Verdict: A stylish, high-energy fantasy-action thriller that works best in its inventive first half and Dulquer Salmaan’s commanding presence, though the second half settles into more familiar territory.
Pros:
Dulquer Salmaan’s energetic, stylish performance
Fresh fantasy twist and strong interval block
Impressive action, visuals, and Jakes Bejoy’s BGM
Cons:
Second half loses some momentum and feels more conventional
Emotional connect and certain supporting roles feel underdeveloped
Malayalam (also released in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada)
Genre
Action, Fantasy, Thriller
Censor Rating
UA 16+
Dulquer Salmaan returns to Malayalam cinema with this ambitious pan-India release from the director of RDX. The film hit theatres on 3 September 2026 after a short postponement to allow a wider multi-language rollout. Early audience response on platforms like BookMyShow (sitting around 8.1/10 from thousands of votes) and X has been largely positive on the technical side and lead performance, though not uniformly so.
The story follows Dan John, a fearless gambler who trusts luck and calculated risks more than anything else. His high-stakes world of sports betting and sharp instincts suddenly collides with a series of wild, unexpected events that pull him into something far bigger and stranger than he bargained for.
What starts as a slick crime-thriller vibe expands into a bigger, fantasy-tinged ride filled with action, surprises, and larger-than-life confrontations. On X and other social platforms, the first half has drawn the loudest praise.
Viewers repeatedly call out the stylish visuals, the inventive fantasy element that the trailer smartly held back, and a strong interval sequence that many describe as a “blast.” Dulquer’s screen presence and energy are the biggest talking points several early reactions label him the clear show stealer and highlight a standout action set piece as one of his career best fight moments.
Jakes Bejoy’s background score and the overall production values also get frequent mentions as elevating the experience. Supporting turns, especially Mysskin’s character and Antony Varghese’s role, draw positive notes when they appear. The second half, however, divides opinions more clearly.
Some viewers feel the film settles into a more predictable revenge-and-flashback structure that doesn’t fully match the inventive high of the opening. A few call the emotional payoff weaker or note that the runtime starts to feel stretched. Still, many say the strengths of the first half and Dulquer’s commitment keep it watchable overall, describing it as a fun theatrical ride even if it isn’t perfect.
Fans of mass entertainers, stylish action, and Dulquer’s recent screen persona will likely enjoy this the most, especially on the big screen where the scale, sound, and set pieces land best. It is less a tightly plotted drama and more a commercial package that leans into spectacle and star power.
Those looking for deep emotional layers or a consistently unpredictable story may find the later portions less satisfying. For most, it is worth catching in theatres while the energy is fresh rather than waiting for streaming.
Disclaimer: This review is based on publicly available audience reactions and discussions on X at the time of writing. Individual opinions may vary.
