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Christopher Nolan's latest epic, The Odyssey, has received an overwhelmingly positive response from early audiences, with many viewers describing it as one of the acclaimed filmmaker's finest works and even ranking it above Oppenheimer and Tenet. Released on July 17, the film has generated widespread discussion on social media platform X, where moviegoers praised its grand visuals, technical excellence and immersive storytelling. Many viewers called the film a cinematic spectacle, highlighting its breathtaking visuals, powerful sound design and emotionally engaging performances. Some noted that the opening section unfolds at a slower pace, but said the story becomes increasingly gripping as Odysseus' journey progresses. Several audience members also recommended watching the film on the biggest screen possible, saying its visual scale and sound are key to the experience. Some suggested that viewers unfamiliar with the story of Troy, the Trojan War or Homer's epic may benefit from reading a brief summary beforehand. One reviewer described The Odyssey as a "cinematic marvel," praising Nolan's direction and saying the film surpasses Oppenheimer while matching or even exceeding the ambition of Tenet. The reviewer also applauded the film's visual effects, cinematography and musical score. Matt Damon, who plays Odysseus, received widespread praise for his performance, with several viewers calling it one of the best of his career. Tom Holland, portraying Telemachus, also earned acclaim for his emotionally compelling role. Another viewer said the film delivers both entertainment and a fresh cinematic experience, crediting Nolan with creating one of his most immersive films to date. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reactions, some viewers pointed to minor shortcomings, including occasional difficulty following the dialogue, a slower first act and limited emotional connection with a few supporting characters. The Odyssey features an ensemble cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o and Charlize Theron. The film is an adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic, following the long and perilous journey of Odysseus as he struggles to return home after the Trojan War. Early audience reactions suggest Nolan's latest production is poised to become one of the year's biggest cinematic events. Source: NDTV

Actor-composer GV Prakash Kumar has postponed the release of his upcoming supernatural horror film Immortal to avoid a clash with Vijay's much-awaited film Jana Nayagan. Immortal was originally scheduled to hit theatres on July 23, the same day Jana Nayagan is now set for release. Following the announcement of Vijay's release date, several Tamil filmmakers have reportedly adjusted their schedules, with GV Prakash becoming the first to move his film. Announcing the decision on X, GV Prakash described it as a mark of respect for Vijay. "When Thalapathy arrives, one has to step aside. Especially for this one, the last time. Best of luck, Team Jana Nayagan," he wrote. He also confirmed that Immortal will now release in theatres on September 4. Directed by Mariyappan Chinna and produced by AK Film Factory, Immortal stars GV Prakash alongside Kayadu Lohar. The film follows a young man living in an apartment complex whose fascination with a mysterious new neighbour leads to a series of supernatural incidents. The July 23 release date had been announced only two weeks before Jana Nayagan's release was officially confirmed. Meanwhile, production house KVN Productions announced Jana Nayagan's release on X, saying the film will arrive in cinemas on July 23. The producers said the first show in Tamil Nadu will begin at 9 am, while theatres in Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will start screenings from 5 am. Directed by H. Vinoth, Jana Nayagan is expected to be Vijay's final film as an actor before entering full-time politics. The film was initially planned for release on January 9. The movie reportedly faced delays in certification after being submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in December 2025. Although it was expected to receive a U/A 16+ certificate, reports said objections from a member of the examining committee led to the film being referred to a revision committee, delaying the certification process. Produced by KVN Productions on a reported budget of Rs 500 crore, Jana Nayagan features Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol and Mamitha Baiju in key roles, with music composed by Anirudh Ravichander. The film has generated significant excitement among fans due to its large-scale production and Vijay's expected farewell appearance on the big screen. Source: NDTV

