Dulquer Salmaan’s Malayalam comeback film I’m Game is set for an August 20 theatrical release, positioned as a major Onam festival entertainer. Co-produced by Dulquer and directed by RDX-fame Nahas Hidhayath, the gangster-themed drama hints at international settings, gambling motifs and high-octane action.
Dulquer Salmaan's upcoming Malayalam film locks August 20 as its release date. "The countdown ends and the real game begins! 'I’m Game' is locked, loaded, and arriving in theaters this August 20 for the ultimate Onam celebration! Get ready to witness the magic on the big screen. #ImGameMovie #August20 #FestivalEntertainer," wrote Dulquer on X.
I'm Game, which is being co-produced by Dulquer Salmaan himself, is directed by RDX-fame Nahas Hidhayath as his second film. Antony Varghese, Tamil actor-director Mysskin, Kayadu Lohar, Kathir, Parth Tiwari and Tamil actress Samyuktha Viswanathan are cast in pivotal roles
The film's first poster, which was out a while ago, implied the backdrop of a gangster drama, with the star adjusting his glasses as what appears to be his character getting ready to shoot someone. His blood-soaked right hand gives us the notion that he could be resting after what looks like an attack. He is flanked on either side by armed men and women, all foreigners, pointing guns at him, suggesting that the film could be set in International waters. A theme of gambling can also be surmised from these images.
The film marks the star's comeback to Malayalam after the 2023 film King of Kotha, which received mixed reviews. He was seen in a cameo in Lokah Chapter One: Chandra, which he had also produced. This film went on to become the biggest ever hit of Malayalam cinema. The actor has since acted in Lucky Bhaskar in Telugu and Kaantha in Tamil. The story of I'm Game is by the director Nahas, with Bilal Moidu, Ismail Aboobacker and Sajeer Baba working on the screenplay. Dialogues are by Shahabas Rasheed and Adarsh Sukumaran. Cinematographer Jimshi Khalid, music director Jakes Bejoy, editor Chaman Chakko, and action choreographers Anbariv form the remaining core crew.
Dulquer had most recently spoken at length about his career and the influence of his father, Mammootty, in an interview with THR India. "I grew up around my father, who was one of six kids, seeing a lot of struggles around the rest of the family. It was drilled into my head that it was a rare lottery that your dad had won, and this isn’t sustainable," he told THR India, in an interview.
Having seen his father at various junctures in life, living with the fear of it all ending, Dulquer learnt the merit in being responsible. "I don’t think there was a lot of security for actors. You’ve seen great careers come down; he saw a lot of his peers in the '80s lose their careers, and I remember him hating ageing during every milestone birthday of his. He kept thinking his time as a lead actor was coming down, but he’s still at it."