Christopher Nolan Hails Indian Audiences as the World's Most Enthusiastic at 'The Odyssey' Premiere

Acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan gave Indian movie lovers a memorable tribute on Friday evening, describing them as some of the most enthusiastic, knowledgeable and passionate cinematic audiences in the world as he attended the grand screening of his latest film, The Odyssey , in Mumbai.

The event, held at PVR ICON IMAX, Phoenix Palladium , marked the first official India premiere of a Christopher Nolan film and the only fan screening on the movie's global promotional tour where the filmmaker and cast personally addressed the audience. Nolan was accompanied by lead actors Matt Damon and Tom Holland , along with producer Emma Thomas .

Speaking to a packed auditorium after the screening, Nolan said it had long been his wish to launch one of his films in India.

"You are amongst the first audiences in the world to see this film," he said, adding that every visit to India has been special for him. The director, who previously shot portions of The Dark Knight Rises in Jodhpur and Tenet in Mumbai, thanked fans for their warm welcome and overwhelming love for cinema.

The nearly three-hour epic is Nolan's adaptation of Homer's legendary poem, The Odyssey , following the perilous journey of Odysseus , King of Ithaca, as he struggles to return home after the Trojan War while confronting gods, monsters and countless trials.

After the screening, Nolan jokingly asked the cheering crowd whether Matt Damon or Tom Holland had performed better. When fans enthusiastically chanted both names, the director smiled and declared the result "indeterminate," calling both actors fantastic.

Damon, who plays Odysseus, said the Mumbai audience was the first real public audience to experience the film and thanked viewers for their heartfelt response. Holland, making his first collaboration with Nolan, greeted the crowd with a "namaste" and praised the unmatched energy Indian fans bring to movie theatres.

Producer Emma Thomas also expressed gratitude, saying the affection shown by the audience had made the final stage of the filmmaking journey truly unforgettable.

Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Zendaya, Charlize Theron and Samantha Morton , The Odyssey has been shot entirely using IMAX cameras and is scheduled for a worldwide release on July 17 .