It doesn’t matter if it’s bad or good – if you are a Michael Jackson fan, you will like the experience of watching the most awaited biopic of the year so far – Michael.
Review by Rajeshwari Kalyanam
Michael, the most anticipated biopic of the year, arrives at a time when music biopics continue to draw global audiences after the success of films like Bohemian Rhapsody, raising expectations of both spectacle and truth.
First Impressions: Jaafar Jackson as MJ
To begin with, even though you wish you had a better beginning to the biopic, you can’t help but cry in delight when you first see Jaafar Jackson as MJ prepping for his show. In addition to the close resemblance, Jaafar got most of the mannerisms, and especially the dance, so right that one can’t help but nod to what must have been so much hard work.
A Family-Backed Biopic
The biopic Michael is primarily a family affair, with the Jackson brothers backing it, Jaafar Michael Jackson’s nephew playing the legend, and it being bankrolled by the Jackson Estate via John Branca, his manager (who was expelled at least twice and was rehired by Michael just before his death) and estate executor, along with co-executor John McClain, led by Graham King, the name behind some very successful biopics – for example, Bohemian Rhapsody.
So, if anything, you would expect a sanitised version of the biopic. And what you get is a one-sided chronology of events, with reproduction of existing footage in a new cinematic form, with a bit of personal history, anecdotes that his followers have known or read about, his penchant for pets, abusive childhood, passion for dancing, and unique talent which made him the King of Pop.
Timeline and Narrative Gaps
The story that starts with MJ’s childhood and his stage shows with Jackson 5 ends in 1983, as far as Michael – the 2026 biopic – is concerned.
The movie makes a few significant exclusions: his marriages, the controversies on child abuse, his legal battles and acquittal, and the tabloid war on Michael Jackson. While there are indications of how and when he started using painkillers that eventually became his addiction, his skin condition, etc., make their way into the narrative, raw, real events that shaped his life and health are left out making the biopic feel shallow.
To give the makers due credit, the film did try to bring in the child abuse scandal, but legalities came in the way, and a portion of the film had to be shot again.
What the Film Leaves Out
The film deliberately avoids several defining chapters of Michael Jackson’s life: His marriages, The child abuse allegations and trials, The intense tabloid and media scrutiny, The full extent of his personal and psychological struggles
This absence creates a version of the story that feels curated rather than complete.
Why Fans Will Love It
Critically analysed, the film has many gaps, deeming it a failure as a biopic. But from the point of view of fans, Michael is a celebration of their pop hero, who travelled the world like no other, in fame and in person. In bringing this memory alive, the lead actor Jaafar and the team behind recreating the concert scenes deserve credit. Beat It, Billie Jean, the Thriller album – the behind the scenes of making of these legendary productions is a delight to watch.
Why Critics Are Divided
The film’s selective storytelling and omission of major controversies make it feel incomplete, especially for viewers expecting a deeper, more balanced portrayal of the artist’s life.
Nostalgia and Emotional Connect
Watching the film was like going back in time, rejoicing in the musical greatness of this performer who truly brought the world together in singing “Make It a Better World.” It brought context to the songs he penned in reaction to society and the world around us. It showed the sensitive, conscious side of Michael that made him so relatable to his fans across the world. It showcased the passion and single-mindedness in pursuing music, which made him the biggest single-person enterprise of his time.
The Missing Side of Michael Jackson
But Michael Jackson is not just this person – there is also the other side that went through a whole lot of mental trauma post his success too. The humiliation of a trial, the yellow media trial that almost destroyed the pop star and his career, and how he continued to make music until his end.
One wishes there comes a time when Michael Jackson’s biopic is made in its true sense. However, with the many legal complications, one feels that is a far-fetched probability. Or, like MJ said – if you see it, you can do it.
Michael Review
A visually rich and emotionally engaging tribute that works as a fan experience, but avoids the complexities that defined Michael Jackson’s life.
Rating 3/5
Where to Watch Michael in Hyderabad
Best to watch Michael on 4D or with good Dolby acoustics
Michael is running across major multiplex chains in Hyderabad including:
- PVR Cinemas
- INOX Movies
- AMB Cinemas
- Prasads Multiplex
