The Disciple: Court director Chaitanya Tamhane's Marathi film to compete for the Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival 2020

Six years ago, Chaitanya Tamhane burst on to the global cinema scene with Court, one of the most acclaimed films of that year which won the National Award for best feature film and was India's official entry to the Oscars. Post the smashing debut, Chaitanya was again in the news for being selected as Gravity director Alfonso Cuaron's protege in a prestigious international arts initiative. Now, Chaitanya's second feature, the Marathi film The Disciple, has been selected in the Main Competition of the Venice Film Festival 2020. The Disciple is the only Indian film from among 16 in the competition at the prestigious festival, one of the top three in Europe. This is also the first time in 19 years that an Indian film is in the running for the Golden Lion at the fest. The last film to compete, and win, the award was Mira Nair's Monsoon Wedding, in 2001. Speaking about the same, Chaitanya said, "Over the last 76 years, the competition in Venice has showcased some of the absolute best films in cinema history. It is an overwhelming feeling to know that The Disciple has been selected for this honour. This is an important milestone not just for us but also for the Indian independent cinema movement. The film has been a true labour of love, I am relieved and happy that it has found such a great start for its journey even in these tough times.”The film features Aditya Modak, Arun Dravid, Kiran Yadnyopavit, Sumitra Bhave and Deepika Bhide Bhagwat, among others. The Disciple has it's crux in the Indian classical music tradition and revolves around Sharad Nerulkar, who has devoted himself to becoming an Indian classical vocalist. Initiated into this centuries-old tradition by his father, he follows his dream. Sharad traces his way through the hallowed mysteries and rituals of past musical legends. But as the years pass, he will be forced to negotiate between the complex realities of life in contemporary Mumbai and his chosen path.On his part, Vivek Gomber, who has produced both of Chaitanya's films and even acted in Court, adds, "Above all, I am so relieved that we don't have to keep this a secret anymore. We can finally share this news with our cast and crew. It is their film. This is a historic moment for the Indian film fraternity as it’s been a while since we had a film competing for the Golden Lion."Another Indian feature, Meel Patthar (Milestone) by Ivan Ayr, will be part of the Orizzonti section at the festival. It is interesting to note that at the 2014 Venice Film Festival Court had won the Best Film – Orizzonti and Lion of the Future awards.