5 reasons why Michael is turning into a global crowd-puller

Despite a wave of lukewarm critical reviews and high-budget production hurdles, Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, has set the global box office on fire. Starring Jaafar Jackson in a career-defining debut, the film defied industry sceptics by raking in Rs 25 crore gross so far in India, $97 million domestically in the US and $217 million worldwide in its opening.

In doing so, it shattered the record for the biggest opening weekend for a musical biopic, previously held by Straight Outta Compton (2015 film on hip-hop group N.W.A.) For Lionsgate, this marks their most significant triumph since then.

While critics argue over the film’s narrative choices, the audience's verdict is clear: Michael Jackson remains the ultimate King of Pop.

Here are the five key reasons why the film is drawing massive crowds to the theatres (apart from Jaafar Jackson, of course).

1. CROWD FILM, NOT CRITICS' DARLING

In the world of cinema, there is often a wide chasm between what critics value and what the public craves. Critics have argued that Michael offers a "sanitised" portrait, ending before Jackson was accused of child molestation.

Jackson, who died in 2009, denied all allegations. Audiences, however, have responded differently. The film earned an A-minus grade in CinemaScore exit polls, a sign that it may continue to hold well in cinemas.

Much like the Indian film industry’s Dhurandhar entertainers, Michael prioritises emotional beats and nostalgia over a gritty documentary style. Despite a staggering $200 million budget and costly late-stage edits to remove legally sensitive material, the film’s "feel-good" energy has successfully united fans across generations, proving that for many, nostalgia is more potent than a "warts-and-all" expose.

2. MUSIC DOES THE HEAVY LIFTING

Viewers don’t go to watch a musical biopic just for the movie; they go for a concert-like experience. Following the footsteps of Bohemian Rhapsody and Elvis, Michael leans heavily into Jackson's high-octane recreations of iconic performances like Billie Jean, Thriller and Beat It, tapping into the same pulse.

These aren’t just scenes; they are centrepieces. The film was built for the IMAX format, which accounted for $24.5 million of its global haul, marking the format’s biggest start for a musical biopic.

In a market like India, where "larger-than-life" visuals and high-fidelity sound are paramount, the opportunity to witness the moonwalk on a massive screen with a room full of cheering fans is a major draw.

And as analysts note, the communal energy of a theatre is the perfect match for music-centric cinema.

3. A FAN BASE THAT HAS STAYED LOYAL

The debate over separating art from artist has followed Jackson for years, but several projects linked to his music have already shown that his fan base is willing to return.

The Jackson estate, which also produced Michael, had encouraging precedents in the Broadway musical MJ, the Cirque du Soleil production One and the 2009 concert film This Is It. Obviously, none of them dealt with the allegations against him.

The film’s ending also makes clear that more may follow. The words “His story continues” appear on-screen, and the studio is expected to move ahead with at least one more film. That leaves an obvious question for any sequel covering the years marked by scandal and controversy.

4. A STUDIO ON A WINNING STREAK

The film has landed at a useful moment for Lionsgate studio. By the end of 2024, the studio had endured a string of disappointments, including Borderlands, a reboot of The Crow and the Wonder prequel White Bird. Since last autumn, though, it has rebounded with The Long Walk ($62 million), Now You See Me: Now You Don’t ($243 million) and The Housemaid ($400 million).

Lionsgate chair Adam Fogelson highlighted a shift in strategy: focusing on "the joy of the communal experience." By positioning Michael as an event that is best enjoyed with friends rather than alone on a streaming platform, the studio has tapped into the same "event cinema" culture that drives blockbusters in India and globally.

P.S. The Housemaid worked big globally but did not make a notable impact at the Indian box office. Its success was driven largely by overseas markets and domestic (US) collections, rather than India.

5. PERFECT TIMING IN A HEALTHY MARKET

From the Hollywood perspective, cinema owners often say they need fresh releases throughout the year and not just in summer or during Christmas. Michael did not have to restart the habit of going to the movies. Auditoriums had already been busy through the spring with titles such as Scream 7, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Project Hail Mary.

The hope now is that audiences stay in that rhythm as cinemas head towards The Devil Wears Prada 2, followed by Mortal Kombat 2 and The Mandalorian and Grogu.

Meanwhile, with no major releases lined up for the next couple of weeks, the film is enjoying a relatively clear runway at the Indian box office – a factor that could significantly boost its prospects.

All eyes are now on how it sustains this momentum in the days ahead. At the moment, its only competition in the domestic market comes from Bhooth Bangla and Dhurandhar: The Revenge, both of which cater to a very different audience segment.

For now, Michael has once again shown that poor reviews do not always decide a film’s fate. Star power, familiar songs, a loyal fan base, a studio on a stronger commercial streak and a healthy theatrical market have all combined to turn the film into one of the year’s biggest early box-office stories.