Dulquer Salmaan's 'I'm Game' set to be his most stylish avatar yet, releases August 20
Synopsis
Dulquer Salmaan's long-awaited return to Malayalam cinema with 'I'm Game' is shaping up as his most style-forward project yet. Directed by Nahas Hidayath (of 'RDX' fame), shot across 100 South Indian locations, and featuring action choreography by the Anbariv Masters team behind 'Kabali' and 'KGF', the film arrives August 20 during Onam with a star ensemble including Antony Varghese, Mysskin, and Kayadu Lohar—and industry insiders say it redefines Salmaan's on-screen presence.
Key Takeaways
Dulquer Salmaan 's 'I'm Game' releases on 20 August 2024 during Onam .
The film is Salmaan 's 40th film and his return to Malayalam cinema .
Directed by Nahas Hidayath (who helmed the blockbuster 'RDX' ), shot across 100 locations in South India.
Stunt choreography by Anbariv Masters , the team behind 'Kabali' , 'KGF' , 'Vikram' , and 'Leo' .
Cast includes Antony Varghese , Mysskin , Kathir , Samyuktha Viswanathan , and Kayadu Lohar .
Music by Jakes Bejoy ; cinematography by Jimshi Khalid .
Dulquer Salmaan's upcoming Malayalam film 'I'm Game', directed by Nahas Hidayath, is reportedly shaping up to be the actor's most stylish cinematic outing to date. According to industry sources, the film—which wrapped shooting in April 2024 after being shot across 100 locations in South India—is currently in post-production and slated for release on 20 August during the Onam season.
Stylish new avatar and modern world-building
Sources close to Salmaan indicate that both the character and the film's universe have been deliberately crafted with a contemporary, high-fashion sensibility. Director Hidayath reportedly envisioned presenting the actor in a stylish new avatar, a concept that has become central to the project's identity. The first-look poster—featuring Salmaan in a striking pose with a pistol—generated immediate fan interest and underscored the film's sleek visual direction.
Star-studded ensemble and high-octane action
The film marks Salmaan's return to Malayalam cinema and his 40th film overall. The cast includes Antony Varghese, Mysskin, Kathir, Parth Thiwari, and Tamil actress Samyuktha Viswanathan in pivotal roles. In December 2024, actress Kayadu Lohar—known for her lead role in director Ashwath Marimuthu's Tamil film 'Dragon'—was welcomed to the unit. Stunt choreography is being handled by Anbariv Masters, the acclaimed action team behind 'Kabali', the 'KGF' series, 'Vikram', 'Leo', and 'Salaar'. Anbariv is reuniting with Hidayath following the action-heavy success of 'RDX'.
Production milestone and creative team
Produced by Salmaan alongside Jom Verghese, the film marks Hidayath's next venture after the blockbuster 'RDX'. The story originates from Hidayath himself, with screenplay credits going to Sajeer Baba, Bilal Moidu, and Ismail Aboobacker. Cinematography is by Jimshi Khalid, editing by Chaman Chakko, and music by Jakes Bejoy. Costume design is handled by Mashar Hamsa, with production design by Deepak Parameshwaran.
Marking a career milestone
In February 2024, the makers released a poster from the film to commemorate Salmaan's 14 years in cinema. The actor posted on Instagram:
Point of View
High-gloss action vehicle. With Anbariv's pedigree and Hidayath's post-'RDX' momentum, the film signals Salmaan's ambition to compete in the big-budget action space. The August 20 Onam release is strategic; it positions him against regional heavyweights in a season when Malayalam audiences are primed for spectacle. Whether the stylistic overhaul and action-first framing resonate with his core fanbase—who have historically favoured character-driven narratives—will be the real test.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is 'I'm Game' releasing?
'I'm Game' is set to release on 20 August 2024 during the Onam season. The film wrapped shooting in April 2024 and is currently in post-production.
Who is directing 'I'm Game'?
The film is directed by Nahas Hidayath, whose previous film 'RDX' was a blockbuster hit. 'I'm Game' marks his next venture after that success.
Is this Dulquer Salmaan's first Malayalam film in a while?
Yes, 'I'm Game' marks Dulquer Salmaan's return to Malayalam cinema. It is his 40th film overall and is being produced by Salmaan himself along with Jom Verghese.
Who handles the action choreography?
Stunt choreography is being handled by Anbariv Masters, the acclaimed action team behind major pan-Indian films such as 'Kabali', the 'KGF' series, 'Vikram', 'Leo', and 'Salaar'. Anbariv is reuniting with director Hidayath following the action success of 'RDX'.
What is the cast of 'I'm Game'?
The film stars Dulquer Salmaan in the lead, with Antony Varghese, Mysskin, Kathir, Parth Thiwari, Samyuktha Viswanathan, and Kayadu Lohar playing pivotal roles.
