The Disciple
dir. Chaitanya Tamhane · 2020
The pursuit of mastery in any art form can lead to deep self-reflection and questioning of one's purpose and fulfillment in life.
Sharad Nerulkar stands in the dim light of a practice room, his voice echoing the centuries-old traditions of Indian classical music. As he grapples with the weight of expectation from his guru and family, the film immerses you in a world where passion and doubt intertwine. Watching it feels like a slow, meditative journey through the heart of an artist wrestling with the essence of his craft.
Sharad Nerulkar has devoted his life to becoming an Indian classical music vocalist, diligently following the traditions and discipline of old masters, his guru, and his father. But as years go by, Sharad starts to wonder whether it's really possible to achieve the excellence he's striving for. A journey of devotion, passion, and searching for the absolute in contemporary Mumbai.
Talking points
- the role of mentorship in the arts
- the impact of cultural heritage on personal identity
- the nature of artistic success
- the tension between tradition and innovation
