India, July 13 -- The film community in Mumbai had a weekend filled with the magic they talk highly about in the movies. The kind that takes you around the world, while being seated in a dark room, accompanied by strangers, strangely bonded for the duration of the feature. If you haven't heard already, Christopher Nolan chose India and brought his tentpole film The Odyssey to Mumbai. Few fans and a select part of the media were part of a special screening that took place on July 10th, ahead of the official Mumbai Premiere, and it was a sight to behold.
On July 11th, the captain of the ship, with his wife and producing partner Emma Thomas, joined castmates Tom Holland and Matt Damon for an exclusive press screening to celebrate the odyssey of the movie. Christopher Nolan chose India this time, and it surely feels like India chose it back.
Christopher Nolan chose India and India chose him back
He sure wanted to make India a pit stop during Tenet, alas, Covid ruined his plans. But this 'homecoming' makes more sense for a city that lives and breathes cinema. Even though parts of the Dimple Kapadia-starrer was shot in Mumbai, the excitement for Nolan's interpretation of one of the most original texts to exist in human civilisation- Homer's The Odyssey, is at its peak.
In fact, the movie is a culmination of a fascination that has found mention in almost all his works, in bits and bobs, throughout his career. You'll know when you see it. When asked about why India and why now? Nolan said, "It's a thrill. We wanted to do this for a year."
Christopher Nolan chose India
On cine culture in India
Recounting his experience of shooting in the city, and why Christopher Nolan chose India, he added, "I met a lot of filmmakers and really got to know a little bit about the film culture here. I've never been anywhere in the world with an appreciation of what movies can be and what they should be for audiences. To me, it seemed crazy that we wouldn't be bringing our films here to premiere. Mumbai feels special."
Christopher Nolan chose India
Hollywood, are you listening?
Acknowledging India as a key market for films around the world, Emma Thomas stated, "India is clearly a market that loves cinema. There's a lot of conversation in Hollywood about people not going to theatres, but India is showing that the future is in theatres."
The Odyssey also stars Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, among others. It is slated to release on July 17.