Would jump at the opportunity: Matt Damon, Tom Holland ready for Bollywood break
Actors Matt Damon and Tom Holland said in Mumbai that they would gladly do a Bollywood film with the right story. The two even highlighted their admiration for Indian cinema's joy and audience energy.
Actors Matt Damon and Tom Holland have found a new source of inspiration in Bollywood. During an exclusive conversation with India Today while promoting The Odyssey in Mumbai alongside director Christopher Nolan, the Hollywood stars spoke about their love for Indian films, the infectious energy of Indian audiences, and why they would gladly sign a Bollywood project with the right story.
Speaking about the possibility of working in India, Holland said he would be more than happy to be part of a Bollywood or Indian film if the right opportunity came his way.
“If there was a way that I could deepen that relationship with you guys in a Bollywood movie or an Indian movie, I would jump at the opportunity,” the Spider-Man actor said.
The discussion then turned to Bollywood itself and how Indian cinema is often perceived in the West. Bollywood is often viewed through the lens of song, dance and spectacle, and Damon believes that's precisely what makes it so special. And if anyone is ready for the challenge, he thinks it's his co-star.
"We were just saying we wanted to do a Bollywood movie because Tom actually could do it because he's a phenomenal dancer, and I would try to learn. I would do my best," Damon said with a laugh.
The Oscar-winning actor went on to explain that what fascinates him isn't just Bollywood's elaborate musical numbers, but the joy that runs through them. He also admitted that Hollywood doesn't produce many stars with the kind of all-round performance skills that Bollywood still celebrates.
"The older I get, the more I want joy in my work and in my life. So I would love to try that, especially if I had a co-star like him because he’s the only person I think could do what Fred Astaire did, right? There used to be a skill set that some of our great movie stars had that, because the nature of film has changed in Hollywood, is disappearing. So I would love to see him apply that skill set that he has," Damon said.
While the Good Will Hunting actor was already planning their dance rehearsals, Holland couldn't stop talking about the audience. Calling Indian cinema "a real celebration", the Dune actor said the country's movie-going culture is unlike anything he has witnessed anywhere else in the world.
"Indian cinema feels like a real celebration. I think what is so amazing is the way you guys experience cinema is unlike anything I have seen before," he said.
Holland also revealed that he has spent hours watching videos of Indian fans reacting to Marvel films online and is always amazed by the atmosphere inside theatres. "I am so blessed to be a part of the MCU, and it's so well received here. I have so much fun on YouTube watching you guys react to those big moments in the cinema. It feels more like a rock concert than it does going to the cinema," he said.
Meanwhile, Damon and Holland play Odysseus and Telemachus, the father-son duo, in Nolan’s epic drama. The team held an early India premiere over the weekend, and their photos from cafe-hopping and fan interactions created a furore on social media.
Also starring Zendaya, Robert Pattinson and Anne Hathaway in key roles, the Odyssey film will release on July 17.
Actors Matt Damon and Tom Holland have found a new source of inspiration in Bollywood. During an exclusive conversation with India Today while promoting The Odyssey in Mumbai alongside director Christopher Nolan, the Hollywood stars spoke about their love for Indian films, the infectious energy of Indian audiences, and why they would gladly sign a Bollywood project with the right story.
Speaking about the possibility of working in India, Holland said he would be more than happy to be part of a Bollywood or Indian film if the right opportunity came his way.
“If there was a way that I could deepen that relationship with you guys in a Bollywood movie or an Indian movie, I would jump at the opportunity,” the Spider-Man actor said.
The discussion then turned to Bollywood itself and how Indian cinema is often perceived in the West. Bollywood is often viewed through the lens of song, dance and spectacle, and Damon believes that's precisely what makes it so special. And if anyone is ready for the challenge, he thinks it's his co-star.
"We were just saying we wanted to do a Bollywood movie because Tom actually could do it because he's a phenomenal dancer, and I would try to learn. I would do my best," Damon said with a laugh.
The Oscar-winning actor went on to explain that what fascinates him isn't just Bollywood's elaborate musical numbers, but the joy that runs through them. He also admitted that Hollywood doesn't produce many stars with the kind of all-round performance skills that Bollywood still celebrates.
"The older I get, the more I want joy in my work and in my life. So I would love to try that, especially if I had a co-star like him because he’s the only person I think could do what Fred Astaire did, right? There used to be a skill set that some of our great movie stars had that, because the nature of film has changed in Hollywood, is disappearing. So I would love to see him apply that skill set that he has," Damon said.
While the Good Will Hunting actor was already planning their dance rehearsals, Holland couldn't stop talking about the audience. Calling Indian cinema "a real celebration", the Dune actor said the country's movie-going culture is unlike anything he has witnessed anywhere else in the world.
"Indian cinema feels like a real celebration. I think what is so amazing is the way you guys experience cinema is unlike anything I have seen before," he said.
Holland also revealed that he has spent hours watching videos of Indian fans reacting to Marvel films online and is always amazed by the atmosphere inside theatres. "I am so blessed to be a part of the MCU, and it's so well received here. I have so much fun on YouTube watching you guys react to those big moments in the cinema. It feels more like a rock concert than it does going to the cinema," he said.
Meanwhile, Damon and Holland play Odysseus and Telemachus, the father-son duo, in Nolan’s epic drama. The team held an early India premiere over the weekend, and their photos from cafe-hopping and fan interactions created a furore on social media.
Also starring Zendaya, Robert Pattinson and Anne Hathaway in key roles, the Odyssey film will release on July 17.
