Chatha Pacha: A Nostalgic Smackdown in Kochi

Chatha Pacha is a high-octane love letter to the WWE generation, blending Kochi’s street energy with the spectacle of the ring. While the emotional core outside the ropes feels a bit thin, the nostalgia and the action blocks deliver a winning three-count.

For most kids growing up, certain aspects of childhood remain globally consistent. Whether it was watching cartoons like Tom and Jerry, Noddy, and Oswald, or action shows like Power Rangers and Ben 10, just thinking about those days gives us a warm, reminiscent glow. Alongside these classics, there was one other titan of childhood entertainment: WWE.

The high-flying moves, the jarring costumes, the catchy entrance themes, and the devastating finishers are etched into our memories for life. Now, imagine that entire spectacle reimagined in the vibrant streets of Kochi. That is precisely what director Adhvaith Nayar delivers with Chatha Pacha.

From the Bedroom to the Ring

The film instantly draws you in with a scene of two kids wrestling on a bed, pulling off a perfectly executed RKO — a moment that immediately took me back to the days I’d give my brother an "Attitude Adjustment" on a pile of pillows.

The story follows a bunch of broke guys who know nothing other than wrestling, trying to figure out a way to earn their bread and butter. By banking on their pure passion for the sport, they launch a "Friday Night Showdown" inspired by the WWE setup. Through this lens, the film explores a tale of deep friendships, strained relationships, and old enmities.

Emotions On and Off the Ring

Everything about the wrestling aspect of the film is a solid 10/10. The way cinematographer Anend C. Chandran captures the ring action and how the WWE setup is adapted into local culture is brilliant. From the thrift shop costume design to the booming introduction commentary and the grand entrances, every detail ensures the in-ring emotions land perfectly. The characters have incredibly cool names that fit the local vibe while honoring their wrestling inspirations.

However, while the emotions inside the ring work famously, the ones outside it struggle to keep pace. The central relationship between Savio (Arjun Ashokan) – Rosa (Played so beautifully by Vedhika Sreekumar – Vetri (Roshan Mathew) had immense scope to push the film's emotional arc. Unfortunately, the film fumbles this by treating their conflicts on a surface level, making certain beats feel predictable and cliché. Vishwak Nair as Cherian too, brings in few laughs and does his job as quirky and fun antagonist

A Knockout Climax

Thankfully, for a film of this stature, the narrative stumbles don't significantly dampen the theatrical experience. This is largely due to the high-energy pacing and a kickass action block leading into the climax. The finale is topped off with a banger cameo appearance that had the theater erupting. Backed by a pulsating score, the film successfully translates the adrenaline of professional wrestling into a localized underdog story.

Verdict: In the end, Chatha Pacha may wobble outside the ropes, but once the bell rings, it delivers a full-blown, whistle-worthy main event that leaves you grinning like a kid who just tried their first finishing move on a pillow pile.