# Release and box office performance of ‘I’m Game’

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/release-of-dulquer-salmaan-film-im-game
> Updated: 2026-09-08T05:27:44.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 5.

The release of the Malayalam fantasy-action thriller ‘I’m Game’, starring Dulquer Salmaan and directed by Nahas Hidhayath, was rescheduled from August 20 to September 3, 2026, to facilitate a five-language rollout. The film secured a Rs 12.5 crore music rights deal with Zee Music and received a U/A 16+ certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification.

Following its debut, the film has experienced a mixed commercial and critical reception. While the Malayalam version collected approximately ₹4.3 crore net on its opening day, the film saw a significant weekday decline, including a 65.5% drop in India net collections on its fifth day compared to Sunday earnings. By its sixth day, the estimated India net collection reached approximately ₹20.50 crore, with a worldwide gross estimated between ₹41.20 crore and ₹43 crore. Kerala remains the film’s strongest market, though performance has been hindered by negative word-of-mouth regarding the second half.

Critically, the film is characterized as a superhero action drama following Dan John, a gambler who gains supernatural powers after a car accident. While reviewers praised the high-octane action and Salmaan’s screen presence, they noted a predictable plot. The narrative explores themes of greed and the betting industry, specifically through a cricket-betting subplot. Analysts have suggested that Salmaan’s opening figures in Kerala are lower than his previous Malayalam releases, potentially due to his increased focus on pan-Indian projects.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: I'm Game box office sees sharp weekday decline

Dulquer Salmaan's fantasy thriller I'm Game has seen a sharp weekday box office decline, with worldwide gross reaching approximately ₹41-43 crore amid mixed reviews.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/im-game-box-office-sees-sharp-weekday-decline

### 2026-09-04: Dulquer Salmaan’s ‘I’m Game’ debuts with superhero action and mixed box office reception

Dulquer Salmaan’s new film ‘I’m Game’ features superhero elements and high-octane action, though its opening day collection of ₹4.3 crore in Kerala has sparked debate over his home-market pull.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dulquer-salmaans-im-game-debuts-with-superhero-action-and-mixed-box-office-reception

### 2026-09-02: Dulquer Salmaan film ‘I’m Game’ faces box office risk

Dulquer Salmaan’s high-budget Malayalam film ‘I’m Game’ faces box office risks due to low pre-bookings, despite positive praise for co-star Kathir during its Chennai pre-release event.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dulquer-salmaan-film-im-game-faces-box-office-risk

### 2026-08-31: Dulquer Salmaan's I'm Game secures record music deal and censorship

Dulquer Salmaan’s upcoming film ‘I’m Game’ has secured a record-breaking Rs 12.5 crore music rights deal and received a U/A 16+ censorship certificate ahead of its September 3 release.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dulquer-salmaans-im-game-secures-record-music-deal

### 2026-08-13: Dulquer Salmaan’s ‘I'm Game’ release postponed to September 3

Dulquer Salmaan’s action film ‘I'm Game’ has been postponed from August 20 to September 3, 2026, to allow for a wider multi-language release across five Indian languages.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dulquer-salmaans-im-game-release-postponed-to-september-3

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Cite as: Release and box office performance of ‘I’m Game’. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/release-of-dulquer-salmaan-film-im-game