The Disciple is grounded in humanity, says executive producer Alfonso Cuarón

Chaitanya Tamhane first met Oscar-winning filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón when he was selected for the 2016-2017 Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative. The young Indian filmmaker was present on the sets of Cuarón's Roma (2018) where he formed a strong bond with the Mexican writer-director.

The Disciple review: Quiet, masterful study of passion and ability

For Tamhane's second feature, The Disciple (2021), Cuarón was able to provide some valuable insights and even came on board the project as executive producer.

In a new featurette video by Netflix, the men behind the Marathi film explain what drove the project.

Tamhane believes the story of The Disciple chose him and not the other way round. The film features Aditya Modak as Sharad Nerulkar, an aspiring Hindustani classical vocalist who finds himself disillusioned by his choices as time passes.

In the first-look video, Cuarón said of Tamhane, “I really admire his cinema. As a filmmaker, I find his choices very courageous.

“I cannot do anything that I don't feel personal,” the Oscar winner added. “What I find with The Disciple is that it's a story that is very grounded in humanity. I find it absolutely a beautiful acceptance of your life.”

Meanwhile, producer Vivek Gomber shared the motivation for making The Disciple. “This music, this is our heritage, our culture," he said. "The excitement and just pure joy of telling the story of your people to your people is something that you can't explain."

“It has been an incredible journey but also finding catharsis for yourself as you go along,” Tamhane said of the protagonist’s journey in the film. The Disciple is now available on Netflix.