Chatha Pacha Review: A Film Built On Passion, Sweat, & Extreme Physical Commitment
Chatha Pacha, directed by debutant Adhvaith Nayar, is an ambitious Malayalam film that attempts something rarely seen in the industry, placing professional wrestling at the centre of a story rooted in Kochi’s local culture.
It is a film driven more by energy and emotion than by narrative complexity, and while it does not fully succeed as a story, it manages to remain engaging through strong performances and exceptionally staged wrestling sequences.
Spoiler Alert:
The film follows three boys, Savio, Vetri, and Little, who grow up in Fort Kochi with an obsession for wrestling. From childhood itself, fighting is second nature to them.
They idolise the legendary wrestler Bullet Walter, treat wrestling like a religion, and often find themselves in trouble, including a memorable early sequence during a Mohanlal film release.
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These opening portions work well, clearly establishing their personalities and the world they come from.
As the story moves forward, life pulls the trio apart. Little (Ishan Shoukath) leaves Kochi with his mother, while Vetri’s (Roshan Mathew) life takes a tragic turn that lands him in jail.
Years later, Little returns, hoping to reconnect with his family, only to find Savio (Arjun Ashokan) struggling to hold things together and Vetri still absent. This emotional gap between the brothers forms the backbone of the film.
The narrative truly finds its rhythm when the idea of starting a costume-based wrestling promotion is introduced.
What begins as a risky plan soon turns into the film’s biggest strength.
The training sequences, the creation of wrestling personas, and the first match are all staged with care and imagination. These portions are entertaining, energetic, and visually exciting, making it clear how much effort has gone into the preparation.
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When Vetri is released from jail, the film shifts tone. His backstory, particularly his relationship with Jasmine (Zarin Shihab) and her tragic death during childbirth, adds emotional weight, though the writing does not linger long enough on this loss.
Still, Roshan Mathew delivers a restrained and effective performance in the second half. Arjun Ashokan, meanwhile, carries the physical demands of the role confidently, anchoring the wrestling sequences with conviction.
The conflict escalates when the truth behind Vetri’s imprisonment begins to surface, leading to tension between the brothers.
The wrestling ring then becomes more than a stage for performance, it turns into a space for confrontation and release. The climactic match between Savio and Vetri is well-executed and emotionally charged, standing out as one of the film’s strongest moments.
Mammootty’s cameo as Bullet Walter is designed as a high point, and his screen presence certainly commands attention.
Vishak Nair’s Cherian Maani works as a fresh kind of villain, more polished and cunning than loud, making him quietly pookie.
The film also benefits from a set of fresh faces who bring colour and personality to the wrestling world. Carmen S. Mathew as Kuruvi “Nitro Kili”, Dartaganan Sabu as Subramaniam “Kadalkomban”, Vyshnav Biju as Ashkar “Jango Sulthan”, and Syamaprakash M.S. as Varkey “Bhasmasuran” fit seamlessly into the exaggerated universe of costume wrestling.
Each of them embraces the theatricality of their roles without overdoing it, making their characters instantly identifiable and entertaining.
However, the impact of the character does not fully match the buildup, with the scene feeling less powerful than expected despite the excitement surrounding his entry.
On the technical front, Anend C. Chandran’s cinematography captures both the grit of Kochi and the spectacle of the wrestling matches effectively.
Mujeeb Majeed’s background score adds momentum and intensity, particularly during the fight sequences, while the songs blend smoothly into the narrative without disrupting the flow.
The film also marks the Malayalam debut of Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy as composers for the songs, with lyrics written by Vinayak Sasikumar.
In the end, Chatha Pacha feels like a film made with genuine passion and physical commitment.
Its biggest shortcoming lies in its storytelling, which could have benefited from greater depth and emotional exploration. Yet, the film compensates with strong performances, impressive wrestling choreography, and a clear sense of identity.
Timeline Verdict:
Chatha Pacha remains an engaging watch, especially for viewers who enjoy wrestling, stylised fights, and loud, physical storytelling. The film delivers strongly on action and spectacle, even if the story itself feels thin in places and could have been developed with more depth and clarity.
