Chatha Pacha

Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies, A Loud, Fun Malayalam Action-Comedy Built for the Big Screen

Released on January 22, 2026, Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies (also promoted as Chatha Pacha) hits with the energy of a wrestling intro theme. It tips its hat to WWE-style showmanship, then plants the story in Fort Kochi, where the streets feel as alive as the ring. The result is a Malayalam action-comedy that keeps things big, bright, and crowd-friendly.

The film is directed by first-timer Adhvaith Nayar and produced by Reel World Entertainment, with Shihan Shoukath and Ritesh S. Ramakrishnan backing the project. At roughly 134 to 135 minutes, it sets out to mix wrestling spectacle with friendship, jokes that land, and a clear redemption arc. For many viewers, it plays like a throwback to the wrestling boom years, with a strong Kerala pulse running through every scene.

Plot Overview: Masks, Muscles, and Trouble in Mattancherry

The story follows a messy, lovable group of young men who feel more like brothers than friends. Fueled by childhood WWE dreams, they built their own underground wrestling league in the Mattancherry lanes of Fort Kochi. Arjun Ashokan and Roshan Mathew lead the charge, with Vishak Nair and Ishan Shoukath adding plenty of spark to the crew. What begins as a scrappy, for-fun setup turns into something far bigger, with rivalries, loud in-ring clashes, and problems that don’t stay inside the ropes.

It leans into the underdog sports setup, but the flavor is local and rough around the edges. Small-time rowdies and ex-cons step into flashy outfits, pick over-the-top personas, and sell every move like a main event. The shows pull in crowds, and that attention brings heat from the wrong people, including the authorities.

Survival and brotherhood sit at the center, with redemption as the long road each character has to walk. The first half keeps things light and funny, then the second half raises the stakes with more action and more emotion. The payoff lands because the film chooses friendship over solo glory.

Performances: A Cast That Brings Real Energy

Arjun Ashokan stands out as the hot-headed, driven leader. He sells both the anger and the heart, and his effort in the wrestling scenes shows. Roshan Mathew, in a role he has called one of his most physical, brings charm and humor without losing the character’s edge. His rapport with the group feels easy, which helps the friendship feel earned.

Vishak Nair and Ishan Shoukath round out the main team well, each getting moments that work, whether that’s comedy, conflict, or quieter scenes. Lakshmi Menon adds weight where it counts, and Siddique gives steady support in key parts.

The biggest crowd moment comes from Mammootty’s cameo as Walter, the mentor who steps in to guide the group. The entry is staged for maximum impact, and the star’s presence lifts the scenes instantly. Early audience chatter has pointed to that appearance as a highlight, with fans comparing the vibe to classic larger-than-life wrestling heroes.

Across the board, the cast looks trained and prepared, which keeps the wrestling from feeling silly. For a debut, Nayar also gets strong commitment from his actors, and that commitment is a big reason the film works.

Direction and Technical Work: WWE Spirit with a Kerala Backbone

Adhvaith Nayar directs with confidence and clear intent. The film borrows the fun parts of pro wrestling, big entrances, loud promos, and signature moves, then reshapes them for a grounded Kerala setting. The wrestling sequences are a major plus. The choreography feels physical and gritty, and the fights keep a good mix of sport-style movement and movie-style flair.

The cinematography captures Fort Kochi with color and texture, from tight lanes to heritage buildings to the everyday buzz of the area. That setting contrasts well with the DIY ring setups and gives the movie a look that feels its own. The pacing takes its time early on while it builds the crew and their world, then picks up hard in the second half as the rivalries sharpen.

The soundtrack comes from Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, marking their Malayalam outing with a score built for hype and momentum. The music boosts the training scenes, entrances, and emotional turns, while the background score supports the action without drowning out the dialogue.

What Works: Popcorn Fun with Heart

Chatha Pacha doesn’t pretend to be subtle. It wants to entertain, and it knows its audience. It plays well for anyone who grew up on 1990s and 2000s WWE, while still feeling fresh because of the local slang, Kerala humor, and street-level chaos. The jokes are strongest early on, especially during training bits and the first wave of rivalries, and the film usually avoids going too far into pure slapstick.

The emotional hook also helps. The brotherhood angle gives the fights meaning, and the redemption thread keeps the story from becoming only noise and punches. Add the stronger second half, the solid action, and Mammootty’s boost, and it becomes the kind of theater movie that invites cheers, laughter, and loud reactions.

Small Issues: Familiar Beats and a Slow Start

The story follows a well-known underdog path, so many turns feel easy to predict. The first half can also feel a little relaxed, which may test viewers who want action right away. A few jokes miss, and some wrestling scenes could have used tighter editing to keep the energy sharp.

Still, those issues don’t outweigh what the film does right. It chooses fun over surprise, and it delivers on that promise.

Final Verdict: A Crowd-Pleasing Ride with Wrestling Chaos

Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies gives Adhvaith Nayar a strong debut and adds a high-energy entry to Malayalam cinema. It blends wrestling-style show, committed performances, a warm brotherhood core, and a superstar cameo that matches the hype. For viewers who want a loud, heartfelt action-comedy with plenty of ring drama, this one fits the bill.

iBomma Rating: 8/10

Come for the wrestling spectacle, stay for the bond between the boys and the push toward redemption. Among this year’s releases, Chatha Pacha earns a spot as one of the most entertaining big-screen watches, where dreams get tested, friendships get stretched, and the ring becomes a place to prove something.

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