India shows future of cinema is in theatres: Emma Thomas, producer for Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey

Mumbai: As Hollywood grapples with concerns over declining cinema attendance, India is reinforcing the enduring appeal of the theatrical experience, said Emma Thomas, producer of one of the industry's most anticipated films of 2026, The Odyssey, and director Christopher Nolan's wife.

"There has been a lot of talk in Hollywood about people not going to cinemas anymore. But India is showing us that the future of films is in theatres," Thomas said at a press conference following a special screening of the film in Mumbai.

Thomas said she was encouraged by the strong performance of Hollywood films in India and expressed excitement about bringing The Odyssey to Indian audiences.


"We are happy that Hollywood films are doing great business in India. We are happy to bring this film to India," she said.

Over the past years, thanks to the pronounced success of Hollywood tentpole films and well-crafted mid-budget films such as Avatar: Fire and Ash, Mission Impossible: The Reckoning and Deadpool, Hollywood films have clawed back its historical average in the total Indian box office of 10-12%.

Even in 2026, the successful performance of Hollywood films such as Obsession, Project Hail Mary and Michael has ensured that the contribution of Hollywood films to the total Indian box office is likely to remain steady and strong. Almost a month before its release, The Odyssey has garnered huge audience interest in India.

Since the opening of advance ticket bookings on June 8, the film has sold 20,000 tickets in India alone, amounting to an advance collection of more than ₹2 crore. Globally, the film has sold more than 150,000 tickets.

"One of the things I most enjoy about working on large-scale films is you get to take them around the world. You get to connect with different cultures across the world. I think it is thrilling to come to a completely different place and find commonalities in entertainment," Nolan said at the press conference.

"I think films really connect when they have universal themes, timeless themes, as I hope that The Odyssey does. It is wonderful how it brings us together," he added.