As anticipation builds globally for the release of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey in 2026, Indian audiences are expressing eagerness to experience the film. Many are prepared to spend between Rs 1,000 and Rs 3,000 to watch it in IMAX. However, viewers in India face a significant challenge, as the movie cannot be viewed in the format Nolan originally intended.

Nolan employs the 1570 format, specific to 70 mm film with 15 perforations per frame, for The Odyssey. This format represents an evolution in cinematic experiences, akin to how vinyl records are perceived in music. Unfortunately, the absence of a compatible screening venue in India prevents audiences from experiencing the film as Nolan envisioned.

According to reports from The Guardian, only 41 cinemas worldwide are equipped to project the 1570 format. One noteworthy example is IMAX Melbourne in Australia, which reintroduced its film projector in 2017 following a campaign by Nolan to ensure his previous film, Dunkirk, was screened in this format. The desire for authentic cinema continues to garner interest from film aficionados.

Cinematic Experience in Australia Versus India

Film-lovers from various countries are travelling to numerous locations, including Turkey, Singapore, and Los Angeles, to view The Odyssey in its full glory. IMAX Melbourne has become a prime destination because it is the only venue in the Southern Hemisphere that showcases a 1570 reel of the film. The reel is particularly impressive, spanning over 17 kilometres and weighing 240 kg, described by the venue’s technical manager as ‘a precious commodity.’

In stark contrast, Indian theatres lack a single IMAX 1570 screening option. The standard digital IMAX presentation will result in a compromised viewing experience, where critical elements of Nolan’s imagery will be cropped to fit the dimensions of smaller screens. Consequently, the film’s stunning visuals, including pivotal scenes involving Odysseus and legendary battles, will not be fully realised for Indian viewers.

Nolan’s advocacy for the 1570 format stems from its unparalleled image quality. The complexities involved in shooting The Odyssey arose from the format’s technical demands, such as the weight and volume of the camera, which required frequent reloading during the shoot. Nolan collaborated with IMAX to create a soundproof compartment to facilitate dialogue recording in this challenging environment.

Alternative Viewing Options in India

For Indian audiences, the available alternative is to visit one of the 34 operational IMAX screens across the country. In Delhi, options include PVR Select City Walk and INOX Vishal Mall, among others. Notably, Noida features PVR Superplex Logix, while Gurugram has PVR Ambience Mall. Mumbai offers several venues, including INOX Sky City Mall and PVR ICON Phoenix Palladium.

Pune has locations like INOX Phoenix Mall, while Bengaluru presents choices such as PVR VR Mall and INOX Galleria Mall. In the southern part of the country, Chennai boasts venues like PVR Palazzo. Cities like Ahmedabad and Surat also provide viewing options, despite the general lack of premium screening formats.

While The Odyssey is expected to attract audiences to these IMAX venues, a crucial element of Nolan’s intended cinematic vision will unfortunately remain unavailable in India. In a landscape dominated by rapid consumption of media, this epic will instead be experienced in a more limited format than it was designed for, underscoring a noteworthy gap in viewing standards.

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