Chatha Pacha Movie Review: A Wrestling Spectacle That Stumbles Outside the Ring
Chatha Pacha, the debut directorial venture of Adhvaith Nayar, arrives as an action-comedy that pays homage to the WWE-obsessed childhoods of many. Starring Roshan Mathew and Arjun Ashokan in pivotal roles, the film attempts to blend the high-octane world of professional wrestling with familial drama. While it succeeds spectacularly in capturing the adrenaline-pumping essence of in-ring combat, it falters significantly when navigating the emotional landscapes of its characters.
A Plot Built on Brotherhood and Ambition
The narrative follows three brothers whose lives are intertwined with their childhood fascination for WWE. After years of separation, Little (Ishan Shoukath) returns to Kochi with a grand plan to transform their fortunes. He reunites with Savio (Arjun Ashokan), only to discover that their elder brother Vetri (Roshan Mathew) is imprisoned. Undeterred, Little convinces Savio to launch a local wrestling entertainment venture, inspired by their father-figure Bullet Walter's mantra: "Chatha Pacha (Do or Die)." Their journey is fraught with challenges, including rivalry from Cherian (Vishak Nair) and hidden secrets that threaten to unravel their bond.
Technical Brilliance in Wrestling Sequences
Where Chatha Pacha truly shines is in its meticulously crafted wrestling matches. The film's technical team deserves immense praise for recreating the electrifying atmosphere of live professional wrestling. Anend C Chandran's cinematography is particularly noteworthy, capturing the raw energy and physicality of the bouts with dynamic camera work. The interval block, featuring a tense standoff between Savio and Vetri amidst a roaring crowd, is a visual masterpiece that encapsulates the film's core conflict.
- The wrestling choreography feels authentic and thrilling, with moves like "Sweet Chin Music" and "Chokeslam" executed with precision.
- Mujeeb Majeed's background score amplifies the excitement, making each match feel like a major event.
- Supporting performances, such as Carmen S Mathew as Nitro Kili, add color and diversity to the wrestling roster.
Where the Film Loses Its Grip
Unfortunately, Chatha Pacha struggles to maintain its momentum outside the ring. The screenplay by Sanoop Thykoodam lacks the emotional depth needed to make the brothers' journey resonate. Key issues include:
- Weak Dialogue Writing: The Kochi slang often feels forced, and many lines come across as contrived, undermining character development.
- Lack of Emotional Hook: Unlike successful films like RDX (2023), which established strong emotional connections early on, Chatha Pacha fails to make viewers deeply care about its characters' plights.
- Underutilized Cameo: Mammootty's appearance as Bullet Walter, while initially exciting, is rendered ineffective by poorly written lines that fail to leverage his iconic presence.
Performances: A Mixed Bag
Arjun Ashokan delivers a commendable performance as Savio, blending seamlessly into the Kochi milieu and bringing authenticity to his role. Roshan Mathew, despite his intense screen presence, is hampered by weak characterisation that offers few moments to explore Vetri's depth. Vishak Nair's portrayal of the antagonist Cherian often feels over-the-top, lacking the nuance needed to make the rivalry compelling.
Final Verdict: A Niche Appeal
Chatha Pacha is a film that will undoubtedly appeal to wrestling enthusiasts and fans of action-packed cinema. Its wrestling sequences are technically superb and genuinely thrilling. However, the lack of a cohesive narrative, emotional depth, and strong dialogue prevents it from becoming a well-rounded cinematic experience. For those seeking pure wrestling entertainment, it delivers; for those expecting a compelling drama, it falls short.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Chatha Pacha features Arjun Ashokan, Roshan Mathew, Vishak Nair, Ishan Shoukath, and Lakshmi Menon, directed by Adhvaith Nayar.
