Dulquer Salmaan’s return to Malayalam cinema after three years has created quite a buzz. His new movie ‘I’m Game’ hit theaters on September 3, 2026. The film marks his first lead role in a Malayalam project since 2023’s ‘King of Kotha’. Early social media reactions are flooding in, and the response is a mixed bag.
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) are praising the first half of the movie. Many are calling it a “banger” and a “fun ride”. The fantasy element, action sequences, and Dulquer Salmaan’s performance have received widespread appreciation. However, the second half has left many viewers disappointed. Several fans feel the movie loses its grip after the interval.
Fans Celebrate First Half as a Thrilling Experience
Viewers who caught the first shows quickly took to social media to share their excitement. The first half of ‘I’m Game’ has been described as engaging and stylish. One X user wrote:
“I’M GAME — FIRST HALF A FUN RIDE! #ImGame is an overall entertaining watch with some really enjoyable moments. The VFX work stands out, while Jakes Bejoy’s music adds great energy throughout.”
Another fan highlighted the film’s presentation and praised Dulquer Salmaan’s performance. The interval block has emerged as a major highlight. The action set pieces, especially the bar fight sequence, have been called some of Dulquer’s career-best work.
The fantasy element, which the makers deliberately kept out of the trailer, has surprised many viewers. A fan shared:
“#ImGame 1st Half – Superb Trailer Really Didn’t Reveal Much About The Main Plot & Now I Understand Why. That Fantasy Element Is Actually The Key To The Whole Film.”
The technical aspects have also received praise. Jakes Bejoy’s background score, Jimshi Khalid’s cinematography, and the VFX work have been singled out as strong points.
Second Half Fails to Match the High Expectations
While the first half created a lot of excitement, the second half has drawn criticism. Many fans feel the movie becomes predictable after the interval. The flashback portions have been described as weak and disconnected.
One disappointed viewer wrote:
“#ImGame – Strictly Average. The second half completely ruined the movie. The flashback portion is the major drawback, and it lets the movie down. The climax turns into a usual revenge movie. The 1st half is still a banger, though!”
Another fan expressed their disappointment:
“#ImGame 2nd Half Below average. Followed by a good 1st half. Not everyone’s cup of tea.”
The romance track involving Kayadu Lohar’s character has also received negative feedback. Some viewers felt it did not land well. The editing in the fight sequences has been criticized as well.
A few fans were even harsher in their reviews. One person called it one of the worst films they watched this year. Another viewer criticized director Nahas Hidhayath for using violence against women and children as a tactic to evoke emotions.
Mixed Ratings and Divided Opinions
Ratings for ‘I’m Game’ vary widely across social media. Some fans have given it a 1.5/5, calling it a major disappointment. Others have been more forgiving, rating it 3-4/5 and praising the climax. The general consensus is that the film is a decent one-time watch.
Many reviewers agree that ‘I’m Game’ is technically solid but let down by a weak second half. The movie has been called “strictly average” by several viewers. The consensus middle ground is that it is a “one-time watchable” film.
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About ‘I’m Game’ – Cast, Director, and Release
‘I’m Game’ is directed by Nahas Hidhayath, who previously directed the hit film ‘RDX’. The movie features an ensemble cast including Dulquer Salmaan, Antony Varghese, Mysskin, Kayadu Lohar, Samyuktha Viswanathan, Kathir, and Vinay Forrt.
The story follows Dan John, a gambler who uses a mathematical system to place bets. After a car crash crushes his arm, he receives a hand transplant. The new hand comes with its own memories, dragging him into a cricket-betting syndicate and a dead man’s unfinished business.
The film was originally scheduled for an August 20 release but was postponed to September 3. Dulquer Salmaan explained that the delay was made to give the film a wider theatrical release. The movie released in five languages: Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada.
However, the release faced technical issues. While Malayalam shows began on time, the dubbed versions in Tamil, Telugu, and other languages were delayed. The Digital Cinema Packages were not delivered to theaters on time.
Dulquer Salmaan has also produced the film through his banner Wayfarer Films, alongside Jom Varghese. The film’s music is composed by Jakes Bejoy.
What Viewers Are Saying About Dulquer’s Performance
Despite the mixed reviews for the movie, Dulquer Salmaan’s performance has received widespread praise. Many fans have called it an “absolute DQ show”. One viewer wrote:
“Dulquer as Dan John is so cool. And Antony, Mysskin, Samyuktha all do good jobs too.”
Another fan appreciated Dulquer for taking on a challenging subject:
“Should appreciate Dulquer for taking up a challenging subject like this. It’s a difficult premise to pull off, one that could have very easily gone out of hand, but @dulQuer and @NAHASKh1 manage to keep it together.”
Some fans, however, expressed sadness about the film’s outcome. One disappointed fan wrote:
“As a DQ Fan Im really sad First of all DQ why what happen to u why u accepted this movie.”
Technical Aspects Receive Praise
The technical team behind ‘I’m Game’ has received appreciation from viewers. Jakes Bejoy’s background score has been called a major highlight. The cinematography by Jimshi Khalid and editing by Chaman Chakko have also been praised.
The VFX work stands out, and the film’s visual presentation has been compared to Hollywood movies. The action sequences, especially the pub fight and interval block, have been executed superbly.
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Final Reactions from Social Media
Social media reactions continue to pour in. Some fans are calling it a “neat commercial entertainer”. Others believe the film could have been much better.
One viewer summed up the experience:
“A decent first half with a kidu interval block, followed by an average second half. Nahas’ making is good, and the film is technically solid. Dulquer is good in the fight sequences.”
Another fan advised:
“If you’re chasing a tight, thrilling experience, watch till the interval and consider skipping the rest.”
‘I’m Game’ is currently playing in theaters worldwide. The film’s box office performance will depend on how audiences receive it beyond the opening day.
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