Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey has become one of the most anticipated films of the year, with excitement reaching far beyond regular movie buzz. Even before its theatrical release, the film has broken booking records, driven up ticket prices, and inspired fans to go to extraordinary lengths just to watch it in the best possible format. One of the most talked-about stories comes from California, where a devoted fan revealed that she planned her second pregnancy around the film's release. She shared that she delayed going to the hospital so she wouldn't miss her pre-booked IMAX 70mm screening, for which she had also planned a three-hour drive. Her story quickly went viral and became a symbol of the massive anticipation surrounding Nolan's latest project. The excitement isn't limited to the US. Fans across several countries have reportedly travelled long distances, booked flights and waited in virtual queues for hours after ticketing platforms experienced heavy traffic. In some places, premium IMAX tickets are even being resold at significantly higher prices. The Odyssey outpaces Oppenheimer in India India has also witnessed an overwhelming response to the film. According to trade reports, The Odyssey has already sold around 1.5 lakh advance tickets, comfortably surpassing the booking pace of Nolan's Oscar-winning Oppenheimer, which had sold nearly 65,000 tickets during the same period before its release. Despite premium ticket prices, audiences continue to book shows rapidly, making it one of the biggest Hollywood releases of the year in the country. Why watching ‘Troy’ first may help Since The Odyssey is based on the legendary Greek epic by Homer, some viewers may find it useful to revisit the events that precede the story. The 2004 historical drama Troy, starring Brad Pitt, tells the story of the Trojan War, while The Odyssey follows the aftermath of the war, focusing on King Odysseus and his long journey back to his kingdom of Ithaca. Watching Troy isn't essential, but it can provide useful background about: Understanding these events can make Nolan's adaptation easier to follow and add more emotional depth to the story. Why are fans being asked to arrive early? Unlike an ordinary movie outing, many fans are treating The Odyssey as a special cinematic event. Experts recommend reaching the theatre at least 30 minutes before the show because: A star-studded cast The film follows Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, as he battles mythical creatures, dangerous seas, and countless obstacles while trying to reunite with his family after the Trojan War. The cast includes: The ensemble makes The Odyssey one of Christopher Nolan's biggest productions to date. Christopher Nolan's connection with India goes beyond his fan following. Parts of The Odyssey were reportedly filmed at Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, one of Rajasthan's most iconic heritage sites. The fort's towering sandstone walls and dramatic landscape were chosen to recreate portions of the ancient world depicted in Homer's epic. Nolan has also filmed in India before, his 2012 blockbuster The Dark Knight Rises featured several sequences shot in Mumbai, including the city's bustling streets and landmarks, making India a recurring visual backdrop in his filmmaking journey. A Film made for the biggest screen One of the biggest highlights of the project is that The Odyssey has been filmed entirely using IMAX cameras, making it a visually immersive experience designed specifically for large-format screens. With record-breaking bookings, sold-out shows and fans planning major life events around its release, The Odyssey has already established itself as one of the biggest cinematic events of 2026, even before its first public screening.