Chaitanya Tamhane's 'The Disciple' Represents India At Venice Film Festival, Gets Rave Reviews

About six years ago Chaitanya Tamhane had made waves internationally with his directorial debut movie Court, which was screened at the Venice Film Festival. It had also won National Film Award and was India's entry for Oscars.

Now, years later, he has directed his second film in Marathi called The Disciple, which is yet again making a lot of buzz.

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The film premiered at the ongoing 77th Venice International Film Festival and received rave reviews.

#BiennaleCinema2020 Il regista di #TheDisciple #ChaitanyaTamhane e il suo cast sul red carpet di #Venezia77 pic.twitter.com/4OKGOCJrDE

¡ª La Biennale di Venezia (@la_Biennale) September 4, 2020

Variety in its review has called the movie "a nuanced look at a determined Hindustani musician."

The Guardian has written, "You don¡¯t have to be familiar with the intricacies of Hindustani music to appreciate Tamhane¡¯s heartfelt, melancholy drama although I¡¯d hazard a guess that it helps."

IndieWire has called the movie a "brilliant look at a passionate musician in a world that moves too fast for him."

What is the film about? The official synopsis of the movie reads:

"Sharad Nerulkar has devoted himself to becoming an Indian classical vocalist, a lifelong quest in which few succeed. Initiated into this centuries-old tradition by his father, he follows his dream with sincerity and discipline, committing himself entirely to his artistic journey. As he strives to attain the highest level of his craft, Sharad traces his way through the hallowed mysteries and rituals of past musical legends. But as the years pass, Sharad will be forced to negotiate between the complex realities of life in contemporary Mumbai and his chosen path, leading him to find his true voice in music and in life."

Not only at the Venice Film Festival, The Disciple will also be screened at Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) that will take place between Sep 10 and 19.