Christopher Nolan has long dreamed of making films for IMAX screens. The Oscar-winning director of Oppenheimer, Inception and The Dark Knight trilogy says his fascination began in childhood after watching nature documentaries at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry. He often wondered what it would be like to create a major Hollywood film for that format. That dream has now become reality with The Odyssey, the first feature film shot entirely on IMAX film. A milestone for IMAX filmmaking Nolan said the project became possible after years of technical improvements. Earlier IMAX cameras were too loud for dialogue-heavy scenes, but following Oppenheimer, filmmakers worked with IMAX to develop a special camera enclosure, known as "the blimp," that reduced the noise. The new camera system, named The Keighley after longtime IMAX executives Patricia and David Keighley, is dedicated to David Keighley, who died three weeks after completing his work on The Odyssey. The new setup also brought challenges. The camera weighed about 300 pounds once enclosed, film had to be reloaded every two-and-a-half to three minutes, and a mirror system had to be created so actors could see one another around the large camera during filming. Despite the difficulties, Nolan said the goal was to give audiences "something special." "They're looking for something new and exciting, and that's what we're trying to offer," he said. Many viewing options As The Odyssey opens in theatres on Friday, moviegoers can choose from several formats, including IMAX 70mm, standard 70mm, IMAX digital, 35mm, Dolby Cinema and other premium large-format screens. Speaking to The Associated Press in 2023, Nolan explained why he prefers certain formats and why he believes seeing films in cinemas offers an experience that cannot be matched at home. "If they can find an IMAX screen to see the film on, that's great," Nolan said. "It really is just a great way of giving people an experience that they can't possibly get in the home." Why IMAX 70mm stands out Nolan's previous films — Dunkirk, Tenet and Oppenheimer — were shot using large-format film, combining IMAX 65mm and Panavision 65mm, before being projected in 70mm. He said IMAX 70mm offers unmatched sharpness, clarity and depth, making viewers feel immersed in the film without the need for 3D glasses. "The screen disappears," Nolan said, explaining that the large image fills the audience's field of vision and creates a highly immersive experience. He first used IMAX cameras in The Dark Knight, which opened with an IMAX 70mm aerial shot. "Every time we screened that, we would get a gasp," he recalled. "It was something no one had seen before." Technically, IMAX film delivers nearly 10 times the resolution of a traditional 35mm projector. Each frame contains roughly 18,000 pixels of detail, compared with 1,920 pixels on a standard home HD display. Why shoot on 65mm but project in 70mm? Nolan explained that the extra 5mm originally provided space for the soundtrack on film prints. Today, with digital sound, that space remains as part of the traditional format and serves as a visual enhancement. Framing for different screens Nolan said shooting with IMAX requires careful planning because different cinemas use different screen shapes, known as aspect ratios. His team uses a technique called "center punching the action" to ensure key visual elements remain visible across all formats. Cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema also monitors framing for various screen sizes while filming. On giant IMAX 1.43:1 screens, viewers see the full image. In other formats, including 35mm, digital and CinemaScope, parts of the top and bottom are cropped. Nolan said this does not compromise the artistic composition of the film. Nolan's preferred formats For Nolan, IMAX 70mm remains the best way to experience a movie. However, such screenings are rare, with only 32 theatres in the United States and Canada showing films in that format. He also praised standard 70mm prints, calling them "a fabulous presentation." "The two formats are sort of different and I love them both," he said. Digital formats still offer a strong experience Most audiences will watch The Odyssey in digital formats, including IMAX digital, laser projection and other premium large-format systems such as Regal RPX, Cinemark XD and Cineplex UltraAVX. Nolan said his team spends months preparing digital versions from the original IMAX film to ensure the highest possible image quality across all screens. He also praised modern laser projectors used in IMAX and Dolby Cinema theatres for their excellent picture quality and contrast. According to Nolan, IMAX's influence over the past two to three decades has encouraged cinemas to improve picture and sound quality, benefiting both filmmakers and audiences. Nolan's favourite seats When it comes to choosing a seat, Nolan says it depends on the type of theatre. For CinemaScope screens, he prefers sitting near the front, around the middle of the third row. For large IMAX 1.43:1 theatres, he recommends sitting slightly behind the centre of the auditorium to get the best overall view.  

