Loved him in ‘Sir’? Well, Vivek Gomber is back in a never-seen-before role in Disney+Hotstar web series ‘Lootere’ as showrunner Hansal Mehta and son Jai take us on an ambitious hijack drama in the waters off the coast of Somalia. In an exclusive chat with WION’s Zeba Khan, Vivek Gomber reveals whether he identifies as an indie actor reflecting on his filmography which boasts of some gems.

‘Sir’ actor Vivek Gomber on action series Lootere

Having won laurels across the world at various film festivals including the 77th Venice Film Festival, Chaitanya Tamhane's Marathi film 'The Disciple' is finally set to release in India. The film's official trailer was unveiled on Tuesday and narrates the story of a singer who strives to achieve excellence in his field.&nbsp;

Sharad diligently follows the traditions and discipline of the old masters- his guru and his father and devotes his life to becoming an Indian classical music vocalist. 
However, as the years go by, Sharad starts to wonder whether it’s really possible to achieve the excellence he’s striving for. This is a journey of devotion, passion, and searching for the absolute, in contemporary Mumbai.

Written and directed by Chaitanya Tamhane, the film is produced by multi-talented actor and producer, Vivek Gomber. Executive produced by Alfonso Cuarón, 'The Disciple' is set to release on Netflix on the 30th of April, 2021.&nbsp; 
 
The film stars Aditya Modak, Arun Dravid, Sumitra Bhave, Deepika Bhide Bhagwat and Kiran Yadnyopavit in pivotal roles.&nbsp; 
 
Looking back at the journey, Tamhane said, “'The Disciple' is a true labour of love and a story very close to my heart. It is the journey of a Hindustani classical vocalist’s struggles, dreams, and artistic journey in contemporary Mumbai. We were blessed to have an extraordinary talent like Aditya Modak portray the protagonist, Sharad Nerulkar, through whose eyes we immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of Indian classical music. &nbsp;I am beyond happy that the film has found its home on Netflix, as there could not have been a better platform for this truly Indian story to reach a global audience.”

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XvGuvEsRwf0" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> 
 
Speaking about the film, producer Vivek Gomber said "I’m incredibly excited to share the film with the world, we have waited a long time to do so. I am thrilled and grateful to have Netflix as our streaming partner. With their global appeal and reach, I have no doubt the film will find a discerning audience worldwide. I sincerely believe this is a universal story and will speak to all of us with dreams and aspirations." 
 
The film was awarded the FIPRESCI International Critics Prize (FIPRESCI, short for Federation Internationale de la Presse Cinematographique) and the Best Screenplay award at the 77th Venice International Film Festival. It was also screened at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival, where it was named a winner of the Amplify Voices Award. The film has also been nominated at the Film Independent Spirit Awards under the Best International Feature category. 
 
'The Disciple' explores how Sharad diligently treads along the traditions of his guru and his father to achieve absolute excellence. Will his journey of devotion and passion result in him attaining the success he is searching for?

&nbsp;

Having won laurels across the world at various film festivals including the 77th Venice Film Festival, Chaitanya Tamhane's Marathi film 'The Disciple' is finally set to release in India.

