WWE-Styled Film "Chatha Pacha" Turns Heads in Malayalam Cinema

In 2019, an original WWE-inspired film concept by Indian debut director Adhvaith Nayar, received only a mediocre response from actors and producers he pitched to. The initial idea, around a neo-noir narrative focusing on costume wrestling in Kochi, failed to resonate. However, Shihan Shoukath, creative producer associated with Reel World Entertainment, saw immense potential in an image from the pitch deck featuring a costumed wrestler performing a backflip from the turnbuckle.

The outcome is “Chatha Pacha” (Do or Die), a riveting Malayalam-language action-comedy. Set in Kochi's Mattancherry area, the film traces the journey of three close-knit friends who set up a WWE-style costume wrestling competition.

Before meeting Shoukath, Nayar had put aside the wrestling concept and was working on a different comedy-drama. During an informal meet-up, Shoukath inquired if Nayar had any other projects underway. Nayar mentioned the shelved wrestling idea, and to his surprise, the Shoukaths were smitten. They asked Nayar to reimagine and present the concept differently, confident that it had something fresh to offer to audiences.

Deviating from the drug-related neo-noir tone, the creative team overhauled the screenplay to focus on universal themes with costume wrestling as the hook. This strategic shift enhanced the film's overall appeal.

Nayar, along with lead actors Roshan Mathew, Arjun Ashokan, Vishak Nair, and Ishan Shoukath, embraced the rigorous training regime of costume wrestling. The ensemble cast underwent extensive parkour and mobility training for six to seven months, honing their respective fighting styles inspired by iconic WWE wrestlers.

The filming took place over three months in Mattancherry and Fort Kochi areas of Kerala. They incorporated martial arts performances only after filming most of the dramatic scenes. The production team consisted of stunt choreographer Kalai Kingson and the music composing trio Shankar-Ehsan-Loy.

The filmmakers aimed to make “Chatha Pacha” relatable even to those not familiar with professional wrestling. Nayar described the film as a story about camaraderie and deducing the film's appeal as, "Come for the wrestling, stay for the brotherhood."

The team credits the success of Malayalam cinema to the region's discerning audience. Along with maintaining fiscal discipline, they believe in investing in rich storytelling and raw filmmaking quality instead of luxuries, setting Malayalam cinema apart.

“Chatha Pacha” released in theaters worldwide on Jan. 22.