The biopic “Michael,” directed by Antoine Fuqua, continues to make headway at the box office as it nears its one-week mark in theaters. Featuring Jaafar Jackson—nephew of the late pop icon—in his acting debut, the film has faced a mixed reception from critics but has maintained a steady performance amid competition from other films in India.
Latest box office reports indicate that “Michael” garnered ₹2.30 crore net on Wednesday, with a theater occupancy of 10%, bringing its total domestic earnings to ₹23.45 crore. The film opened with ₹3.70 crore and collected ₹1.70 crore during its premieres last Thursday. It experienced growth over the weekend, achieving ₹5.25 crore on Saturday and ₹5.85 crore on Sunday. However, it recorded a dip on Monday with a collection of ₹2.25 crore before rebounding on Tuesday to earn ₹2.40 crore.
In a notable response, Dan Reed, the Emmy-winning director of “Leaving Neverland,” has publicly criticized “Michael,” asserting that it propagates a misleading portrayal of the pop icon. During an interview with Variety, Reed stated that the film diminishes the complexity of Jackson’s relationships with children, depicting him merely as an eccentric adult rather than acknowledging the serious allegations made against him.
Reed expressed discomfort with scenes portraying Jackson’s interactions with children in charitable environments, suggesting they misrepresent his intentions: “It suggests that Jackson’s engagement with children was entirely benign and motivated by nothing but philanthropy.” While he does not advocate for Jackson’s cancellation, he emphasizes the importance of respecting the narratives of those who have accused him of abuse, arguing that the film diminishes their experiences by framing them as fabrications.
In 2019, Reed’s “Leaving Neverland” premiered on HBO, detailing the accounts of Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who allege childhood abuse at the hands of Jackson. The biopic “Michael,” which was released in theaters on April 24, has since surpassed the $100 million mark in the U.S. However, criticism of the film’s narrative and its portrayal of Jackson has surfaced from various critics, who accuse the creators of sanitizing the late musician’s legacy.