Loading... By Peter Rainer Special correspondent Does a movie about a devoted modern-day practitioner of Hindustani classical music sound overly esoteric? âThe Disciple,â written and directed by Chaitanya Tamhane, is anything but. What itâs really about is the spiritual balm that great art can provide. Sharad (Aditya Modak) is a 24-year-old vocalist in the ancient tradition who studies and performs with his longtime musical guru, or Guruji (Arun Dravid). Like his father before him in this rarefied realm, he craves renown for his artistry. But Sharadâs father (Kiran Yadnyopavit) died without achieving recognition and, although his ambitions are high, Sharad seems bound for the same path. Hearing him perform in the musical competitions he never wins, itâs clear he has talent, not greatness.