Im Game Movie Review: Dulquer’s swag drives this fantasy action entertainer

Im Game, starring Dulquer Salmaan, has hit the screens today. The film promised an action-packed entertainer set against the world of gambling. However, the makers kept one of its most interesting elements, the whacky fantasy angle, away from the promotional material. This works particularly well in the first half.

Dulquer plays Dan John, a carefree rich youngster who lives by his own rules. He is passionate about gambling and dreams of making big money through it. His reckless approach lands him in trouble with financiers after he borrows a huge amount to gamble. Things take a serious turn when he gets involved in a chase with the gambling mafia and meets with a road accident.

This is where the fantasy element enters the story. The unexpected turn adds a fresh dimension to the narrative and makes the first half highly engaging. The film establishes its world well and gradually sets up Dan John’s conflict with David, played by Mysskin. The first half is easily the biggest strength of Im Game.

The second half reveals the reason behind the connection between Dulquer and Mysskin. A flashback unfolds and slowly connects the mystery. Dan John then understands why he has been pushed into a conflict with David, a person who seemingly has no connection with his life. Whether he can take revenge on David and free himself from the fantasy element forms the crux of the story.

Dulquer Salmaan is easily the best performer in Im Game. His charm, attitude and swag suit the character perfectly. At the same time, his innocence while dealing with the fantasy element adds another layer to the performance. He also gets several action moments in the second half and handles them effectively.

The film also deserves credit for Dulquer’s choice as an actor. Im Game is another example of his willingness to explore different scripts and characters. As a producer too, he deserves appreciation for mounting the film on the biggest budget in Wayfarer Films’ career so far.

Antony Varghese Pepe makes a strong impression in his role. He brings considerable intensity to the character and complements Dulquer well. Despite the film being built around Dulquer’s star presence, Pepe manages to make his presence felt.

Kayadu Lohar, Mysskin, Kathir and Samyuktha play their respective parts effectively. Each actor puts in the required effort and adds value to the roles offered to them. Mysskin, in particular, gets an interesting character as David and contributes to the film’s central conflict.

On the technical front, the cinematography and production design work well with the film’s world. Jakes Bejoy’s background score also adds energy to the action and dramatic sequences. However, the editing could have been tighter, especially in the second half, where the pacing loses some momentum.

Director Nahas Hidhayath follows the success of RDX with Im Game. The film has a cool and interesting storyline, and the fantasy angle gives it a distinct identity. However, the screenplay does not always make the best use of that idea. The second half eventually takes a more familiar route, reducing some of the freshness created by the first half.

Overall, Im Game is a neat commercial entertainer with a terrific first half and an adequate second half. The film offers action, fantasy, gambling, fun and engaging performances, with Dulquer leading the show. A little more freshness in the latter portions could have made Im Game a standout film in Dulquer Salmaan’s career. As it stands, it remains a watchable theatrical ride.

Im Game Movie Rating: 3.25/5