Indian audiences have shown an unexpected strong interest in Michael Jackson's biopic 'Michael', days before its theatrical release. Advance bookings have shown impressive numbers, indicating strong interest from Indian fans who want to watch the legacy of the iconic popstar.
Though the film received mixed responses from critics, the advance booking report suggests a promising debut for the Hollywood biography drama in the country.
ALSO READ | Michael Jackson Biopic Release Date: When To Watch Jaafar Jackson Starrer In India?
While the Indian box office is currently busy with massive successes like Dhurandhar, Hollywood films have also earned their share from the Indian market. Recently, on March 26, 2026, Ryan Gosling's starrer Project Hail Mary was released in India.
After positive reviews from across the world, Indian audiences showered love on this sci-fi, with the film approximately collecting Rs 80 crore. While major Hollywood releases with big stars are expected to perform well at the Indian box office, Michael's strong response came as a shock.
According to Bollywood Hungama, the film debuting Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson's nephew, has sold approximately 78,000 tickets for the weekend shows and previews combined. These bookings have already crossed a gross of over Rs 3 crore.
The numbers are considered impressive for a Hollywood musical biopic in India, where such films often depend majorly on opening day performance and strong pre-release hype and marketing.
Ticket sales kicked off on Tuesday in North India, and the response has been fantastic with a big turnout from fans.
Additionally, in the South, Prasads Cinemas in Hyderabad alone has already sold a whopping 7,000 tickets, showing just how excited and enthusiastic Michael Jackson fans across the country really are. Night shows for the biopic will be available from April 23, 2026, in India ahead of its grand nationwide release.
Michael Biopic - An Exception In Indian Cinema
Hollywood biopics on famous music icons have usually struggled to attract big crowds in India. Films like Bob Marley: One Love, Bohemian Rhapsody, and Elvis didn't perform much compared to what was expected. However, Michael is turning out to be an exception. It is showing strong early interest, most likely because Michael Jackson remains the most loved and recognised Western music superstar in India, redefining his name as the 'King of Pop.'
However, though the advance booking report is shocking to several industry trade analysts, one of the major challenges Michael faces is the audience review. If the first reviews from the Indian audience is not positive, the further sale in Indian cinema may deeply be effected, especially considering the on-going hype of big Bollywood releases like Bhooth Bangla and Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge.
ALSO READ | Michael Biopic Gets Poor Reviews On Rotten Tomatoes; Fans Call Out Critics For 'Always Hating' Pop Icon
Michael Jackson has always held a very special place in the hearts of Indian fans. He is one of the most loved Western artists in the country. In 1996, his concert in Mumbai drew a massive crowd of 35,000 to 65,000 passionate fans, proving how his popularity reached across the globe.
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