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Hollywood Biopic 'Michael' Stuns India with Record Ticket Sales
22 Apr
Summary
- The Michael Jackson biopic sold 78,000 tickets before its release.
- The film is expected to surpass Barbie's record for English-language releases.
- Despite mixed Western reviews, advance sales in India are exceptionally strong.
The Hollywood biopic 'Michael,' chronicling the life of Michael Jackson, is making waves in India with an unexpected surge in ticket sales. Approximately 78,000 tickets have been sold for the weekend and previews, generating over Rs. 3 crore before its official release on April 24, 2026. This performance has left the industry astonished, especially given that previous biopics of music legends had underperformed in the Indian market.
The film is poised to become the biggest Hollywood release in its original English version in India, aiming for over 1,000 screens. This number could surpass the 868 screens achieved by 'Barbie' in 2023. Advance bookings are particularly strong in IMAX versions and in Southern India, with Prasads Cinema in Hyderabad reportedly selling 7,000 tickets alone.
While 'Michael's' advance sales are robust, mixed reviews from Western critics present a potential challenge. However, this has not deterred Indian audiences so far. The success of 'Project Hail Mary' earlier in 2026 has already shown Hollywood's potential in the Indian market this year. If 'Michael' resonates with the general audience, it could be another major success.
