Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan recently traveled to Mumbai for the first-ever India premiere of his new movie The Odyssey. During his visit, he shared his thoughts on how audience reactions shape the final meaning of a film.
The director, known for movies like The Dark Knight trilogy, Inception, Interstellar, and Oppenheimer, spoke exclusively to Hindustan Times about his connection with Indian audiences and his approach to filmmaking.
Nolan Believes Audience Interpretations Complete the Film
When asked about how his films continue to spark debate years after release, Nolan explained that leaving room for interpretation makes the movie more engaging for viewers.
The fun thing is that if you leave room for interpretation, you engage the audience more. It is also important that I don’t judge those interpretations. I accept the idea that I’m putting things out there for people to make their own.
The filmmaker made a statement about the relationship between a movie and its viewers. He said thousands of people work on a film, but it only reaches its full form when audiences watch it and share what they think.
I make films for the cinema audience. Thousands of people have worked on the film, but it isn’t finished until it goes out to the audience and they tell me what they think.
Interstellar’s Re-Release Finds New Life in India
Nolan also spoke about Interstellar finding a new audience in India after its re-release. He said it is interesting to see how films emerge in culture over time.
With Interstellar, which was re-released in India not so long ago, it has been very interesting to see the film emerge in terms of its relationship with the audience. That’s pretty satisfying as a filmmaker.
The re-release of Interstellar in India performed well at the box office, showing the strong connection Indian audiences have with Nolan’s work.
The Odyssey Brings a Classic Story to IMAX
The Odyssey is based on Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem. It follows Odysseus, played by Matt Damon, on his dangerous journey home after the Trojan War.
The film is the first feature ever shot entirely using IMAX cameras. Nolan said he wants to take the audience on a wild ride.
First and foremost entertainment. We shot the film in IMAX. It’s a great adventure story. I want to take the audience on a wild ride on a boat with Odysseus to drag them into Cyclops’s cave. I just want them to experience the events of this great story.
The movie features an ensemble cast including Tom Holland as Telemachus, Odysseus’s son, and Anne Hathaway as Penelope, his wife. Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron also star in the film.
Nolan Explains His Casting Choices
Nolan shared why he chose Matt Damon to play Odysseus. He said he needed someone who could show both the heroic qualities and the flaws of the character.
Going to Matt and saying let’s do this together. He’s an incredible actor who I worked with twice but not as the lead. I needed somebody who could embody all of Odysseus’s heroic qualities but also his flaws and complexities.
The director also mentioned casting Tom Holland as Telemachus. He called it a coming-of-age story and said he had wanted to work with Holland for some time.
Casting Tom Holland as his son, an actor I wanted to work with but haven’t had the opportunity.
Nolan also praised Robert Pattinson, who he worked with in Mumbai before.
India Premiere Marks a Historic First
The Odyssey had its India premiere on July 10 and 11, 2026, at PVR ICON IMAX in Mumbai’s Phoenix Palladium. This marked the first time a Christopher Nolan film received an official premiere in India.
Nolan arrived in Mumbai with his wife and producer Emma Thomas, along with actors Tom Holland and Matt Damon. The team attended a special screening, making India the first country to show the film to a public audience.
Addressing the crowd, Nolan said:
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.
Nolan Playfully Asks Mumbai Crowd: Matt or Tom?
After the screening, Nolan asked the audience a fun question. He asked who was better, Matt Damon or Tom Holland.
Just a quick question, who was better, Matt or Tom?
The crowd cheered for both actors. Nolan smiled and said they were both fantastic.
Damon also spoke to the audience. He said the Mumbai screening was the first time the film was shown to a real public audience.
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.
Holland thanked Indian fans for their warm welcome. He said no one brings energy to a movie theater like Indian audiences.
I think no one brings energy to a movie theatre like you do here in India. Thank you for supporting us. Thank you for enjoying Chris’ amazing work.
Nolan Praises Indian Audiences as Most Knowledgeable
The director spoke highly of Indian movie lovers during his visit. He called them some of the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable cinematic audiences in the world.
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.
Nolan has a long connection with India. He previously shot parts of The Dark Knight Rises in Jodhpur and Tenet in Mumbai. He said every time he comes to India, it feels special.
Producer Emma Thomas Shares How Dunkirk Inspired the India Visit
Producer Emma Thomas revealed that bringing a Nolan film to India had been on their minds for years. She said a previous visit with Dunkirk planted the seed for this moment.
We brought a print of Dunkirk and screened it here, and that was amazing. And I think that was actually, in many ways, the sort of catalyst for wanting to bring a new film here.
Thomas said the team had hoped to visit India during the release of Tenet, but those plans were disrupted by the pandemic. The success of the Dunkirk screening and the support from Indian audiences encouraged them to return.
The Odyssey Set for Global Release
The Odyssey releases in theaters worldwide on July 17, 2026. In India, the film hits screens on the same date.
Advance bookings in India have been strong. Trade estimates suggest the film has already sold tickets worth nearly Rs 18 crore for its first three days. IMAX shows are driving most of the ticket sales, with prices reaching up to Rs 3,100 in Mumbai.
The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 52 minutes. It is Nolan’s first movie after winning the Best Director Oscar for Oppenheimer.
Also Read: The Batman Part II Release Pushed to 2028, First Footage Shows Robert Pattinson Back in Suit
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