MUMBAI: The biopic Michael is striking an unexpected high note in India, clocking over Rs 3 crore in advance bookings and selling around 78,000 tickets for its opening weekend, a rare feat for Western music biopics in the country.
Films based on global music icons such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Elvis and Bob Marley: One Love have historically struggled to move beyond niche urban audiences in India. In contrast, Michael appears to be bucking the trend, fuelled by the enduring popularity of Michael Jackson.
Industry observers point to the singer’s deep cultural imprint in India, from influencing Hindi cinema choreography to shaping street dance culture through the 1980s and 1990s. That nostalgia, combined with a big-screen treatment positioned more like an event film akin to Oppenheimer, has widened its appeal.
Another major draw is Jaafar Jackson, who plays his uncle in the film. Early audience reactions highlight curiosity around his ability to mirror Jackson’s signature style, with many praising the physical and vocal resemblance.
However, while audiences are turning up, critics have been far less enthusiastic. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film’s score has hovered between 27 per cent and 34 per cent, placing it firmly in “rotten” territory.
Reviews have largely applauded Jaafar Jackson’s performance as the film’s standout element, but have criticised the narrative for playing it safe. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, the film has been described by critics as more of a polished compilation of musical moments than a deeply layered character study.
Some reviewers have also pointed to the influence of the Jackson estate, suggesting the film avoids delving into more controversial chapters of the singer’s life. Others have likened it to a “greatest hits” reel, visually rich but lacking emotional depth between performances.
Despite the mixed critical reception, the film’s commercial prospects remain strong. The scale of production, the global appeal of Jackson’s music and the intrigue around Jaafar’s portrayal appear to be outweighing concerns about storytelling.
For India, the early numbers signal a shift. A Western music biopic drawing mainstream attention is no small feat, and Michael seems to be dancing past the usual box office barriers, powered by nostalgia, spectacle and a legacy that still resonates.
