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' DARLINGIn 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 LIFTINGViewers 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 LOYALThe debate over separating art from....