How Arjun Ashokan, Roshan Mathew, and Vishak Nair Transformed for ‘Chatha Pacha’

January 24, 2026 — As the high-octane action-comedy Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies dominates the box office following its January 22 release, lead actor Arjun Ashokan has opened up about the grueling physical journey he shared with co-stars Roshan Mathew and Vishak Nair. The film, which has been hailed as India’s first major tribute to WWE-style theatrical wrestling, required the trio to trade their usual dramatic sensibilities for high-flying stunts and power slams.

Three Months of “Pure Adrenaline”

In a recent series of promotional interviews, Arjun Ashokan revealed that the preparation for Chatha Pacha was unlike anything the cast had ever experienced. To ensure the wrestling sequences looked authentic to a generation raised on “WWE Trump Cards,” the leads underwent three months of intensive training.

“The film is WWE-inspired, and there was no other way we could convince the audience without putting in the real physical work,” Arjun shared.

The training was divided into three distinct phases:

1. Strength and Conditioning: Building the physique of local “ring legends.”
2. Stunt Choreography: Learning how to take “bumps” (falls) safely.
3. Signature Moves: Mastering iconic wrestling maneuvers like diving rolls and spears.

The Chemistry of Brotherhood

The film, directed by debutant Adhvaith Nayar, centers on three brothers in Fort Kochi who establish an amateur underground wrestling promotion. While the wrestling provides the spectacle, the emotional core is the brotherhood between Savio “Loco” Lobo (Arjun) and Vetrivel “Vetri” Lobo (Roshan Mathew).

Roshan Mathew, known for his nuanced performances, reportedly found the physical transition challenging but rewarding. He admitted that the diving roll (spear) was the toughest move to master. Meanwhile, Vishak Nair, who plays the complex antagonist Cherian, has been praised by critics for his “manic” energy that serves as the perfect foil to the Lobo brothers.

A Technical Knockout

Chatha Pacha isn’t just about the sweat and muscle; it’s a technical powerhouse. The film marks the Malayalam debut of legendary musical trio Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, whose “Carnival” anthem and high-energy tracks have become instant hits. The cinematography by Anend C. Chandran captures the vibrant, gritty aesthetic of Mattancherry, making the wrestling ring feel like a character of its own.

Why the Fans are Cheering

Despite some critiques regarding a familiar narrative, the consensus is clear: the dedication of the lead trio pays off in the ring. The film has already raked in over ₹1.79 crore on its opening day in domestic net collections, bolstered by a much-talked-about cameo by megastar Mammootty as the legendary “Bullet” Walter Lopez.

For 90s kids, the sight of Arjun and Roshan executing chokeslams and splashes is more than just entertainment—it’s a nostalgic trip to the “Attitude Era,” reimagined with a local Kochi twist.