Better Man, the unique musical biopic of British pop icon Robbie Williams, is finally coming to India on August 29, 2025. The film, which tells Williams’ life story through a computer-generated chimpanzee, will be available on Lionsgate Play and OTTplay Premium. This unusual approach earned the movie an Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects at the 97th Academy Awards.
What Makes Better Man Different?
Unlike traditional biopics, Better Man does not use a human actor to play Robbie Williams. Instead, the singer is portrayed as a CGI chimpanzee, voiced and motion-captured by actor Jonno Davies. The film explores Williams’ journey from his early days in the boy band Take That to his massive solo career, along with his struggles with addiction, fame, and mental health.
Director Michael Gracey (known for The Greatest Showman) chose this creative approach to reflect how Williams often described himself as a “performing monkey.” Williams himself loved the idea, calling it “absolutely genius” in an interview with USA Today.
“I thought, ‘I am a lion,’ but then shifted to a monkey. And [Michael] went, ‘Yeah, so here’s the idea.’ Before the end of the sentence was out of his mouth, I’m like, ‘Yes, that, that, please.’” – Robbie Williams
When and Where to Watch in India
Indian audiences can stream Better Man starting August 29, 2025, exclusively on:
- Lionsgate Play
- OTTplay Premium
The film originally premiered at the 2024 Telluride Film Festival and was later released in theaters in the US, UK, and Australia in late 2024. It became available on Paramount+ in March 2025 before its upcoming OTT debut in India.
The Story Behind the Film
Better Man covers Williams’ rise to fame, his struggles, and his comeback. Key moments include:
- His early days in Take That
- His solo success with hits like “Angels” and “Feel”
- His battles with addiction and depression
- His return to music and connection with fans
The CGI chimpanzee is not just a gimmick—it symbolizes Williams’ chaotic, playful, and sometimes misunderstood life. The film blends real-life events with fantasy elements, making it stand out from typical music biopics like Bohemian Rhapsody or Rocketman.
Critical Reception and Awards
Despite its unusual concept, Better Man received positive reviews from critics. It holds an 88% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with praise for its visual effects and emotional depth. However, it underperformed at the box office, earning only $22.5 million against a $110 million budget.
The film was nominated for Best Visual Effects at the 2025 Oscars and won eight AACTA Awards, including Best Film and Best Direction. It also received a BAFTA nomination for its groundbreaking visuals.
Fan Reactions and Legacy
While some viewers found the chimpanzee concept hard to connect with, others called it one of the best biopics ever made.
“I’m being so for real when I say Better Man is one of the best biopics of all time and you should all watch it if you value filmography.” – Fan on X (formerly Twitter)
“Better Man is brilliant, fascinating to see a guy basically get up on stage and admit that he is worthless as an artist.” – Another fan reaction
For Robbie Williams fans, the film offers a deep, emotional, and visually stunning look at his life. For casual viewers, it’s a fresh take on the music biopic genre.
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Credits: Forbes
