Chatha Pacha Movie Review: Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies (often marketed as Chatha Pacha) is a 2026 Malayalam action-comedy film released today (January 22, 2026). Directed by debutant Adhvaith Nayar, it stars Arjun Ashokan, Roshan Mathew, Vishak Nair, and Ishan Shoukath in lead roles, with a notable cameo by Mammootty. The story follows a group of misfits and brothers in Fort Kochi who form an underground WWE-style wrestling club, blending high-energy pro-wrestling action, humor, nostalgia, and some drama amid rivalries and challenges.
The film draws heavily from WWE-inspired spectacle—think costumed characters, dramatic entrances, intense staged fights, and over-the-top entertainment—set against a local Kochi backdrop.
Critical Reception (as of release day)
Reviews are mixed, with praise for the action and technical aspects but criticism for the screenplay and emotional depth:
- Strengths — The wrestling sequences are a major highlight. Many reviewers call them stylish, well-choreographed, thrilling, and true to WWE dynamics. The film captures the fun, chaotic energy of pro-wrestling nostalgia effectively. Technical elements like cinematography, costumes, BGM, stunts, and visuals are consistently appreciated. Performances (especially Vishak Nair’s swag as the antagonist, and the leads’ chemistry) and humor land well for many, making it a solid “popcorn entertainer” or theatrical experience with zero cringe moments in some views. It’s described as entertaining when focused on fights and fun.
- Weaknesses — The narrative and drama are the biggest pain points. Several critics note a weak storyline, lack of emotional hook or cohesiveness, uneven pacing (strong first half, flatter second half), and underdeveloped drama. The script struggles to balance the spectacle with compelling storytelling, leading to an “in-between” feel—not fully dramatic nor purely entertaining throughout. The climax and some emotional beats fall flat for portions of the audience.
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Ratings Snapshot from Major Outlets
- The Indian Express: 2.5/5 — Thrilling tribute to WWE childhoods in action moments, but fails as a cohesive film due to weak narrative and emotional connect.
- The Hindu: Highlights accurate WWE dynamics but calls it a case of falling flat despite stylish moves; lacks compelling narrative.
- India Today: Nostalgia-fueled spectacle let down by weak drama; ends up neither fully entertaining nor dramatic.
- Lensmen Reviews: More positive — Thoroughly entertaining, consistent fun + fight blend, good drama buildup, stylish stunts.
- Onmanorama: Slams hard with atmosphere and visceral energy, but stays safe and prioritizes memory/performance over tight plotting.
Social media/X reactions are polarized: Fans of wrestling and action call it a fun, hype-filled watch with great sequences and Mammootty’s cameo (often referenced as a “WALTER moment”). Others find the second half disappointing, writing weak, and emotional connect missing.
Overall, if you’re into high-octane wrestling action, nostalgic WWE vibes, stylish stunts, and don’t mind a simple story, Chatha Pacha seems like a decent theatrical experience (especially in a crowd). But if you want strong writing, deep emotions, or tight drama, it might feel underwhelming. Early box-office buzz suggests it’s getting attention, but word-of-mouth will depend on how the action spectacle carries it.
Have you watched it yet, or planning to catch it in theatres?
Chaitan Limkar is a tech and entertainment writer passionate about innovation, media, and the stories shaping the digital world.
