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The Disciple

Executive produced by Alfonso Cuarón, Chaitanya Tamhane’s sublime Mumbai-set sophomore feature finds a classically trained musician both striving for and questioning the notion of excellence.

Drama 2020 128 mins Not rated

Director: Chaitanya Tamhane

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Overview

Having wowed international festival audiences with his acclaimed debut Court (LFF2014), Chaitanya Tamhane returns to the LFF with his mesmerizing second feature, presenting a radically original view of Mumbai where streets ebb and flow to the mesmeric sounds of classical ragas. Aditya Modak plays the student of an elderly sage (Arun David) who teaches a form of Indian classical singing. The old man pushes his apprentice to improve his voice and informs him that to achieve greatness he must forgo ego and a material life. This worldview troubles the student and it conflicts with the mindset of a city where, for many, the desire for fame and success is everything. Aided in no small part by lush cinematography and an unforgettable score, Tamhane’s drama offers up a compellingly complex examination of tradition, discipline, ambition and the creative impulse.

Screened as part of the strand Create supported by Mayor of London and Film London.