‘I’m Game’ Review - Dulquer Salmaan Steals the Show

Directed by Nahas Hidayath and starring Dulquer Salmaan, ‘I’m Game’ hit screens on September 3. The film follows Dan John, a young businessman addicted to gambling. After losing a huge amount of money through betting, Dan meets with an accident and loses his right hand. Doctors later transplant another person’s hand onto him, but things take an unexpected turn when the hand begins moving and acting independently. When it attempts to attack David (Mysskin) at a betting centre, Dan is forced to uncover the mystery behind the hand, its unusual power and its connection to David.

The film’s central idea is fresh, and director Nahas Hidayath manages to make the first half engaging after a relatively slow opening. The sequences involving Dan and his uncontrollable hand provide plenty of humour, action and suspense, with the pre-interval stretch emerging as one of the film’s highlights. However, the second half loses some momentum once Vicky’s (Antony Varghese) flashback begins. The cricket-based portions feel familiar, the emotional drama does not land strongly, and a few scenes appear stretched. The climax brings the film back on track with engaging action involving Dan and the mysterious hand.

Dulquer Salmaan delivers a strong performance as Dan, particularly in the scenes where he has to fight against his own hand. Antony Varghese performs well within his role, while Mysskin’s character offers little novelty. Kayadu Lohar and Samyuktha Viswanathan are adequate in their respective parts. Jakes Bejoy’s music elevates several sequences, while Jimshi Khalid’s cinematography adds to the film’s visual appeal. A tighter runtime, especially in the second half, could have made the film considerably sharper.

Strengths: Dulquer Salmaan’s performance, first half, pre-interval sequences
Weaknesses: Runtime, stretched portions in the second half

Verdict: ‘I’m Game’ delivers a strong first innings, but the second half loses some of its grip.