The global premiere of “Michael”, the highly anticipated biopic of pop legend Michael Jackson, has sparked a wave of nostalgia and excitement across the Indian film industry. As the film hit theaters on Friday, April 24, 2026, major stars took to social media and cinemas to pay tribute to the “King of Pop.”
Anupam Kher’s Emotional Tribute
Veteran actor Anupam Kher shared a rare throwback photograph on Instagram, capturing his meeting with Michael Jackson during the singer’s historic 1996 visit to Mumbai.
-
A “Frozen” Memory: Kher described the encounter as “a feeling frozen in time,” admitting that his inner fanboy took over the moment they shook hands.
-
The “Eighth Wonder”: In a heartfelt caption, Kher hailed MJ as a phenomenon the world may never see again, calling him “God’s gift to mankind” and the “eighth wonder of the world.”
-
A Stand Against Negativity: The actor also touched upon the controversies surrounding the legend, stating that MJ’s “greatness rises far above noise and negativity.”
Allu Arjun Joins the Fans in Hyderabad
South superstar Allu Arjun, known for his own legendary dancing skills, was spotted watching the biopic at a local theater in Hyderabad.
-
Break from Filming: Despite his busy schedule filming his upcoming project “Raaka”, the actor took a break to experience the biopic alongside regular moviegoers.
-
Viral Appearance: Dressed in an all-white ensemble, images of the “Pushpa” star at the cinema quickly went viral, highlighting the cross-cultural impact of Jackson’s legacy on Indian cinema’s best dancers.
About the Film: Michael
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the biopic aims to provide an authentic look at the complex life of the global icon.
| Feature | Details |
| Lead Actor | Jaafar Jackson (Michael’s real-life nephew in his acting debut) |
| Supporting Cast | Colman Domingo (Joe Jackson), Nia Long (Katherine Jackson) |
| Timeline | Covers the Jackson 5 era through the peak of the 1980s, ending with the start of the Bad tour in 1988. |
| Global Release | Friday, April 24, 2026 |
The film is being praised for its casting, particularly Jaafar Jackson’s uncanny resemblance and performance, as it attempts to balance MJ’s artistic genius with the innocence and struggles of his personal journey.
