In one of India’s most famous theaters, there has been a fundamental change in the exhibition of films.
Hollywood film ‘Michael’ became the first non-dubbed English film to be screened at Raj Mandir Cinema, which has long been known for showing Hindi films and dubbed international films.
Undubbed Michael screening at Raj Mandir
The development represents a significant moment for both the venue and evolving audience preferences.
Located in Jaipur, Raj Mandir has a strong reputation as a premier destination for mainstream Indian cinema for decades. Often referred to as the “Pride of Asia”, the theater is recognized for its spectacular interiors and consistent focus on Hindi-language films. Traditionally, even when international films were screened, they were shown in dubbed versions to cater to a wider audience.
The screening of Michael in his original English form deviates from this pattern. The film, a biographical drama based on the life of Michael Jackson, grabbed attention not only for its subject matter but also for its India release strategy. Distributors opting for undubbed screenings at such a venue seem to be responding to a growing segment of viewers comfortable with English-language content.
Industry watchers note that audience behavior in India has been changing over the years. With the rise of digital platforms and increased exposure to global content, more and more viewers – especially in urban centers – are watching movies and series in their original language. Subtitles became widely accepted, reducing the earlier reliance on dubbed versions. This change gradually affected the theatrical exhibition as well.
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At Raj Mandir, the decision to screen Michael without dubbing is seen as a response to this trend. Theater operators said there is a growing demand for original-language screenings, especially high-quality international shows. The popularity of global pop culture figures such as Michael Jackson also contributes to audience interest, making such screenings commercially viable.
Why is this screening important?
The Raj Mandir screening suggests that this gap may be narrowing. While this does not signal a complete shift away from dubbed films, it does reflect a willingness to experiment with new formats based on audience demand. The success or acceptance of Michael locally could influence future decisions regarding similar releases.
Film distributors are also watching this development closely. A successful competition for an undubbed Hollywood film in a theater like the Raj Mandir could open up new opportunities for showing international films across a wider network of cinemas without localisation. This in turn may affect marketing strategies and distribution models in the Indian market.
At the same time, dubbed versions are expected to remain relevant, especially in regions where English proficiency is lower or where audiences prefer content in their native language. So the shift isn’t about replacement, it’s about augmentation—adding more display options rather than reducing them.
More about the movie
Michael is a 2026 American biographical drama film directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan. The film follows the life of Michael Jackson, from his early years with the Jackson 5 in the 1960s to his Bad tour in the 1980s. Jackson is played by his nephew Jaafar Jackson, while Juliano Krue Valdi portrays him as a child; both are making their screen debuts. Also starring Nia Long, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Laura Harrier, Jessica Sula, Mike Myers, Miles Teller and Colman Domingo.
The project first took shape in November 2019, when producer Graham King secured the rights to develop a film about Jackson’s life and Logan volunteered to write the script. Lionsgate Films formally announced the project in February 2022. Fuqua joined as director in January 2023, and casting began the same month with Jaafar Jackson confirmed for the lead role. Further casting continued from January to April 2024.
Production began in January 2024 after delays associated with the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, and ended in May of that year. During post-production, a clause in an earlier legal settlement led to the removal of references to the 1993 child sexual abuse allegations involving Jackson. As a result, the film’s third act was revised and reshoots were carried out in June 2025. Visual effects were handled by studios including Industrial Light & Magic.
The film premiered in Berlin on April 10, 2026, before being released on April 24 by Lionsgate in the United States and Universal Pictures in international markets. It received mostly negative reviews, with critics praising Jaafar Jackson’s performance but describing the story as “sanitized”.
