The Disciple (2020) poster

The Disciple (2020)

27 September 20202h 8mMarathiIndia / United States
6.8/10TMDB · 59 votes

DirectorChaitanya Tamhane

StarringAditya Modak, Arun Dravid, Sumitra Bhave, Deepika Bhida Bhagwat

Watch onNetflix

Best for: Viewers who appreciate quiet, character-driven dramas about artistic ambition and sacrifice.

Where to watch The Disciple online in India

Subscription

Netflix

Availability for India, data by JustWatch. Updated 24 October 2026.

The Disciple story (no spoilers)

The Disciple follows Sharad Nerulkar, a devoted classical vocalist in Mumbai, as self-doubt and sacrifice push him toward an existential crisis. The mastery he seeks remains elusive, and the film traces his struggle without offering easy answers. The tone is serious and introspective, driven by the gap between ambition and achievement. It is a drama about the personal cost of artistic pursuit.

Should you watch The Disciple?

Watch it for

  • Chaitanya Tamhane directs this Marathi-language drama about a classical vocalist's inner conflict.
  • Aditya Modak plays Sharad Nerulkar alongside Arun Dravid as Pandit Vinayak Pradhan and Sumitra Bhave as Vidushi Sindhubai Jadhav (Maai).
  • The film runs 128 minutes and blends drama with music, focusing on the loneliness and hunger of artistic pursuit as its tagline suggests.
  • It is a contemplative character study rather than a conventional music film, anchored by Sharad's existential crisis.

Skip it if

  • You prefer fast-paced narratives; this is a slow, introspective drama about self-doubt.
  • You want a clear resolution to the protagonist's struggle; the film focuses on an elusive mastery and existential crisis.

The Disciple cast

Aditya Modakas Sharad Nerulkar
Arun Dravidas Pandit Vinayak Pradhan
Sumitra BhaveSumitra Bhaveas Vidushi Sindhubai Jadhav (Maai)
Deepika Bhida Bhagwatas Sneha
Kiran Yadnyopavitas Father
Abhishek Kale
Neela Khedkaras Grandmother
Makarand Mukundas Kishore
Kristy Banerjeeas Shaswati Bose
Prasad Vanarseas Rajan Joshi

The Disciple movie details

DirectorChaitanya Tamhane
WriterChaitanya Tamhane
CinematographyMichał Sobociński
ProducerVivek Gomber
Release date27 September 2020
Runtime2h 8m (128 minutes)
Original languageMarathi
Country of originIndia, United States
Languages spoken in the filmBengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi

Parental guide: is The Disciple family friendly?

ViolenceNone
LanguageMild
Sexual contentNone
Family viewingSuitable

This is a general guide based on the film's genre and tone; it is a contemplative drama with no reported explicit content. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.

The Disciple official trailer

Our verdict

The Disciple is a thoughtful, deliberately paced Marathi drama that examines the cost of devotion to classical music. Aditya Modak carries the film as Sharad Nerulkar, and Chaitanya Tamhane's direction keeps the focus on internal struggle rather than easy answers. It rewards patience but may frustrate those seeking a more conventional story.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch The Disciple online in India?

The Disciple is available for streaming in India on Netflix with a subscription.

What is the release date of The Disciple?

The Disciple was released on 27 September 2020.

Who is in the cast of The Disciple?

The cast includes Aditya Modak as Sharad Nerulkar, Arun Dravid as Pandit Vinayak Pradhan, Sumitra Bhave as Vidushi Sindhubai Jadhav (Maai), Deepika Bhida Bhagwat as Sneha, Kiran Yadnyopavit as Father, Abhishek Kale, Neela Khedkar as Grandmother, and Makarand Mukund as Kishore.

Who directed The Disciple?

The Disciple was directed by Chaitanya Tamhane.

What is the runtime of The Disciple?

The Disciple runs for 128 minutes.

Page last updated 24 October 2026. Facts from TMDB; how we write these pages: editorial policy.