'The Odyssey' in India: Christopher Nolan, Matt Damon and Tom Holland Attend Mumbai Premiere

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey had its first public screening anywhere in the world in Mumbai on Friday, with the Oscar-winning filmmaker joined by actors Matt Damon and Tom Holland for the landmark premiere. Producer Emma Thomas also accompanied the trio as India became one of the key stops on the film's global promotional tour.

The special IMAX screening, held at a theatre in Lower Parel, marked the first time Nolan has officially launched one of his films in India. Addressing the audience after the screening, the director said it was a long-awaited moment.

"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 said. He then lightened the mood by asking the crowd, "Who was better, Matt or Tom?", drawing cheers for both actors.

Calling Indian moviegoers "some of the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable cinematic audiences in the world," Nolan said he had wanted to premiere one of his films in the country for many years. "Every time I come here, it's very, very special. It's such a thrill to be here," he added.

Matt Damon described the Mumbai event as the film's first screening before a public audience, saying the response meant "the world" to the team. "We worked very, very hard on it. It was the result of thousands and thousands of people really pushing themselves to make this happen," he said.

Tom Holland echoed the sentiment, thanking fans for their warmth. "No one brings energy to a movie theatre like you do here in India. Thank you for supporting us and enjoying Chris' amazing work," the actor said.

Ahead of the premiere, the trio made a brief stop at a Mumbai café for chai, bun maska and desserts. Universal Pictures India shared photographs from the visit on social media, with the post reading, "Quick tea stop before The Odyssey Mumbai Premiere. A big night awaits, but chai comes first!"

Mumbai hosted two exclusive screenings of The Odyssey; the city joined London, Paris and New York as an official stop on the film's worldwide promotional tour.

Based on Homer's ancient Greek epic, The Odyssey follows Odysseus' decade-long journey home after the Trojan War. The ensemble cast also includes Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Charlize Theron and Benny Safdie. Shot entirely with IMAX cameras using newly developed technology, the film releases in theatres on July 17.