Highlights
- Christopher Nolan launched The Odyssey in Mumbai before its global theatrical release.
- Mumbai hosted the film's first public screening anywhere in the world.
- Tom Holland and Matt Damon thanked Indian audiences for their response.
- Christopher Nolan said he had long wanted to premiere one of his films in India.
- The Odyssey received a CBFC 'A' certificate without any cuts and will release on July 17.
Christopher Nolan chose India as the location for the first public screening of The Odyssey, making Mumbai one of the most significant stops on the film's international promotional tour. The Oscar-winning filmmaker attended the premiere alongside his wife and producing partner Emma Thomas, as well as cast members Tom Holland and Matt Damon.
The special screening took place at an IMAX theater in Lower Parel, Mumbai, and marked the first time members of the public anywhere in the world had watched the film.
Addressing the audience after the screening, Christopher Nolan spoke about premiering one of his films in India for the first time.
"This is not the first time I’ve been to Mumbai, but it is the first time I’ve had the chance to launch a film here. So, you are amongst the first audiences in the world to see this film."
The filmmaker then asked the audience for their reaction.
"By the way, did you like the film? So, just a quick question, who was better, Matt or Tom?"
After the crowd applauded both actors, Christopher Nolan responded:
"They’re both fantastic. Thank you so much for being here. Thank you for welcoming us. It’s always a thrill to be in India. I’ve had the pleasure of filming here twice, once in Jaipur, once in Mumbai. Every time I come here, it’s very, very special. For many years, I’ve wanted to come here and launch one of our films and experience it with Indian audiences, who are some of the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable cinematic audiences in the world. So, it’s such a thrill to be here in this fantastic complex."
Christopher Nolan premiere sees Matt Damon thank Indian audience
Matt Damon said the Mumbai event represented the first time The Odyssey had been shown to a public audience, noting that previous screenings had been limited to family and friends.
"This is really just wonderful. You’re the first, we’ve had a premiere already, but that’s like our family and friends. So, this is the first real audience we’ve been in front of that’s seen the film. It means the world to us that you liked it. We worked very, very hard on it. It was the result of thousands and thousands of people really pushing themselves, and each other, to make this happen, so that you could see it this way, filmed entirely in IMAX. We’re just so happy that you like it, and we’re so happy to be here."
Tom Holland also thanked moviegoers for the reception they gave the cast and crew.
"I would just like to say thank you for always welcoming us with such open arms, with so much happiness, excitement, grace and love. I think no one brings energy to a movie theatre like you do here in India. So, thank you for supporting us. Thank you for enjoying Chris’ amazing work, and I cannot wait to be back."
Christopher Nolan brings The Odyssey to Mumbai as part of global tour
The arrival of Christopher Nolan, Tom Holland, and Matt Damon in Mumbai attracted significant attention online, with photos and videos from the airport and hotel circulating across social media.
Holland was seen arriving at Mumbai airport before checking into the Taj Mahal Palace hotel. Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas arrived separately. Holland briefly acknowledged fans and photographers gathered outside the hotel by smiling and waving.
Mumbai is hosting two exclusive screenings of The Odyssey. The first screening was attended by selected media representatives, while the second has been reserved for members of the Indian film industry and invited celebrities. Before the industry screening, Christopher Nolan is also expected to interact with Indian media.
Universal Pictures International included Mumbai among the official cities on the film's global promotional tour, alongside London, Paris, and New York.
Christopher Nolan film cleared by CBFC without cuts
The Odyssey received an 'A' certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on July 9 without any cuts or modifications.
According to the certification details, the approved runtime is 172 minutes and 33 seconds, or 2 hours, 52 minutes and 33 seconds. The version approved for India matches the international release unless the studio makes any voluntary changes.
Christopher Nolan film records strong advance bookings
Advance ticket sales have reflected strong demand for The Odyssey across India.
In Delhi-NCR, IMAX screenings begin as early as 6:30 a.m., with premium tickets priced up to Rs 2,500. Mumbai currently has the country's highest-priced ticket at Rs 3,100. Bengaluru's top IMAX ticket is priced at Rs 1,850, while Chennai's highest-priced IMAX ticket stands at Rs 508.
Christopher Nolan returns to India for third official visit
The Mumbai visit marks Christopher Nolan's third official trip to India.
In 2019, he spent around ten days filming Tenet in Mumbai with John David Washington and Robert Pattinson. Earlier, in 2011, he visited Jodhpur to shoot scenes for The Dark Knight Rises at Mehrangarh Fort.
Christopher Nolan shot The Odyssey entirely with IMAX cameras
One of the film's defining production achievements is its use of IMAX technology.
The Odyssey is the first feature film photographed entirely using IMAX cameras. The production was made possible through newly developed IMAX technology and was filmed across multiple countries.
Christopher Nolan on adapting Homer's epic
Ahead of the film's release, Christopher Nolan spoke to the Associated Press about adapting Homer's The Odyssey and the responsibility that came with bringing the classic story to the screen.
"There’s a massive amount of pressure, Anyone taking on The Odyssey is taking on the hopes and dreams of people for epic movies everywhere and that comes with a huge responsibility."
Reflecting on his earlier experience directing The Dark Knight trilogy, he added:
"What I learned from that experience is that what people want from a movie about a beloved story, a beloved set of characters, is they want a strong and sincere interpretation. They want to know that a filmmaker has gone to the mat for it. I really tried to make the best film possible."
Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey release date and cast
Based on Homer's ancient Greek epic, The Odyssey follows Odysseus as he attempts to return to Ithaca after the Trojan War, a journey that spans ten years.
The film stars Matt Damon in the lead role alongside Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Benny Safdie, and several other cast members.
Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is scheduled for a theatrical release on July 17.