Christopher Nolan's upcoming film The Odyssey brings Homer's ancient Greek epic to the big screen with a star-studded cast, aiming to make the classic story easy for modern audiences to enjoy. Nolan said viewers do not need to be familiar with the original poem to follow the film. "It's something that we all know a little bit about, some of us know a lot about it, some of us know nothing about it," Nolan told The Associated Press. "We're making the film for that whole range of people's relationship with this foundational text." The film will be released in theatres on July 17. Here is a look at the main characters and the actors portraying them: ·         Matt Damon plays Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, whose long and dangerous journey home after the Trojan War forms the heart of the story. Damon described Odysseus as a deeply human character who struggles with the consequences of his own decisions. ·         Anne Hathaway portrays Penelope, Odysseus's loyal wife, who waits 20 years for his return while resisting more than 100 men seeking to marry her and claim the throne of Ithaca. ·         Tom Holland stars as Telemachus, the son of Odysseus and Penelope. Having grown up without knowing his father, he sets out to learn what happened to him. Nolan said the film is both a homecoming story and a coming-of-age adventure. ·         Robert Pattinson plays Antinous, the leading suitor trying to marry Penelope. Nolan said Pattinson gives the character a memorable mix of menace and dark humour. ·         Zendaya appears as Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, who guides Odysseus throughout his journey. Zendaya said she wanted to present the goddess with both strength and humanity. ·         Lupita Nyong'o takes on two roles — Helen of Sparta, whose abduction sparked the Trojan War, and her sister Clytemnestra. She said the film explores the lasting emotional cost of war rather than simply retelling familiar myths. ·         Charlize Theron plays Calypso, the nymph who keeps Odysseus on her island during his long voyage home. ·         John Leguizamo portrays Eumaeus, the faithful swineherd who remains loyal to Odysseus despite his long absence. In the film, the character is nearly blind as a tribute to Homer, who some historians believe was blind. ·         Jon Bernthal appears as Menelaus, the King of Sparta and husband of Helen, who shares memories of Odysseus with Telemachus. ·         Benny Safdie plays Agamemnon, commander of the Greek forces during the Trojan War. ·         Samantha Morton portrays Circe, the powerful sorceress who crosses paths with Odysseus and his crew. ·         Himesh Patel plays Eurylochus, Odysseus's trusted second-in-command who accompanies him through many of the epic's greatest challenges. ·         Elliot Page appears as Sinon, a veteran of the Trojan War drawn from Greek mythology. ·         Bill Irwin portrays the Cyclops, the one-eyed giant and son of Poseidon. Nolan said the production combined puppetry, animatronics and computer-generated effects to bring the character to life while giving him emotional depth rather than presenting him as simply a monster. ·         Mia Goth plays Melantho, one of Penelope's servants. ·         Corey Hawkins portrays Polybus, one of Penelope's suitors. ·         Travis Scott appears as a bard in the royal court of Ithaca. With its mix of myth, adventure and an all-star cast, Nolan's adaptation aims to introduce one of literature's greatest stories to a new generation of moviegoers.  