Having won laurels across the world at various film festivals including the 77th Venice Film Festival, Chaitanya Tamhane's Marathi film 'The Disciple' is finally set to release in India. The film's official trailer was unveiled on Tuesday and narrates the story of a singer who strives to achieve excellence in his field. Sharad diligently follows the traditions and discipline of the old masters- his guru and his father and devotes his life to becoming an Indian classical music vocalist. However, as the years go by, Sharad starts to wonder whether it’s really possible to achieve the excellence he’s striving for. This is a journey of devotion, passion, and searching for the absolute, in contemporary Mumbai. Written and directed by Chaitanya Tamhane, the film is produced by multi-talented actor and producer, Vivek Gomber. Executive produced by Alfonso Cuarón, 'The Disciple' is set to release on Netflix on the 30th of April, 2021. The film stars Aditya Modak, Arun Dravid, Sumitra Bhave, Deepika Bhide Bhagwat and Kiran Yadnyopavit in pivotal roles. Looking back at the journey, Tamhane said, “'The Disciple' is a true labour of love and a story very close to my heart. It is the journey of a Hindustani classical vocalist’s struggles, dreams, and artistic journey in contemporary Mumbai. We were blessed to have an extraordinary talent like Aditya Modak portray the protagonist, Sharad Nerulkar, through whose eyes we immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of Indian classical music. I am beyond happy that the film has found its home on Netflix, as there could not have been a better platform for this truly Indian story to reach a global audience.” Speaking about the film, producer Vivek Gomber said "I’m incredibly excited to share the film with the world, we have waited a long time to do so. I am thrilled and grateful to have Netflix as our streaming partner. With their global appeal and reach, I have no doubt the film will find a discerning audience worldwide. I sincerely believe this is a universal story and will speak to all of us with dreams and aspirations." The film was awarded the FIPRESCI International Critics Prize (FIPRESCI, short for Federation Internationale de la Presse Cinematographique) and the Best Screenplay award at the 77th Venice International Film Festival. It was also screened at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival, where it was named a winner of the Amplify Voices Award. The film has also been nominated at the Film Independent Spirit Awards under the Best International Feature category. 'The Disciple' explores how Sharad diligently treads along the traditions of his guru and his father to achieve absolute excellence. Will his journey of devotion and passion result in him attaining the success he is searching for?

'The Disciple' trailer: A singer's long journey to achieve excellence

Filmmaker Rohena Gera's much talked about film 'Is Love Enough? Sir' finally gets a theatrical release in India this Friday. Having won awards and critical acclaim across festivals, 'Sir' has finally come home. A poignant story of class divide and how two uncanny people find solace in each other's company, 'Sir' is a sublime, heart-wrenching ode to love.&nbsp; 
 
Widowed at a young age, Ratna (Tillotama Shome) now works at Ashwin's residence in Mumbai (Vivek Gombar). Ashwin is a man of few words, who has recently returned from the US and is in mourning because of a broken engagement. His and Ratna's interactions are minimal- like that of an employer and a servant's. But over the course of time, the two form an uncanny bond- she opening up to him about her dreams of becoming a fashion designer and saving up to aid her younger sister's education and him speaking up for her in front of rude guests.&nbsp; 
 
What starts as an unusual bond of friendship, soon turns into attraction- both being aware of the class divide between two. While he is ready to move past the differences in their status, she is scared at the scandal that will spill over if she says yes.&nbsp; 
 
The beauty of 'Sir' lies in its simplicity and detailed screenplay by Gera herself. The mundanities of day to day life, the way their relationship changes - from master and servant to their unusual friendship to eventually the palpable sexual tension they share- all is shown effectively. 
 
It helps that strong writing is supported by powerful performances. Both Shome and Gombar are top-notch. Shome's part is more difficult, but the actress is stunning at Ratna. She strikes a fine balance between restraint and exuberance, making her character look like a breath of fresh air.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tXxoTemNSDA" width="560"></iframe>

The mood is sombre and subtle and Gombar slips in as the sad, polite and warm Ashwin. The film mostly has these two actors interacting and the two deftly carry the film. Sans the dramatic lines and music, a story like this can get mundane and boring but Shome and Gombar create a stunning environment which gets you invested in the story. You may know how the story will progress but their crackling chemistry makes you sit through the film.&nbsp; 
 
There's also Geetanjali Kulkarni as Laxmi, Ratna's only friend who&nbsp;delivers perfectly to her part.&nbsp; 
 
Gera's deft writing shows the stark divide of the two leading protagonists in the most effective way. There are no over the top dialogues here that point fingers at how their two worlds are different. But the difference between the haves and have nots is clearly demarcated. While Ratna is aspirational, she is also aware of her status in society. Ashwin on the other is polite to a fault, who is always too forthcoming to compensate for his privilege.&nbsp; 
 
