Why Matt Damon and Tom Holland can't get over India's 'rock concert' movie culture

Actors Matt Damon and Tom Holland spoke about their admiration for Indian cinema and its audiences in an interview with India Today. Damon praised the joy of song and dance in Indian films, while Holland said cinema-going in India feels like a concert.

In Short

• Actor Matt Damon said dance in films is a fading skill set in Hollywood
• He praised Indian films for bringing joy and energy to life
• Holland called Indian cinema a real celebration

Actors Matt Damon and Tom Holland, who will next be seen in director Christipher Nolan's The Odyssey, expressed their admiration for Indian cinema and audiences. In an exclusive interview with India Today, Damon praised Indian films for bringing joy to life, through dance, which is a disappearing skill set in Hollywood. While Holland compared Indian cinema lovers to a concert audience.

During their promotion of The Odyssey, Damon and Holland opened up on their fascination with Bollywood musicals. The latter also emphasised what makes the Indian film audiences unique with regard to their love for cinema.

While reacting to the stereotypes about Indian cinema about being perceived for its song, dance and colours, Damon said, "Tom is a phenomenal dancer. He could actually do a Bollywood film. I would also like to learn and do my best. I find them so fun, just the energy and the joy. The older I get, the more I will want more joy and work in my life."

Comparing Holland's dancing skills to the iconic American actor and dancer Fred Astaire, Damon said, "There used to be a skill set that our great movie stars had because the nature of films has changed in Hollywood and is disappearing. I would like to see him apply that skill set that he has."

While expressing admiration for Indian cinema and audiences, Holland added, "I think Indian cinema feels like a real celebration and I think what is amazing is the way you guys experience cinema, unlike anything I have ever seen before. I am so blessed being part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and it is so well received here (in India). I have so much fun watching you guys on YouTube, watching those fun moments in the cinema. It feels more like going to a rock concert than it does going to the cinema.

Damon and Holland play the father-son duo Odysseus and Telemachus in The Odyssey, based on Homer's ancient Greek poem. The upcoming film also features actors Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, Himesh Patel, Bill Irwin, Samantha Morton, Jesse Garcia, Will Yun Lee, Rafi Gavron, Shiloh Fernandez and Mia Goth in key roles.

The upcoming film, co-produced by Noland and Emma Thomas, is set for a worldwide theatrical release on July 17.

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