Dulquer Salmaan is back in Malayalam cinema, and his latest outing, I’m Game, has opened to a mixed response from moviegoers. The Nahas Hidhayath directorial, which hit theatres on Thursday, has found plenty of appreciation on social media, particularly for its first half, action sequences, music, visuals and Dulquer’s performance. However, some viewers feel the film loses steam in the second half.
Netizens react to Dulquer Salmaan’s I’m Game
Early reactions on X suggest that the film starts on a strong note. Several viewers have described the first half as engaging and praised the way the makers have blended commercial elements with fantasy. The film’s VFX, background score and distinctive treatment have also emerged as talking points, while the bar fight sequence and interval block have been singled out for praise.
#ImGame Superb First half, followed by an Decent Second half 🤝
The film is a template of Horror films which we have witnessed in many films, but where it’s differes was the unique fantasy element, treatment and screenplay🔥
One more NEAT commerical entertainer from the… pic.twitter.com/IKaLspDc3G
— AmuthaBharathi (@CinemaWithAB) September 3, 2026
#ImGame has a superb first half 🔥
The concept is really cool, and Nahas has executed it really well. Dulquer is full of energy, and the film has the emotional connection that a proper mass movie needs.
The action set piece in the first half is already DQ’s career best fight… pic.twitter.com/KwECaG3SPy
— Mohammed Ihsan (@ihsan21792) September 3, 2026
The fantasy element appears to be one of the film’s biggest draws. While I’m Game uses elements familiar to horror and commercial cinema, audiences have noted that its fantasy-driven treatment gives the story a different flavour. One section of viewers has particularly appreciated the concept and the way Hidhayath has handled the first half.
#ImGame ⭐⭐⭐.5/5
A Superb & Intriguing Fantasy Commercial Entertainer! 🔥
Unexpected fantasy elements, Engaging first half & a terrific Dulquer–Mysskin face-off keep the game ON! 🎮💥#DulquerSalmaan pic.twitter.com/LYfJnkvaic
— CinemaXverse (@CinemaXverse) September 3, 2026
#IMGame opened with unanimously positive reviews all around. After first show, most of Malayalam audience is happy and calling it peak cinema experience from Mollywood prince @dulQuer
Music, editing and well-crafted first half getting praises all around. Now I am even more… pic.twitter.com/7gXC5xgvOJ
— Parth Chaturvedi (@_mrchaturvedi) September 3, 2026
Dulquer, meanwhile, has been receiving his share of applause. The actor plays Dan John, a gambler who relies on a mathematical betting system and finds himself caught in a high-stakes situation. Early viewers have praised his energy and screen presence, with some calling the action portions among the highlights of his career.
#ImGame had a banger first half, no doubts! 🔥
Second half gets into the usual revenge drama, with another actor getting more screen time than DQ.
But once the focus shifts to DQ, he takes the responsibility on his shoulders and literally rescues the movie! 🔥
A Good Watch ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/3u6KBDY8UU
— razi 🇮🇳 (@iamrazi18) September 3, 2026
But the second half appears to be where opinions become divided. Some viewers felt that the film slips into a familiar flashback-and-revenge template, making portions predictable and affecting the overall impact. One reaction labelled the film “strictly average”, citing the flashback section and conventional climax as its major drawbacks. Others, however, felt that Dulquer’s performance and the background score help the film regain momentum.
All about I’m Game
Directed by Hidhayath, who previously helmed RDX, I’m Game features an ensemble cast including Antony Varghese, Mysskin, Kayadu Lohar, Samyuktha Viswanathan, Kathir and Vinay Forrt. Dulquer has also backed the film under his Wayfarer Films banner.
The film was initially scheduled to release on August 20 but was postponed to avoid a crowded Onam release window. Now that it is in theatres, the early word suggests that I’m Game has an intriguing concept and a strong first half, even if its second half has left some viewers wanting more.
