Dulquer Salmaan’s I’m Game hit theatres on Thursday, marking his return to Malayalam cinema after King of Kotha.
However, the film got off to a troubled start, with several moviegoers and theatre representatives reporting technical issues, delayed content delivery and cancelled shows.
Social media users in Kerala posted videos from screenings where the film reportedly faced sound problems and playback interruptions.
In one clip, the frame appeared to freeze, while audience members could be heard expressing frustration.
Some viewers also claimed that scenes were played out of order, adding to the confusion during the screening.
The issues were not limited to Kerala. A representative from Prasads Multiplex in Hyderabad said the Malayalam version was screening as scheduled but without subtitles, while a Telugu morning show had been cancelled.
A Chennai theatre representative also posted that the film’s content had been received and loaded, but subtitles for the morning show were still not confirmed just minutes before the scheduled screening.
Several social media posts further claimed that while the Malayalam version reached theatres on release morning, Telugu, Tamil and Hindi versions faced delays.
Some users criticised the makers for last-minute digital content deliveries, arguing that delayed DCPs and technical issues put unnecessary pressure on theatres and affect the film’s opening-day reputation.
Directed by Nahas Hidhayath, I’m Game is co-written by Sajeer Baba, Ismail Aboobacker and Bilal Moidu.
The film is produced by Dulquer Salmaan and Jom Varghese under the Wayfarer Films banner.
Apart from Dulquer, the film stars Antony Varghese, Mysskin, Kayadu Lohar, Samyuktha Viswanathan, Kathir, Vinay Forrt and Parth Tiwari in key roles.
