The Indian Marathi language drama movie, The Disciple, will soon hit the premium streaming platform Netflix. Written and directed by Chaitanya Tamhane. Above all, this movie was selected for the Competition section at the Venice Film Festival 2020. It is a 127-minute long feature and gives a compelling account of the existential crisis faced by a classical vocalist as he seeks mastery in his field.
What is The Disciple About?
The Disciple offers a deep dive into the roots of Indian classical music. Certainly, this movie is essentially a piece of art. Sharad Nerulkar devotes himself to master the art of Indian classical music to become a vocalist. However, only a few people can do so. His father has introduced him to this centuries-old tradition. Sharad pursues the theme with passion, sincerity, and devotion. He commits himself to body and soul to learn and master the dynamics of classical music.
As he strives to attain excellence, he encounters historic and hallowed rituals of various musical legends. As time flies by, Sharad struggles to balance his life in contemporary Mumbai and his path in music. He needs to make certain sacrifices that will ultimately lead him to find his voice in music and to master his life.
Director Chaitanya Tamhane shares his vision for the movie. It is because he is fascinated by the world of Indian classical music. It is intimately tied to mythology, spirituality, and secret knowledge. The central conflict between the reality of contemporary life and that of passion has a universal resonance. Each one of us has to live by adapting and surviving.
Who is in the Cast of The Disciple?
Aditya Modak stars as Sharad Nerulkar in The Disciple. Arun Dravid plays the role of Guruji. The movie also stars Sumitra Bhave, Deepika Bhide Bhagwat, Ashwini Kulkarni, Kiran Yadnyopavit, and Kristy Banerjee.
Alfonso Cuarón is the executive producer of the movie. The music produced by Aneesh Pradhan, and cinematography by Michał Sobociński. Zoo Entertainment produces the Disciple, and Netflix will distribute it. Besides its screening at the 77th Venice International Film festival, it also screened at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival.
When will The Disciple Release?
The Disciple initially released at the Venice Film festival on September 4, 2020. Netflix will distribute the movie globally on April 30, 2021. Director Tamhane returned with this movie Venice after winning the Best Film award, for Orizzonti, in 2014. He had also won the Lion of the Future award for Court. The Disciple’s selection in the Venice Film Festival competition section renders it a crucial milestone for Indian independent cinema.
Actor Vivek Gomber produces the Disciple. Gomber calls the premier of the movie at Venice a historic moment. It puts the Indian film fraternity in the spotlight. He claims that it will rightly make it easier for passionate young musicians to find the right path and follow their dreams.
Director Tamhane further adds that the movie amalgamates various insights that he gained while researching the film. Even though the movie is about the present struggle of young Indian classical musicians, the issues have a broader resonance that cuts across time and space.
The Disciple presents a beautiful and thought-provoking journey of an Indian classical vocalist. He imbibes and learns from the stories of various masters from the past to understand the intimidating complexities of the history of music. Moreover, the film narrates the struggle he endures as he rip-up between music and navigating a practical, real life. Hence, it has a strong message for the audience who is torn between these two points. Therefore, watch the movie, The Disciple exclusively on Netflix on 30th April.