Veteran actor Kanwaljit Singh has criticised the removal of Diljit Dosanjh's film Satluj from the streaming platform ZEE5, questioning the state of freedom of speech in India. The film, based on activist Jaswant Singh Khalra's efforts to expose alleged mass killings during Punjab's militancy era, was taken down from ZEE5 within 48 hours of its release. The move has drawn criticism from actors, directors and other members of the creative community. Kanwaljit, who portrayed a Punjab police director general (DGP) in the film, said he was surprised by the decision. "I spoke to Honey after the film was taken down, and he has said that they will be taking the matter to court. But what I don't understand is why they had to take it off? Even people who weren't going to see it will want to see it now. It has also been downloaded by so many people, so even though lots of people would be watching it, the producers will be losing out. But I want to ask, what is this freedom of speech? Tell me, I really want to know. That right is being strangled," Kanwaljit told The Free Press Journal. Responding to speculation that his character was based on former Punjab Director General of Police KPS Gill, Kanwaljit said the role was not modelled on any one individual. "People are assuming that I'm playing Gill. However, the brief I followed was to study clippings of different DGPs and police chiefs, and I also have a friend who is a retired DGP with whom I discussed how the character should be," he said. Originally titled Panjab 95, Satluj was submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022 but has yet to receive a clearance certificate. The filmmakers had earlier alleged that the CBFC sought 127 cuts before certification. The film was also scheduled to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023, but the screening was reportedly cancelled following objections from Indian authorities. Despite the certification issues, Satluj was quietly released on ZEE5 on July 3 without any promotional campaign. However, after the film began receiving positive reviews, it was removed from the platform. In a statement, ZEE5 said it continues to support the film but, without specifying the reason for its removal, stated that "in light of current developments" the film is currently unavailable for streaming. #From NDTV

After spending four years caught in censorship hurdles, "Satluj", previously known as Punjab '95, has finally been released on Zee5, drawing widespread praise for its powerful storytelling and uncompromising portrayal of political oppression and human rights abuses. Directed by Honey Trehan, the film explores the dark chapter of Punjab's militancy era in the 1980s and 1990s. Critics have described it as a hard-hitting political drama that examines how state institutions and police can violate the very laws they are meant to uphold. The film is inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated cases of disappearances, illegal detentions and mass cremations in Punjab before he himself disappeared in the mid-1990s. While the film changes some names, its central story remains largely faithful to real events. The story follows Jaswant, played by Diljit Dosanjh, a bank employee whose search for a missing friend uncovers evidence of widespread human rights violations. His investigation leads him to police stations, morgues and crematoriums, where he discovers records of hundreds of unidentified bodies, exposing a much larger pattern of abuse. Despite threats from authorities and political leaders, Jaswant continues his investigation with the support of his wife Paramjit, portrayed by Geeta Vidya Ohlyan. His childhood friend, police constable Satnam Singh, played by Saurabh Sachdeva, secretly helps him by sharing information, despite putting his own life at risk. The film also features Suvinder Vicky as a ruthless senior police officer accused of abusing power in the name of fighting militancy. One of the film's most praised scenes shows the officer intimidating Satnam's family, highlighting the fear and misuse of authority during the period. Arjun Rampal plays a senior Central Bureau of Investigation officer who arrives from Delhi to investigate Jaswant's disappearance, while Varun Badola appears as a lawyer representing families seeking justice for victims of alleged extrajudicial killings. Reviewers say the film offers a disturbing but compelling look at the dangers of unchecked state power and the erosion of democratic values. Although some parts are considered slightly longer than necessary, the film has been praised for its gripping narrative, strong performances and emotional impact. Diljit Dosanjh's performance has received particular acclaim for portraying Jaswant with restraint, determination and quiet courage. Critics say he fully immerses himself in the role, allowing the story rather than his star image to remain at the centre of the film. Despite its title change from Punjab '95 to Satluj, reviewers say the film has retained its original message and emotional strength, making it one of the year's most significant political dramas. Source: NDTV

