Why Christopher Nolan chose Mumbai? Real reason behind The Odyssey India premiere

Director Christopher Nolan has opened up on the real reason behind holding The Odyssey's India premiere in Mumbai, linking the visit to his previous experience of the city's vibrant film culture and audiences.

In Short

• Director Christopher Nolan arrived in Mumbai for The Odyssey's premiere
• He opened up on the real reason behind the film's India premiere
• Nolan said his connection with Mumbai began on an earlier visit

Why director Christopher Nolan chose Mumbai emerged as a key talking point as the filmmaker arrived in the city with producer Emma Thomas and actors Matt Damon and Tom Holland for the international promotional tour of The Odyssey. At a press conference on Saturday, Nolan explained why India was an important stop on the film's global campaign.

Nolan said the visit was not a last-minute addition and had been years in the making. Recalling his first trip to Mumbai, he said he had travelled to the city years ago at the invitation of his friend Shivendra for a conference on the future of cinema, and that the visit had left a lasting impression on him.

"I met a lot of filmmakers and really got to know a little bit about the film culture here," Nolan said. He also praised Indian audiences and their deep-rooted love for cinema, saying it was unlike anything he had experienced elsewhere.

"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 Mumbai for Mumbai audiences," the The Odyssey director said, adding that it was "an absolute thrill" to finally be able to do so.

Nolan also said this was not the first time he had planned a promotional visit to India. He revealed that he had intended to visit Mumbai during the release of Tenet, which was partially shot in the city, but those plans were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. His latest visit, he said, finally brought to Mumbai a campaign stop he had wanted to make for years.

The Odyssey also features actors Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, Himesh Patel, Bill Irwin, Samantha Morton, Jesse Garcia, Will Yun Lee, Rafi Gavron, Shiloh Fernandez and Mia Goth.

The Odyssey, based on Homer's epic poem, is set for a worldwide theatrical release on July 17, 2026.

- Ends