I watched The Disciple in orig. Marathi w/Eng. Subs. On Netflix. Chaitanya Tamhane has also directed Court.
The Disciple is a good film with a realistic plot revolving around the mundane life of Sharad Nerulkar (excellently portrayed by Aditya Modak). Sharad is a Hindustani classical vocal student of his Guruji (Arun Dravid). Sharad is the perfect 'disciple' to his beloved Guruji, literally doing everything for him until his(Guruji's) last breath. But Sharad's musical efforts remain mediocre despite his obsession with both Guruji, Maai and music; unlike some of the other students. Sharad's best performance is eventually at the memorial concert for Guruji.
No Spoilers beyond these basics. The characters, the acting, the sets, the cinematography, the mundane, the music, its all very good.
BUT ... personally I found the narration excruciatingly slow to the point where I was fast forwarding through the several lengthy music scenes. I appreciate and enjoy Carnatic and Hindustani classical music. I have been to concerts by classical greats held in very humble environs patronised by genuine music lovers. But that does not mean I want to be so oversaturated with music while watching a feature film. The repetitive bike rides with Maai's advise playing out in Aditya's mind are also a bit toooo much. Many viewers may find the film boring. Personally I prefer Tamhane's Court.
The Disciple is a good film with a realistic plot revolving around the mundane life of Sharad Nerulkar (excellently portrayed by Aditya Modak). Sharad is a Hindustani classical vocal student of his Guruji (Arun Dravid). Sharad is the perfect 'disciple' to his beloved Guruji, literally doing everything for him until his(Guruji's) last breath. But Sharad's musical efforts remain mediocre despite his obsession with both Guruji, Maai and music; unlike some of the other students. Sharad's best performance is eventually at the memorial concert for Guruji.
No Spoilers beyond these basics. The characters, the acting, the sets, the cinematography, the mundane, the music, its all very good.
BUT ... personally I found the narration excruciatingly slow to the point where I was fast forwarding through the several lengthy music scenes. I appreciate and enjoy Carnatic and Hindustani classical music. I have been to concerts by classical greats held in very humble environs patronised by genuine music lovers. But that does not mean I want to be so oversaturated with music while watching a feature film. The repetitive bike rides with Maai's advise playing out in Aditya's mind are also a bit toooo much. Many viewers may find the film boring. Personally I prefer Tamhane's Court.