The film's little moments stand out. Like when Ashwin gifts Ratna a sewing machine or when Ratna subtly tells him to move on after a broken engagement, Ratna opening up to Laxmi about her desire to learn how to stitch - such moments make the film warm and understated.&nbsp;

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-i-was-afraid-tillotama-shome-might-refuse-sir-because-of-monsoon-wedding-director-rohena-gera-342838">I was afraid Tillotama Shome might refuse 'Sir' because of 'Monsoon Wedding': Director Rohena Gera</a>

Sir' is the first theatrical release post-pandemic lockdown. Its not the typical big-budget commercial film that creates hype weeks before its release but it should be celebrated nevertheless. For its beautiful story and the nuanced performances.&nbsp;

Filmmaker Rohena Gera's much talked about film 'Is Love Enough? Sir' finally gets a theatrical release in India this Friday. Having won awards and critical acclaim across festivals, 'Sir' has finally come home.

Filmmaker Rohena Gera's much talked about film 'Is Love Enough? Sir' finally gets a theatrical release in India this Friday. Having won awards and critical acclaim across festivals, 'Sir' has finally come home. A poignant story of class divide and how two uncanny people find solace in each other's company, 'Sir' is a sublime, heart-wrenching ode to love. Widowed at a young age, Ratna (Tillotama Shome) now works at Ashwin's residence in Mumbai (Vivek Gombar). Ashwin is a man of few words, who has recently returned from the US and is in mourning because of a broken engagement. His and Ratna's interactions are minimal- like that of an employer and a servant's. But over the course of time, the two form an uncanny bond- she opening up to him about her dreams of becoming a fashion designer and saving up to aid her younger sister's education and him speaking up for her in front of rude guests. What starts as an unusual bond of friendship, soon turns into attraction- both being aware of the class divide between two. While he is ready to move past the differences in their status, she is scared at the scandal that will spill over if she says yes. The beauty of 'Sir' lies in its simplicity and detailed screenplay by Gera herself. The mundanities of day to day life, the way their relationship changes - from master and servant to their unusual friendship to eventually the palpable sexual tension they share- all is shown effectively. It helps that strong writing is supported by powerful performances. Both Shome and Gombar are top-notch. Shome's part is more difficult, but the actress is stunning at Ratna. She strikes a fine balance between restraint and exuberance, making her character look like a breath of fresh air. The mood is sombre and subtle and Gombar slips in as the sad, polite and warm Ashwin. The film mostly has these two actors interacting and the two deftly carry the film. Sans the dramatic lines and music, a story like this can get mundane and boring but Shome and Gombar create a stunning environment which gets you invested in the story. You may know how the story will progress but their crackling chemistry makes you sit through the film. There's also Geetanjali Kulkarni as Laxmi, Ratna's only friend who delivers perfectly to her part. Gera's deft writing shows the stark divide of the two leading protagonists in the most effective way. There are no over the top dialogues here that point fingers at how their two worlds are different. But the difference between the haves and have nots is clearly demarcated. While Ratna is aspirational, she is also aware of her status in society. Ashwin on the other is polite to a fault, who is always too forthcoming to compensate for his privilege. The film's little moments stand out. Like when Ashwin gifts Ratna a sewing machine or when Ratna subtly tells him to move on after a broken engagement, Ratna opening up to Laxmi about her desire to learn how to stitch - such moments make the film warm and understated. Also see: I was afraid Tillotama Shome might refuse 'Sir' because of 'Monsoon Wedding': Director Rohena Gera Sir' is the first theatrical release post-pandemic lockdown. Its not the typical big-budget commercial film that creates hype weeks before its release but it should be celebrated nevertheless. For its beautiful story and the nuanced performances.

'Sir' review: Rohena Gera's little gem of a film is a heartwarming story of love and companionship

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‘Sir’ actor Vivek Gomber on action series Lootere

'The Disciple' trailer: A singer's long journey to achieve excellence

'Sir' review: Rohena Gera's little gem of a film is a heartwarming story of love and companionship