The makers of ‘Jailer 2’ have announced that the much-awaited sequel starring Rajinikanth will hit theatres on ‘October 15, 2026’, during the Dussehra festival. The release date was revealed on Thursday through a special action-packed promotional video. Directed by Nelson, the teaser builds excitement without revealing key details about the story. The promo mostly shows Rajinikanth in silhouette before ending with the superstar making a powerful walk down a road. Anirudh Ravichander's background score adds to the dramatic atmosphere, but the teaser does not reveal Rajinikanth's full look or provide hints about the plot. The original ‘Jailer’, released on August 10, 2023, marked Nelson's first collaboration with Rajinikanth. The action film became a huge box office success and was the highest-grossing Tamil film of the year. The movie also drew praise for special appearances by Mohanlal and Shivarajkumar, while Vinayakan received acclaim for playing the main villain. Alongside Rajinikanth, the first film featured Ramya Krishnan, Tamannaah, Vasanth Ravi, Yogi Babu, Mirnaa Menon and Sunil in key roles. For ‘Jailer 2’, Vijay Kartik Kannan is handling cinematography, while R. Nirmal is in charge of editing. The film is being produced by Sun Pictures, with Anirudh Ravichander returning as the music composer. Rajinikanth is also preparing for another major release. He will next appear in ‘Dharman’, which reunites him with Kamal Haasan. Directed by Ashwath Marimuthu and produced by Raaj Kamal Films International, the film is among the most anticipated upcoming Tamil releases. Source: NDTV

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay's much-awaited film Jana Nayagan is expected to hit theatres in July, with its long-awaited censor certificate likely to be issued this weekend, according to sources. The film has faced months of delay due to complications in the certification process. Sources had earlier told NDTV in May that the Revising Committee of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had cleared the movie, bringing it a step closer to release. Although the film was initially reviewed by the CBFC's Examining Committee in December 2025, which recommended a few cuts that the makers said they implemented, the certification process stalled after a member of the committee reportedly objected to certain scenes and wrote to CBFC chairperson Prasoon Joshi. Following the objections, the CBFC referred the film to its Revising Committee for another review. The delay prompted the film's director to seek legal intervention, first approaching the Madras High Court and later the Supreme Court over the pending certification. According to sources, the certificate was also held back because of the Model Code of Conduct. The producers are now waiting for the final censor certificate before announcing the official release date. The film has attracted widespread attention because it stars sitting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, making it one of the most anticipated Tamil releases in recent years. Producer Venkat K Narayana, founder of KVN Productions, recently told NDTV that the team is ready to release the film as soon as the CBFC issues the final certificate. "We are awaiting the certificate from the CBFC. Once they give their final approval, we will immediately release the film in theatres," he said. Venkat also said Vijay's political rise has given the film's title a new significance. He noted that many fans have suggested replacing the opening title "Thalapathy Vijay" with "Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu." "When we started the film, we never imagined this situation. It is a happy moment that Vijay sir has become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and truly the 'Jana Nayagan' (People's Leader) of the state. Perhaps it was destined that the film would release after he became Chief Minister," he said. Explaining the certification delay, Venkat said the film was initially expected to receive a U/A 16+ certificate after the Examining Committee completed its review in December 2025. However, instead of receiving the certificate, the producers were informed that a complaint had been filed against the film, leading the CBFC to refer it to the Revising Committee. The producers challenged the move in court, arguing that objections had been raised before the film's release. During the proceedings, they learned that the complaint had reportedly come from a member of the Examining Committee, who had earlier approved the film. Venkat said the producers immediately applied to the Revising Committee and have since been completing the required formalities while waiting for the final certificate. Directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions, Jana Nayagan also stars Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol and Mamitha Baiju. The film recently made headlines after an illegal online leak. According to PTI, a freelance assistant editor and several others were arrested in connection with the incident. Source: NDTV

