Christopher Nolan, Tom Holland and Matt Damon at the India premiere of The Odyssey.FILMMAKER CHRISTOPHER Nolan on Friday described Indian moviegoers as “among the most enthusiastic, knowledgeable cinematic audiences in the world” as he launched his latest film, The Odyssey, in Mumbai ahead of its global release on July 17.This is the first time Nolan, who adapted Homer’s The Odyssey as a visually stunning IMAX movie, is launching his latest film in India.Addressing the audience at the end of a special screening at PVR INOX, Lower Parel, the director said it was “a long-cherished wish” to premiere a project in India. “For many years, I wanted to come here and launch one of my films and experience it with Indian audiences, who are among the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable audiences in the world,” he said.Nolan, who is visiting India for the third time, said, “Every time I come here, it is very special.” In 2019, the director visited India during the making of Tenet. He shot some key sequences in India during a 10-day schedule.Also Read | The Odyssey first reactions: Critics hail Christopher Nolan’s ‘crowning achievement’Prior to that, he visited India in 2011 to shoot for The Dark Knight Rises at Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort.For The Odyssey’s India premiere, Nolan is accompanied by his longtime producing partner and wife Emma Thomas, and actors Matt Damon and Tom Holland.Story continues below this adDamon said the Mumbai screening had the film’s first public viewers since an earlier premiere was attended largely by family and friends. “You are the first real audience who have watched the movie. It means the world to us that you liked it,” the actor said.“We worked very hard on it. It’s the result of thousands of people pushing themselves and each other to make this film so that you could watch it this way — filmed entirely on IMAX.”Also Read | Christopher Nolan reveals why Odyssey had to be shorter than Oppenheimer: ‘Massive pressure’Holland praised the enthusiasm of Indian moviegoers, saying: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for always welcoming us with open arms, happiness, excitement and love. No one brings energy to a movie theatre the way you do in India.” Thomas called the reception overwhelming and described the event as the culmination of the filmmaking process.Story continues below this adIndia is hosting a two-day premiere of the film. Following Friday’s screening, a special show for Indian film personalities and others is scheduled for Saturday.The Odyssey features Matt Damon as Odysseus, the legendary king whose decade-long arduous journey home after the Trojan War is chronicled in the epic. The film also features Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o and Samantha Morton in pivotal roles.Shot across multiple countries, it is the first feature film to be photographed entirely with IMAX cameras. Alaka Sahani is a prominent film critic and journalist based in Mumbai. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as one of India’s most authoritative voices in cinematic journalism, known for an analytical approach and insights that transcend the standard cycle of celebrity journalism. Expertise & Accolades In 2014, Alaka was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Film Critic. Her Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) citation specifically lauded her for "highlighting facets of cinema beyond glamour and gossip" and for her ability to delve into the contemporary relevance of iconic filmmakers. Her commitment to journalistic integrity was further recognised in 2019 with a Special Mention at the Red Ink Awards for her investigative feature, 'In Search of a Star'. Her article titled 'People Like Us', published in The Indian Express on March 27, 2022, was shortlisted for Red Ink Award, 2023. Global Industry Leadership Alaka’s expertise is sought after by major international and domestic film bodies: Golden Globes: In 2025, she joined the international voting body for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes. National Film Awards: She served on the prestigious jury for the 68th National Film Awards, helping select the finest contributions to Indian cinema. Global Perspective: Her work consistently bridges the gap between commercial Bollywood A-listers and emerging independent talents, offering nuanced insights into both Indian regional cinema and international film trends. Focus & Vision Beyond the screen, Alaka is a dedicated observer of Mumbai’s vibrant theatre scene and the historical evolution of the moving image. Through her long-form articles and deep-dive interviews, she continues to challenge "tried-and-tested" templates, providing readers with a deep understanding of the artistic and systemic workings of the Indian and global film industry. ... Read MoreClick for more updates and latest Hollywood News along with Bollywood and Entertainment updates. Also get latest news and top headlines from India and around the World at The Indian Express.Tags:Christopher Nolan