Kamal Haasan praises Nolan's 'The Odyssey': 'Belongs to the ages'
Synopsis
Kamal Haasan’s endorsement of Christopher Nolan’s 'The Odyssey' is more than a celebrity shoutout — it hints at a personal ode set to greet Indian theatre audiences, with CBFC approval already in hand. Coming from one of India’s most exacting cinematic minds, the praise carries weight that could meaningfully shape how Indian audiences approach Nolan’s boldest mythological gamble yet.
Key Takeaways
Kamal Haasan publicly praised Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' , calling it a film that ‘belongs to the ages.’ Haasan revealed that the CBFC has already received the first preview and granted approval for Indian release.
He hinted at a personal ‘ode’ to be shared with Indian theatre audiences ahead of the film’s release. 'The Odyssey' is based on Homer's ancient Greek epic and is Nolan’s first mythological film, shot in IMAX across international locations.
Haasan’s last release was Thug Life (directed by Mani Ratnam ); he next appears in the Kalki 2898 AD sequel directed by Nag Ashwin .
Veteran actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan has lavished praise on Christopher Nolan's ambitious epic 'The Odyssey', declaring it a film that “belongs to the ages” and urging Indian audiences to experience it in theatres. Haasan shared his admiration publicly, noting that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had already received the first preview and granted its approval.
What Kamal Haasan Said
In a heartfelt tribute to the film, Haasan wrote: “Homer dreamt it. Nolan dared it. I applauded it. Children of cinema, this film belongs to the ages. Must watch! As #TheOdyssey continues its epic voyage across the world, my ode will greet audiences in theatres in India. I’ll share it here soon. P.S. The CBFC got the first preview! It approved.”
Haasan also captured the essence of the project in a single line: “Homer dreamt it, Nolan dared to bring it to life.” The endorsement from one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated auteurs is expected to amplify the film’s visibility among Indian audiences ahead of its theatrical run.
About 'The Odyssey'
'The Odyssey' is an adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic of the same name, marking Nolan's first foray into large-scale mythological storytelling. The film chronicles the legendary journey of Odysseus as he battles to return home following the Trojan War. Shot using cutting-edge IMAX technology across multiple international locations, it is among the most anticipated cinematic releases globally, with a scheduled theatrical debut in July 2026.
Kamal Haasan's Recent and Upcoming Work
Haasan was most recently seen in Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam — a reunion of the two legends after their celebrated 1987 collaboration Nayakan. The film features an ensemble cast including Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Abhirami, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Nassar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Ali Fazal, Sanjana Krishnamoorthy, and Tanikella Bharani.
Looking ahead, Haasan is set to appear in the sequel to the 2024 mythological science-fiction blockbuster Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin and produced by Vyjayanthi Movies. The film, inspired by Hindu scriptures, stars an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Shobana, and Disha Patani. Set in a dystopian Kashi of the year 2898 AD, it follows a mission to protect a child believed to be Kalki, the final avatar of Vishnu, and serves as the first chapter in the planned Kalki Cinematic Universe.
Why This Endorsement Matters
Haasan’s public backing of 'The Odyssey' is notable given his stature as both a cinematic craftsman and a discerning critic of the form. Notably, his mention of a personal ‘ode’ to be shared with Indian theatre audiences suggests a promotional tie-in is in the works. This comes amid growing interest in how Nolan’s interpretation of one of literature’s oldest texts will translate for diverse global audiences, including India’s vast cinema-going base.
Point of View
And it signals that 'The Odyssey' is actively courting India’s premium multiplex audience. More broadly, the fact that one of Indian cinema’s most technically rigorous filmmakers is championing Nolan’s mythological experiment reflects a growing cross-cultural appetite for large-format epic storytelling. Whether Indian audiences — already primed by Kalki 2898 AD’s mythology-meets-spectacle template — embrace a Western retelling of Homer remains the real box-office question.
NationPress
30 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Kamal Haasan say about Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey'?
Kamal Haasan called 'The Odyssey' a film that 'belongs to the ages,' writing that 'Homer dreamt it, Nolan dared it.' He urged Indian audiences to watch it in theatres and revealed he is preparing a personal ode to accompany its Indian release.
Has 'The Odyssey' received CBFC approval in India?
Yes, according to Kamal Haasan's post, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) received the first preview of 'The Odyssey' and approved it, clearing the path for its theatrical release in India.
What is Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' about?
'The Odyssey' is an adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic, following the legendary hero Odysseus on his perilous journey home after the Trojan War. It marks Nolan's first venture into mythological storytelling and was shot using IMAX technology across multiple international locations.
When is 'The Odyssey' releasing in India?
The film is scheduled for a theatrical release in July 2026. An Indian promotional element tied to Kamal Haasan's personal ode is also expected to reach theatres around the same time.
What are Kamal Haasan's upcoming projects?
Haasan will next be seen in the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin and produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, featuring an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Shobana, and Disha Patani.
