Nolan launches The Odyssey in India with world-first public screening
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Mumbai: India has become one of the key stops on the global promotional tour of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, with the Oscar-winning filmmaker arriving in Mumbai on Friday for the film's first public screening anywhere in the world. Nolan was accompanied by his wife and longtime producing partner, Emma Thomas, along with actors Matt Damon and Tom Holland.
The premiere was held at an IMAX theatre in Lower Parel, where Indian audiences became the first public viewers of the highly anticipated film. Nolan described the occasion as his first-ever film launch in India, recalling that he had previously visited the country while filming The Dark Knight Rises and Tenet. He expressed appreciation for Indian moviegoers, describing them as among the world's most enthusiastic and knowledgeable cinema audiences.
Matt Damon said the Mumbai event marked the film's first screening before a public audience after an earlier premiere attended only by family and friends. He credited the efforts of thousands of people involved in making the film, which was shot entirely using IMAX cameras. Tom Holland also thanked Indian audiences for their warm reception and praised the unmatched energy they bring to movie theatres.
Mumbai is hosting two exclusive screenings of The Odyssey. The first was attended by selected members of the media, while the second, scheduled for Saturday, has been reserved for celebrities and members of the Indian film industry. Nolan is also expected to interact with the Indian media before the industry screening. By including Mumbai alongside cities such as London, Paris and New York, Universal Pictures International has made the city an official stop on the film's worldwide promotional tour.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) granted The Odyssey an 'A' certificate on July 9 without recommending any cuts or modifications, allowing Indian audiences to watch the same version being released internationally. The film has a runtime of 172 minutes and 33 seconds.
Advance bookings have reflected the excitement surrounding the release, with premium IMAX ticket prices touching Rs 3,100 in Mumbai, Rs 2,500 in Delhi-NCR and Rs 1,850 in Bengaluru. Based on Homer's ancient Greek epic, The Odyssey stars Matt Damon in the lead alongside Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Benny Safdie and others. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on July 17.