‘The Disciple’ – Chaitanya Tamhane’s Marathi Film Wins Best Screenplay Award At Venice Film Festival

The Disciple, directed by Chaitanya Tamhane, has won the Best Screenplay award at the prestigious Venice Film Festival on Saturday. The Marathi film that followed the personal and professional experiences of a Hindustani classical singer competed with 18 other films from around the world at the festival.

The Disciple also won the Fipresci award, given by the International Federation of Film Critics on Friday.

The movie was also nominated for the festival’s highest prize, the Golden Lion which was won by Chloe Zhao’s Nomadland, starring Frances McDormand.

Up until now, it was Satyajit Ray for Aparajito in 1957 and Mira Nair for Monsoon Wedding in 2001 who were the only two Indians that previously won the Golden Lion at Venice.

The Chaitanya Tamhane’s directorial has been produced by Vivek Gomber’s company Zoo Entertainment and Alfonso Cuaron, the director of Gravity and Roma, is the executive producer. It features classical musicians, including lead actor Aditya Modak and the music design is by Aneesh Pradhan.

In an interview, Chaitanya revealed that it took four long years to make the film. It will also be featured at New York and Toronto film festivals.

Earlier in 2014, his debut Marathi courtroom drama Court was announced as India’s official submission for the 88th Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category. For this, he won the National Awards, Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema, and Singapore International Film Festival in 2015.

Bollywood has lauded Chaitanya for his double win at Venice.

Congratulations!!!