Chatha Pacha Review: WWE Nostalgia Meets Indian Grit in a Ring of Heart
Chatha Pacha, India's first WWE-inspired film, dazzles with wrestling spectacle and nostalgia but stumbles in story. A must-watch for action lovers and 90s kids.
(Image: Dumtika Editorial)
Debutant director Adhvaith Nayar arrives with "Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies," fresh on the heels of Malayalam cinema’s vibrant 2026. While the cast is led by Arjun Ashokan and Roshan Mathew both coming off acclaimed performances in Malayalam indie hits the real headline is Nayar’s audacious attempt at India’s first WWE-inspired film. With Netflix streaming and box office records ringing in Kerala, there’s plenty of buzz, and Telugu audiences, who cherish high-energy action and nostalgia, are curious if this film offers anything for Andhra and Telangana fans beyond the language barrier.
Did Adhvaith Nayar deliver a knockout debut? Do Arjun Ashokan and Roshan Mathew carry the wrestling drama with force? Are the wrestling sequences up to the mark for Indian standards? And does the film have enough heart for pan-Indian audiences, including Telugu viewers? Let's figure it out with a detailed analysis.
What is it about?
"Chatha Pacha" centres on Little (Ishan Shoukath), Savio (Arjun Ashokan), and Vetri (Roshan Mathew) three Kochi youngsters bound by a shared childhood obsession with WWE, particularly The Undertaker. Years later, Little returns to his hometown with a crazy dream: building their own underground wrestling ring, fulfilling the vision of their old mentor. As they rally friends and face off against a swaggering antagonist (Vishak Nair), the film blends nostalgia with kinetic wrestling action. The drama outside the ring involves familial misunderstandings and rivalry, but inside the squared circle, the energy is electric.
Performances
Arjun Ashokan (Savio) brings raw physicality and earnestness to his role, anchoring the group dynamic. Roshan Mathew (Vetri) matches him with intensity, especially in emotional beats. Ishan Shoukath (Little) is subtle and quietly moving as the emotional core. Vishak Nair (antagonist) is a revelation charismatic, menacing, and a true scene-stealer. The supporting ensemble, including Lakshmi Menon and Siddique, inject personality into every moment, making the ring feel alive.
Technicalities
Music/Songs: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s soundtrack is pleasant but lacks memorable hooks. Background Score: Mujeeb Majeed’s BGM elevates the adrenaline in every wrestling sequence, perfectly setting the mood. Cinematography: Anend C. Chandran’s work is a highlight he captures the matches with a near live-broadcast energy, making the action immersive. Editing: The pacing is brisk in the first half but sags post-interval, with some bloat in the climax, especially during the extended cameo.
Positives
- Electrifying wrestling sequences and crowd energy
- Compelling lead and villain performances
- Gorgeous, immersive cinematography
- Nostalgia-rich setup appealing to 90s and 2000s kids
Negatives
- Thin, conventional story outside the ring
- Messy, meandering second half
- Mammootty cameo feels stretched and distracts from climax
Analysis
Adhvaith Nayar’s debut is bold in ambition, and when the film is inside the wrestling ring, it’s a visual feast something Telugu action lovers can appreciate. The emotional beats and brotherhood recall the camaraderie of Telugu sports dramas like "Guru" or "Jersey," but the narrative outside the ring never matches the kinetic highs inside. The screenplay stumbles post-interval, falling into predictable tropes familiar to Indian cinema. While the film is rooted in Kochi, its larger-than-life action and nostalgic heart have universal appeal, including for Telugu audiences who grew up idolising WWE icons. Compared to recent Telugu actioners, "Chatha Pacha" shows that Malayalam cinema is ready to step into the pan-Indian arena, even if the storytelling occasionally pulls its punches.
Final Verdict
A vibrant, nostalgia-charged spectacle that delivers in the ring but falters outside. Rating – 3/5
