03 September,2026 04:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Dulquer Salmaan (Picture via X)
Dulquer Salmaan's much-awaited Malayalam comeback I'm Game faced a rocky start on its release day, with several viewers taking to social media to report issues at theatres. The Nahas Hidhayath-directed action thriller hit cinemas on Thursday after its release had earlier been postponed from August 20 to September 3.
The film's opening-day screenings were reportedly affected by technical and logistical problems at multiple centres. Users on X claimed that shows were delayed, while some screenings allegedly began without sound. Others reported that the film's content had not reached theatres on time, resulting in cancelled or disrupted shows.
The situation was particularly noticeable in Telugu-speaking regions, where reports emerged of screenings being cancelled. According to the , theatres in Hyderabad were among those affected after the makers failed to deliver the required Digital Cinema Packages, or DCPs, in time for scheduled shows.
Several moviegoers expressed their frustration online, questioning why tickets had been sold when theatres were reportedly not ready to screen the film. Social media posts also highlighted instances of audiences waiting for screenings to begin, only to find that the show had been delayed or cancelled.
The release-day disruption comes at a crucial time for I'm Game, which marks Dulquer's return to Malayalam cinema after his 2023 film King of Kotha. The actor's comeback has generated considerable anticipation among his fans, particularly after the film underwent a release delay.
Directed by Nahas Hidhayath, who previously helmed RDX, I'm Game features Dulquer in the lead alongside Antony Varghese, Samyuktha Viswanathan, Kathir, Mysskin and Kayadu Lohar. The film has been positioned as an action thriller with fantasy elements and is being released in multiple languages.
Despite the troubled start at some centers, the film has also received positive reactions from viewers who managed to watch it. Social media posts have praised Dulquer's performance, the film's visuals and its background score, with some calling it an entertaining experience.
The release-day issues have nevertheless added an unexpected hurdle to the film's theatrical run. With I'm Game arriving after weeks of anticipation and following a delayed release, a smooth opening was particularly important for the film and its makers. As more shows are scheduled across India, audiences will be watching to see whether the technical and screening-related problems are resolved and whether positive word-of-mouth can help the film overcome its difficult opening day.
