2020·Drama·2h 8m
7.1
★
Self-doubt, sacrifice and struggle converge into an existential crisis for a devoted classical vocalist as the mastery he strives for remains elusive.
Directed by Chaitanya Tamhane
Trailer
IMDB
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Where to Watch
Cast
Sumitra Bhave
Vidushi Sindhubai Jadhav (Maai)
Crew
Chaitanya Tamhane
Director
Chaitanya Tamhane
Writer
Chaitanya Tamhane
Editor
Michał Sobociński
Director of Photography
Vivek Gomber
Producer
Alfonso Cuarón
Executive Producer
Popular Reviews
20 reviews
Adil Sayyad
8.0★ · 06/11/24
What's the price we pay for wanting to pursue niche interests? For Sharad, it is a lifetime of suffering.
Sharad (Aditya Modak) is a classical musician who is filled with existential dread about his place in the modern world, which is moving on from Indian classical music.
The film talks about our relationship with art and how it can sometimes bite back. It doesn't always reward you with gifts and glamour. Sometimes it leaves you with unhappiness and poverty. The film wants you to contemplate how you can find satisfaction with mediocre living standards.
Aditya Modak perfectly reflects the emotional dread of Sharad. He says a lot without uttering a single word. It's his slight sighs and envious looks that do most of the talking. If you are trying to make it in a world where you have chosen an unusual career path which promises little chance of riches, then you will sympathize with the character. Each failure and each huddle is perfectly portrayed by Aditya Modak.
I also loved how the camera slows down when the narration of near-mythical Maai plays. It perfectly showcases the existential dread Sharad is going through and how he is crumbling under the pressure to succeed in this world.
Sharad (Aditya Modak) is a classical musician who is filled with existential dread about his place in the modern world, which is moving on from Indian classical music.
The film talks about our relationship with art and how it can sometimes bite back. It doesn't always reward you with gifts and glamour. Sometimes it leaves you with unhappiness and poverty. The film wants you to contemplate how you can find satisfaction with mediocre living standards.
Aditya Modak perfectly reflects the emotional dread of Sharad. He says a lot without uttering a single word. It's his slight sighs and envious looks that do most of the talking. If you are trying to make it in a world where you have chosen an unusual career path which promises little chance of riches, then you will sympathize with the character. Each failure and each huddle is perfectly portrayed by Aditya Modak.
I also loved how the camera slows down when the narration of near-mythical Maai plays. It perfectly showcases the existential dread Sharad is going through and how he is crumbling under the pressure to succeed in this world.
What's the price we pay for wanting to pursue niche interests? For Sharad, it is a lifetime of suffering.
Sharad (Aditya Modak) is a classical musician who is filled with existential dread about his place in the modern world, which is moving on from Indian classical music.
The film talks about our relationship with art and how it can sometimes bite back. It doesn't always reward you with gifts and glamour. Sometimes it leaves you with unhappiness and poverty. The film wants you to contemplate how you can find satisfaction with mediocre living standards.
Aditya Modak perfectly reflects the emotional dread of Sharad. He says a lot without uttering a single word. It's his slight sighs and envious looks that do most of the talking. If you are trying to make it in a world where you have chosen an unusual career path which promises little chance of riches, then you will sympathize with the character. Each failure and each huddle is perfectly portrayed by Aditya Modak.
I also loved how the camera slows down when the narration of near-mythical Maai plays. It perfectly showcases the existential dread Sharad is going through and how he is crumbling under the pressure to succeed in this world.
Sharad (Aditya Modak) is a classical musician who is filled with existential dread about his place in the modern world, which is moving on from Indian classical music.
The film talks about our relationship with art and how it can sometimes bite back. It doesn't always reward you with gifts and glamour. Sometimes it leaves you with unhappiness and poverty. The film wants you to contemplate how you can find satisfaction with mediocre living standards.
Aditya Modak perfectly reflects the emotional dread of Sharad. He says a lot without uttering a single word. It's his slight sighs and envious looks that do most of the talking. If you are trying to make it in a world where you have chosen an unusual career path which promises little chance of riches, then you will sympathize with the character. Each failure and each huddle is perfectly portrayed by Aditya Modak.
I also loved how the camera slows down when the narration of near-mythical Maai plays. It perfectly showcases the existential dread Sharad is going through and how he is crumbling under the pressure to succeed in this world.
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3.0★ · 02/03/24
The movie exudes some life during the performances but that light flickers and dies just like the protagonist's hopes and dreams. The subject matter and premise hold promise but the movie, unfortunately, fails to deliver. The protagonist is too opaque and his emotions are never appropriately conveyed to the viewer. His passion, his frustration, his despair, and so on. None of it really comes through. Emotionally, the viewer is left cold. The movie also poses an interesting question about what it means to unsuccessfully pursue a passion for your entire life but it fails to explore it's own premise in any meaningful way. What is the character thinking as he's going through this? Why is he so devoted to his craft? Is the passion his or is he just doing it because his father taught him and it's all he knows? How did he arrive at his decision at the end of the film? How will this impact him going forward? What does it all mean? None of this is even broached and so intellectually, the viewer is left unsatisfied. It's a very slow and boring movie with very little pay off.