Actor Kangana Ranaut gave television star Ram Kapoor a stern reality check during the latest episode of Lock Upp Season 2, telling him to stop defending his behaviour if he wanted to improve. Kangana entered the reality show as "Janta Ki Awaaz", joining hosts Farah Khan and Riteish Deshmukh, and interacted with the contestants during the episode. Addressing Ram Kapoor, known for the television series Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, Kangana said he appeared to be taking the competition too seriously. "Ramji, you shouldn't have taken the game so seriously. And if you think that you are too big for this jail, then why did you come here? To show your stupidity?" she said. Ram defended his approach, saying, "When the time comes, I will own my truth as well as, or better than, anybody here." Kangana responded with another piece of advice, saying, "Don't defend yourself if you want to improve." Earlier in the show, filmmaker Farah Khan had also criticised Ram during the "chargesheet" segment, saying he had failed to stand out despite usually playing lead roles in his projects. "I want to ask you, in every show you do, you're playing the lead. But after coming here, you have become a background actor," Farah told him. Ram, however, did not appear to welcome the feedback and casually raised his hand as if to stop her from speaking. Reacting to his gesture, Farah said, "From what I can see, I don't want this Ram. It is not funny." Ram remained firm, replying, "For me, it is funny. I am the way I am, just like this." Farah made another attempt to convince him, saying, "What you are doing, this lecturing, you're not like that at all." But Ram refused to change his stance. "Toh nikaal do. I am not going to change. I am the way I am," he said. Farah then joked, "Those people who don't change become dinosaurs." Ram replied with a smile, "I will become a dinosaur." The second season of Lock Upp premiered on June 27. #From NDTV

Even before its release, Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film The Odyssey has become one of the most debated movies of 2026, drawing criticism over its casting choices, dialogue and interpretation of Homer's ancient Greek epic. The film, featuring Matt Damon, Zendaya, Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong'o and several other stars, is scheduled to hit cinemas on July 17. While many movie lovers are eagerly waiting for Nolan's latest project after the Oscar-winning Oppenheimer, the film has also sparked heated discussions online. Most of the controversy has focused on the cast. Some conservative critics questioned Nolan's decision to cast transgender actor Elliot Page and rapper Travis Scott in key roles. Others criticised the selection of Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o as Helen of Troy, arguing that Homer's original poem described the character as "white-armed." Right-wing commentator Matt Walsh claimed Nolan made the casting choice to avoid accusations of racism, although he provided no evidence for the claim. Tech billionaire Elon Musk also expressed support for the criticism on social media. In response, many users accused Walsh and Musk of promoting racial prejudice. Scholars, however, dismissed much of the debate. Professor Daniel Mendelsohn, whose English translation of The Odyssey was published last year, said the criticism was exaggerated because Helen plays only a small role in the story. He also suggested that Nyong'o's casting fits the poem's long-standing exploration of beauty, arguing that selecting a beautiful African actress continues an ancient discussion rather than contradicting it. Nyong'o herself brushed off the criticism, telling Elle magazine that The Odyssey is "a mythological story" and that the cast reflects today's global society. However, some critics raised a different concern, saying Hollywood once again overlooked Greek actors in a story deeply rooted in Greek culture. Greek-British journalist Chris Cotonou argued that if the film aims to represent the world, it should also include performers with direct cultural ties to the source material. The debate has not been limited to casting. After the first trailer was released, some viewers complained that Agamemnon's dark armour looked too similar to Batman's costume, while others argued that Odysseus' ship resembled a Viking vessel instead of one from ancient Greece. Experts say such criticism overlooks the nature of mythology. Professor Susan Deacy, author of The Greek Gods and Their Worlds, said Greek myths have always been reinterpreted by different generations, and each era creates its own version of Homer's stories. Another issue that drew attention was the film's dialogue. Many viewers were surprised to hear British actors, including Tom Holland, speaking with American accents and using modern expressions. Some social media users argued that contemporary speech weakened the historical atmosphere of the film. Deacy said such criticism is based more on cinematic tradition than historical accuracy. She noted that ancient Greeks did not speak either modern American English or formal British English. According to her, conversational language may actually be closer to the original spirit of Homer's oral storytelling than the formal style often used in historical films. Film experts believe the controversy reflects today's online culture, where major productions often become part of wider political and cultural debates. Author Tom Shone, who has written extensively about Nolan's work, said the director's films often allow audiences with different political views to interpret them in different ways. He added that some conservative viewers may feel disappointed because Nolan's latest film appears more progressive than they expected. Despite the criticism, many analysts believe the controversy may ultimately help the film by generating even greater public interest. With its large-scale production, famous cast and fresh interpretation of one of history's greatest literary works, The Odyssey is expected to remain one of the year's biggest cinematic events when it opens in US and UK theatres on July 17. With inputs from BBC.