Dulquer Salmaan’s Malayalam comeback takes time but finds groove | ‘I’m Game’ review
Published: September 03, 2026 12:39 PM IST
Updated: September 03, 2026 04:51 PM IST
‘Dulquer Salmaan makes his acting return in ‘I’m Game’ after a three-year break, choosing a fantasy genre he hasn’t explored much recently, which has generated considerable interest.’,
‘While ‘I’m Game’ initially takes its time to establish its genre and intent, it eventually becomes an entertaining and engaging film, particularly after the introduction of a key character beyond the protagonist.’,
‘The film is commended for its experimental nature and willingness to take risks with an unusual concept and unconventional premise, reminiscent of S S Rajamouli’s ‘Eega’, ultimately offering something different to audiences.’
Though Dulquer Salmaan has remained active in Malayalam cinema as a producer, backing the highly successful ‘Lokah’ last year, ‘I’m Game’ marks his return to acting after a three-year hiatus. His comeback, therefore, carries a certain curiosity, made even more intriguing by his choice of a fantasy film, a genre he has not explored extensively in recent years.
Directed by Nahas Hidayat in his sophomore outing, ‘I’m Game’ takes its own time to establish itself. The film initially keeps its genre and intent deliberately elusive, requiring some patience before its world begins to take shape. However, once it settles into its rhythm, it emerges as an entertaining and engaging ride.
The initial portions can give the impression of an overly ambitious, distant big-budget movie conceived primarily as a vehicle for a pan-Indian star. That perception, however, changes when an important character beyond Dulquer Salmaan’s Dan John enters the narrative. The character brings an entirely different dimension to the film and becomes central to its larger appeal.
At its core, ‘I’m Game’ is an experiment built around an unusual concept. Its approach brings to mind S S Rajamouli’s ‘Eega,’ which famously built an entire narrative around a housefly and gave the seemingly improbable protagonist considerable character and emotional weight. ‘I’m Game’ similarly attempts to find dramatic possibilities in an unconventional premise, giving the film an identity of its own.
Dulquer Salmaan’s choice of projects in recent years has increasingly reflected a willingness to move beyond familiar territory. Films such as ‘King of Kotha’ and ‘Lucky Baskhar’ have seen him explore different shades as an actor, and ‘I’m Game’ continues that effort. There is a certain assuredness in the way he approaches Dan John, particularly as the writing gradually gives the character more room to reveal himself.
The technical departments also complement the film’s ambitious vision. Jakes Bejoy’s music contributes significantly to the atmosphere, while the cinematography remains controlled despite the scale and variety of the world being presented.
The film deserves credit for taking risks with its subject and treatment. The early portions, with their casino, underworld elements and unfamiliar world-building, may initially appear somewhat disconnected from the sensibilities of the mainstream Malayalam audience. Yet, as the narrative progresses, these elements begin to acquire greater purpose, with the film gradually finding an emotional core beneath its fantasy premise.
‘I’m Game’ may not be an immediately accessible fantasy film, but its willingness to experiment and venture into unfamiliar territory makes it an interesting addition to Malayalam cinema. The first half, in particular, sets up the promise of a film that could offer something different to audiences looking for an unconventional fantasy entertainer.