad struggle with his guru’s somewhat dissatisfaction with his performance, the dynamics with his family, as well as his own sexual repression. He isn’t exactly the happiest person in town, but driven by his determination to excel, he pushes on.

The film takes its time to unfold. As the 127 minute film progresses, we see Sharad become an adult (complete with weight gain and an accompanying belly), get a job in a school teaching Indian classical music, grapple with the fact that younger musicians are getting the limelight on TV by entering singing competitions, while he checks out unkind reviews of his performances on social media. The world has obviously sped past this man who continues to believe that Indian classical music should be untainted in its truest form.

This is the first Indian film since Monsoon Wedding (2001) to compete at the Venice International Film Festival. At the festival held in September this year, the film took home the FIPRESCI International Critics Prize and the Best Screenplay award. At the Toronto International Film Festival, it won the Amplify Voices Award. It is not surprising to see the film receive these international accolades – this is a layered and nuanced story about an artist whose ideals clash with the world’s harsh realities, and a character study of what it takes to survive and remain relevant in a sometimes unkind world that is moving fast and furious. The tale is may be many people who will look back and wonder where all the years have gone to.

Using Indian classical music as the centrepiece of the film adds a touch of serenity, and it is nicely contrasted with scenes featuring Facebook posts, YouTube videos and radio friendly tunes blasted on TV. First time actor Aditya Modak plays Sharad, and delivers an almost heartbreaking performance as an individual who discovers that his passion for music is reliant on many factors other than talent. Veteran vocalist Arun Dravid portrays Sharad’s guru, and the singer does a fine job capturing the spirit of the classical art form.

The film’s last scene is one of the best story conclusions we’ve seen. The poignant sequence will leave you reflecting on the dreams you once had, and whether it is possible to slow down amidst the hustles and bustles, just to take stock of your own life.

Movie Rating:

(Executive produced by Alfonso Cuaron, Chaitanya Tamhane’s film is a quiet and poignant character study that speaks volumes)

Review by John Li