The Disciple

Indian filmmaker Chaitanya Tamhane became a sensation after the runaway international critical and commercial success of his 2014 debut Court. His much-anticipated follow-up, The Disciple, is a finely crafted labor of love set in the world of Indian classical music, starring Hindustani singer—and remarkable first-time actor—Aditya Modak as Sharad, a man living in Mumbai who makes it his life’s goal to follow in the footsteps of his father and become a practitioner of the centuries-old Khayal raag music tradition. As the years wear on, Sharad grows increasingly disillusioned as he strives for divine purity in a world tipping over into bland commercialization. The Disciple is a refined yet uncompromising portrait of a young artist’s journey, his dreams, and his loneliness, featuring some extraordinary musical performances. A Netflix release. An NYFF58 Main Slate selection.

For in-theater screenings, please review the FLC in-theater safety and health policies here.

Watch our Q&A from the 58th New York Film Festival below.