It has been a little over a month since I’m Game, starring Dulquer Salmaan and directed by Nahas Hidhayath, arrived in theatres. The film had considerable expectations riding on it, particularly with Dulquer also backing the project through his production house Wayfarer Films. However, its theatrical run did not unfold as hoped, with the film reportedly earning around Rs 48 crore worldwide, according to box office tracker Sacnilk.

While the film’s performance has prompted considerable discussion among audiences, Dulquer has now addressed some of the criticism directed at I’m Game and its production. Interacting with users on X on Wednesday, the actor-producer offered a candid perspective on what can happen behind the scenes of a large-scale film production.

Dulquer Salmaan Responds To Criticism Of I’m Game

Several users used the interaction to share their disappointment with the film. One user described I’m Game as “valare shokam (extremely disappointing)” while urging Dulquer to come up with a much better film next time.

Responding to the criticism, Dulquer acknowledged the sentiment while pointing out that audiences are often unaware of the circumstances surrounding a production. “It’s sweet that you care. But there are many things that happen that you are not aware of. That sometimes can be out of the control of the best intended production house also. Anyway we will only keep striving to do our best.”

Another user referred to a previous discussion about the film and argued that Wayfarer Films had “messed up the project”. Dulquer did not dismiss the criticism, instead acknowledging that there was merit to the assessment.

“I’m not saying you were wrong in your analysis. You were mostly right. And trust me we are aware of all of it. But there are just times when from our end we can do everything right. But outside factors or other circumstances can turn those upside down.”

The actor’s comments offer an interesting insight into the challenges of mounting a film, particularly one involving a sizeable production team. While audiences primarily experience a finished film, the process of arriving at that final product involves numerous creative and logistical decisions.

Dulquer Says He Will Stand By His Team

Dulquer went on to question the tendency to assess the entire filmmaking process purely through the outcome. “It’s easy to analyse an end product or result. But it takes 2-300 people to make a film. It’s never easy. Never simple. And never something you can apply formulae or academics to.”

I read through it. I’m not saying you were wrong in your analysis. You were mostly right. And trust me we are aware of all of it. But there are just times when from our end we can do everything right. But outside factors or other circumstances can turn those upside down. It’s easy to analyse an end product or result. But it takes 2-300 people to make a film. It’s never easy. Never simple. And never something you can apply formulae or academics to. No production house or actor in world cinema intends to make mistakes or a bad film. In life has everything gone the way you intended ? So imagine an entity that operates with an internal team and multiple external teams. I’ll always stand by my team and if you want to blame someone you can blame me.

— Dulquer Salmaan (@dulQuer) October 7, 2026

The actor-producer also stressed that making a film is not a process in which anyone deliberately sets out to fail. “No production house or actor in world cinema intends to make mistakes or a bad film,” he said, while acknowledging that decisions can sometimes go wrong. For Dulquer, the experience appears to have reinforced the unpredictable nature of filmmaking. A production can involve multiple departments, external collaborators and creative decisions, all of which ultimately have to come together on screen. Even when a team believes it has made the right choices, circumstances beyond its control can alter the outcome.

He further explained that Wayfarer Films operates through a combination of its internal team and several external teams, making the filmmaking process even more complex. Rather than distancing himself from the criticism, Dulquer chose to take responsibility for the production.

“Imagine an entity that operates with an internal team and multiple external teams. I’ll always stand by my team and if you want to blame someone you can blame me,” he said.

For a film that failed to meet expectations at the box office, Dulquer’s response is notable for neither dismissing the criticism nor placing the blame solely on individual members of the team. Instead, the actor-producer has acknowledged the shortcomings while making it clear that Wayfarer Films intends to learn from the experience and continue striving to get its films right.

Also Read: Prabhas Recalibrates His Date Diary After Fauzi Postponement

Veteran actor Nana Patekar passed away on Thursday at the age of 75. According to reports, the actor was found unconscious at his residence in Goa and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead.

Nana’s demise has left the film fraternity mourning the loss of one of Indian cinema’s most respected performers. Among those remembering the veteran actor is Shah Rukh Khan, who shared a heartfelt note with a throwback picture with the late actor on social media, recalling his first interaction with Nana and the lessons he carried with him over the years.

Shah Rukh remembered Nana for his candid personality and his ability to say exactly what he felt, without worrying about how his words would be received. Recalling their first meeting, the actor revealed that Nana immediately corrected him when he tried to style his hair like a Bollywood hero.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Filmfare (@filmfare)

Taking to Instagram, Shah Rukh wrote, “When I first met him, out of awe and awkwardness I fiddled with my hair. He slapped my hand away and said ‘hero ki tarah Baal mat bana…tu actor hai’!”

Reflecting on Nana’s straightforward nature, Shah Rukh added that the veteran actor was never one to offer unnecessary praise or say things simply to please someone. “He didn’t flatter you. He didn’t tell you what you wanted to hear. He told you what you needed to hear,” he wrote.

Remembering his personality, he wrote, “That was Nana. Straightforward. Rough, honest and had the most beautiful smile.”

In his tribute, Shah Rukh also recalled Nana’s memorable advice to him, “Hero banne ke chakar mein actor mat khona.”

For Shah Rukh, Nana was more than a celebrated actor. He remembered him as a mentor, critic and friend, while also fondly recalling their carrom games, where Nana was an unbeatable champion.

Also Read: Nana Patekar’s Filmfare Award-Winning Performances