The Disciple (Marathi), directed by Chaitanya Tamhane has been selected as one of only 50 titles in the Official Selection of the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival, after being selected to have its historic World Premiere at the 77th Venice International Film Festival as the first Indian film since 2001 to be in competition.
The Disciple Synopsis:
Sharad Nerulkar has devoted his life to becoming an Indian classical music vocalist, diligently following the traditions and discipline of old masters, his guru, and his father. But as years go by, Sharad starts to wonder whether it’s really possible to achieve the excellence he’s striving for. A journey of devotion, passion, and searching for the absolute in contemporary Mumbai.
Now, 4-time Oscar-winning filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón is set as Executive Producer on THE DISCIPLE, the movie written and directed by Chaitanya Tamhane and produced by Vivek Gomber of Zoo Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.
Noted filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón is a Mexican film director, screenwriter, producer, cinematographer, and editor. He has been nominated for 11 Academy Awards and won four, including two Best Director awards for GRAVITY (2013) and ROMA (2018). He is the first Latin American director to receive the award for Best Director. His other notable films include CHILDREN OF MEN (2006), HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN (2004), Y TU MAMÁ TAMBIÉN (2001), and A LITTLE PRINCESS (1995).
Alfonso Cuarón said: “I met Chaitanya through a mentorship program where I had the opportunity to watch his very superb debut film, COURT. I was immediately impressed by his sense of cinema and fearless confidence to tell stories. He was part of most of ROMA’s process and I jumped to the opportunity to be part of the process of his second film THE DISCIPLE. I believe Chaitanya is one of the most important new voices of contemporary cinema.”
Chaitanya Tamhane says, “It’s a bit surreal and an incredible honour for me to have one of the most recognised and acclaimed filmmakers in the world be part of THE DISCIPLE. In some ways, this validation from Alfonso Cuarón is even more meaningful to me than any prize or award. Alfonso has been an invaluable friend and guide to the film from a very early stage, and his coming on-board as Executive Producer is yet another expression of his faith in THE DISCIPLE. I do also admit to feeling some pressure and a big responsibility, now that Alfonso is putting his name on the line for us and our collaboration! I’m also just excited and awed to have one of the foremost practitioners of the art form take an interest in my work, and be so generous towards THE DISCIPLE.”
Vivek Gomber, “It is unbelievable for me to have someone like Alfonso be involved in our film. He is an institution in himself and he has been just stellar. His faith in the film and his humility have taught me a lot. For someone like Alfonso to believe in our work and to attach his name to our film fills me with a huge sense of pride, on behalf of our entire cast and crew, and all those who contributed and sacrificed to make this film.”
