I’m Game Twitter Reviews: Dulquer Salmaan Wins Praise, but Viewers Point to One Big Problem After Interval…

Dulquer Salmaan is back on the big screen with I’m Game, and the first wave of audience reactions has started pouring in following the film’s worldwide theatrical release on September 3.

Directed by Nahas Hidhayath, best known for RDX, the film arrives with considerable expectations, particularly because it marks Dulquer’s first Malayalam film as a lead actor since King of Kotha in 2023.

While Dulquer also appeared in a cameo in Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra in 2025, I’m Game brings him back to the centre of a Malayalam theatrical release.

So, has the comeback lived up to the hype?

Early reactions suggest the answer is somewhat complicated.

Viewers Praise the First Half, But the Second Half Divides Opinion

Initial audience responses to I’m Game have been largely mixed to positive.

A recurring point in early reviews is the film’s first half, which several viewers have found engaging and entertaining.

The momentum appears to become less consistent after the interval, however.

Some early viewers have described portions of the second half as predictable, suggesting that the film begins revealing its cards too easily as the story moves towards its conclusion.

One particular section attracting discussion is a flashback involving Antony Varghese’s character.

While the sequence adds more context to the story, some viewers feel it interrupts the film’s momentum and slows down a narrative that had previously moved at a stronger pace.

Dulquer Salmaan’s Performance Gets a Thumbs-Up

If there is one element receiving relatively consistent appreciation, it is Dulquer Salmaan’s performance.

The actor appears comfortable at the centre of the film’s gambling and sports-betting world, with audiences praising his screen presence and performance.

That will come as encouraging news for Dulquer fans who have been waiting to see him return as the lead of a Malayalam feature.

The actor has also taken on responsibilities behind the camera.

Besides playing the central character, Dulquer Salmaan has produced I’m Game under his Wayfarer Films banner alongside Jom Varghese.

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That makes the project particularly significant for the star, both creatively and commercially.

Jakes Bejoy’s Music Emerges as Another Highlight

The film’s technical execution has also received attention in early reactions.

In particular, Jakes Bejoy’s music is being singled out as one of the movie’s stronger elements.

The score adds energy to the film’s high-stakes setting, complementing a story built around gambling and sports betting.

The technical crew includes Jimshi Khalid as cinematographer, Chaman Chakko as editor and Ajayan Chalissery as production designer.

Robert Miller serves as the film’s sports choreographer.

With its gambling backdrop and stylish presentation, the technical departments play an important role in establishing the atmosphere that I’m Game needs to sustain

Who Else Stars in I’m Game?

Although Dulquer is the film’s biggest attraction, I’m Game features a sizeable ensemble cast.

The movie also stars Kayadu Lohar, Mysskin, Kathir, Samyuktha Viswanathan and Vinay Forrt, among others.

The screenplay has been written by Sajeer Baba, Bilal Moidu and Ismail Aboobacker.

The dialogues are credited to Adarsh Sukumaran, Shabas Rasheed and Sajeer Baba.

The combination of Dulquer’s star power, Nahas Hidhayath’s direction and the film’s unusual world of betting had helped generate curiosity well before its theatrical arrival.

I’m Game Originally Had a Different Release Plan

Interestingly, I’m Game was initially expected to arrive during the highly competitive Onam festival season.

At that stage, it was positioned alongside major Malayalam releases including Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Khalifa and the Nivin Pauly-Mamitha Baiju starrer Bethlehem Kudumba Unit.

The makers eventually decided to step away from the crowded Onam race and moved the film to a September 3 worldwide release.

That decision gives I’m Game a different theatrical window, but the real test now begins at the box office.

Can Dulquer Salmaan Turn Early Buzz Into Box Office Numbers?

Audience word-of-mouth could become crucial over the next few days.

The early response contains enough positives to work in the film’s favour particularly appreciation for Dulquer Salmaan, the first half, music and technical presentation.

At the same time, criticism surrounding the predictability of the second half and the pacing of the flashback portions could influence how strongly the film holds after its opening day.

For a theatrical release, the first weekend will offer a much clearer indication of whether the positive reactions outweigh those concerns.

For now, I’m Game appears to have given Dulquer fans plenty to discuss.

The star may have returned to Malayalam cinema in a lead role after a long gap, but the bigger question remains unanswered: Will I’m Game emerge as Dulquer Salmaan’s next theatrical winner, or will its second-half issues hold it back?