The movie exudes some life during the performances but that light flickers and dies just like the protagonist's hopes and dreams. The subject matter and premise hold promise but the movie, unfortunately, fails to deliver. The protagonist is too opaque and his emotions are never appropriately conveyed to the viewer. His passion, his frustration, his despair, and so on. None of it really comes through. Emotionally, the viewer is left cold. The movie also poses an interesting question about what it means to unsuccessfully pursue a passion for your entire life but it fails to explore it's own premise in any meaningful way. What is the character thinking as he's going through this? Why is he so devoted to his craft? Is the passion his or is he just doing it because his father taught him and it's all he knows? How did he arrive at his decision at the end of the film? How will this impact him going forward? What does it all mean? None of this is even broached and so intellectually, the viewer is left unsatisfied. It's a very slow and boring movie with very little pay off.
Aaronay
10.0★ · 06/11/23
An Enthralling Cinematic Experience. Perfection.
An Enthralling Cinematic Experience. Perfection.
Jagdish
5.4★ · 02/08/22
it was a bit of a struggle bus, in terms of getting this film going..however after the time jump things started to pick up in the second act and only then it becomes really clear that this man essentially allowed himself to be looted for a craft that forsakes and alludes him completely.
noted that the ‘guru-student’ relationship no longer exists as it once did; i just found the scene where the mom yells at sharaad that she pays him (the music teacher) and that her son should not care about what he has to say as they storm out of the studio….iconic display of capitalism? idk economy ok
noted that the ‘guru-student’ relationship no longer exists as it once did; i just found the scene where the mom yells at sharaad that she pays him (the music teacher) and that her son should not care about what he has to say as they storm out of the studio….iconic display of capitalism? idk economy ok
it was a bit of a struggle bus, in terms of getting this film going..however after the time jump things started to pick up in the second act and only then it becomes really clear that this man essentially allowed himself to be looted for a craft that forsakes and alludes him completely.
noted that the ‘guru-student’ relationship no longer exists as it once did; i just found the scene where the mom yells at sharaad that she pays him (the music teacher) and that her son should not care about what he has to say as they storm out of the studio….iconic display of capitalism? idk economy ok
noted that the ‘guru-student’ relationship no longer exists as it once did; i just found the scene where the mom yells at sharaad that she pays him (the music teacher) and that her son should not care about what he has to say as they storm out of the studio….iconic display of capitalism? idk economy ok
Amra sheriffdeen
8.0★ · 06/24/21
"Saints and ascetics have attained this music after thousand of years of rigorous spiritual pursuit. It cannot be learnt so easily. Even ten lifetimes are not enough."
Mastering music is not a simple task. Specially when it comes to North Indian classical music. and here I definitely agree with maai's soulful words. Even ten lifetimes are not enough to make yourself capable to become a professional in hindustani classical music. Me too have experienced several hard phases when I was preparing for my Visharad exams as a vocalist. But all I needed was to make my Guru proud. That was my only ultimate goal.
This movie is a slow, poetic interpretation of a disiciple which massively highlights his sacrifices, hardwork, loneliness throughout his music career. I got so connected with this story because I know how hard this journey is. Sharad, who's striving to make himself perfect in every notes and gesture also had an intention to make his Guru proud. He took care of him like his own father. Their relationship was mesmerising to watch.
And also I was so surprised with Sharad's physical transformation. Found it really fascinating. Would love to recommend to all Hindustani classical music lovers.
"Saints and ascetics have attained this music after thousand of years of rigorous spiritual pursuit. It cannot be learnt so easily. Even ten lifetimes are not enough."
Mastering music is not a simple task. Specially when it comes to North Indian classical music. and here I definitely agree with maai's soulful words. Even ten lifetimes are not enough to make yourself capable to become a professional in hindustani classical music. Me too have experienced several hard phases when I was preparing for my Visharad exams as a vocalist. But all I needed was to make my Guru proud. That was my only ultimate goal.
This movie is a slow, poetic interpretation of a disiciple which massively highlights his sacrifices, hardwork, loneliness throughout his music career. I got so connected with this story because I know how hard this journey is. Sharad, who's striving to make himself perfect in every notes and gesture also had an intention to make his Guru proud. He took care of him like his own father. Their relationship was mesmerising to watch.
And also I was so surprised with Sharad's physical transformation. Found it really fascinating. Would love to recommend to all Hindustani classical music lovers.