Matt Damon is among the most sought-after stars in the Hollywood film Industry, and Indian film critics and enthusiasts who had gathered for the premiere of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey in Mumbai were excited to see his performance as Greek king Odysseus. But what fans did not see coming was Matt Damon's unknown connection with India and a revered Indian filmmaker.
The grand premiere of The Odyssey, which marks Christopher Nolan's first film promoted in India, also saw the director, Tom Holland and producer Emma Thomas in attendance who shared their love for Indian audiences. During a Q&A session the actor expressed his desire to work with acclaimed Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur. The actor revealed that he almost collaborated with Kapur in 2002 for the epic war drama The Four Feathers but had to pass on the opportunity due to prior commitments to another film.
“I remember when I couldn't do The Four Feathers for some reason, and I was really upset about that,” he confessed. "I think I was signed up for a Bourne movie (at that time). So I guess he's always been on my list, and so I'd like to have another go. That's like a 20-year-old little debt I've been carrying around in my pocket,” he added.
The Four Feathers starred an ensemble cast featuring Heath Ledger, Wes Bentley, Djimon Hounsou and Kate Hudson. The film was set during the British Army's Gordon Relief Expedition in Sudan, well after the formation of Mahdiyya, and tells the story of a young man accused of cowardice. This film, with altered plot events, is the latest in a long line of cinematic adaptations of the 1902 novel The Four Feathers by AEW Mason.
Interestingly, cast members Heath Ledger, Kate Hudson and Wes Bentley had also visited Mumbai ahead of its release for the premiere with director Shekhar Kapur. Known for his acclaimed films like Elizabeth (1998) and Bandit Queen (1994), the revered filmmaker had established a name for himself in Hollywood as well as in India. Shekhar Kapur was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian award, last year.
Coming back to The Odyssey, the film is based on Homer’s iconic Greek poem and follows Odysseus, the ruler of Ithaca, as he undertakes a dangerous voyage back home in the aftermath of the Trojan War. Matt Damon essays the lead role, while Tom Holland plays his son Telemachus. Anne Hathaway stars as Penelope. The ensemble cast also includes Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Samantha Morton, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron.
The Odyssey hits theatres on July 17.
