The actor revealed that he weighed around 62 kilograms during Thalavara and had to bulk up to nearly 68 kilograms for Chatha Pacha. “It actually felt good after changing,” he said, adding that the physical shift helped him mentally step into the new character
Malayalam actor Arjun Ashokan has revealed the intense physical transformation he underwent for his upcoming action entertainer Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies, saying he had to gain nearly six kilos to convincingly step into the world of wrestling-inspired street combat. Speaking exclusively to IANS, the actor described the role as both physically demanding and creatively refreshing.
Best known recently for his acclaimed performance in Mammootty-starrer Brahmayugam, Arjun plays Savio, whose ring name is Loco Lobo, in director Adhvaith Nayar’s much-anticipated film. Since its announcement, Chatha Pacha has attracted attention for its bold visual language, WWF-style wrestling backdrop and raw portrayal of Kerala’s street culture. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on January 22, 2026.
Arjun said his preparation for the role began months earlier than the rest of the cast due to overlapping commitments. “If the shoot was in June, I started preparing from November the previous year,” he explained. The early start was necessary because he had just completed another film, Thalavara, which required him to significantly tone down his physique.
“For Thalavara, I had to look lean and strip down all my muscles,” Arjun said. “Immediately after that, Chatha Pacha was lined up. So even before the sessions officially started, I had to begin working on my body.” The contrast between the two roles demanded careful planning and discipline.
The actor revealed that he weighed around 62 kilograms during Thalavara and had to bulk up to nearly 68 kilograms for Chatha Pacha. “It actually felt good after changing,” he said, adding that the physical shift helped him mentally step into the new character. Unlike many who struggle with weight fluctuations, Arjun says his body responds quickly to change. “For me, it’s easy to lose and gain weight. But staying consistently fit is the real challenge.”
To prepare for the physically intense role of a wrestler, Arjun and the rest of the cast underwent specific training focused less on aesthetics and more on safety. “We had basic parkour training,” he said, explaining that the aim was to prevent injuries during high-energy fight sequences rather than build showy muscle.
Chatha Pacha is produced by Reel World Entertainment, with Shihan Shoukath serving as creative producer alongside producers Ritesh, Ramesh S Ramakrishnan and Shoukath Ali. The film boasts a strong ensemble cast including Roshan Mathew, Vishak Nair and Ishan Shoukath.
The technical team further adds weight to the project. Music is composed by the celebrated trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, cinematography is handled by Anend C. Chandran, and the screenplay is written by Sanoop Thykkoodam. Action choreography by Kalai Kingson and a powerful background score by Mujeeb Majeed promise a gritty, high-impact cinematic experience.
With its blend of street realism and flamboyant wrestling culture, Chatha Pacha marks a significant shift for Arjun Ashokan, showcasing not just his acting range but also his commitment to physically transforming for challenging roles.
Ring Of Rowdies
Director Adhvaith Nayar’s wrestling-based action entertainer ‘Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies’ will hit screens worldwide on January 22, 2026, the makers have announced.
Reel World Entertainment, which is backing the film, confirmed the release date through its official social media handles, stating that the film will release in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi, marking a wide multilingual rollout. The announcement has further amplified the buzz around the film, which has been in the spotlight for its distinctive wrestling backdrop and stylised visual treatment.
The newly unveiled release poster, drenched in raw gold hues, features flying currency notes, roaring crowds and a wrestler suspended mid-air, evoking a sense of spectacle and controlled chaos. Notably, the word “cineMas” in the poster highlights the letter ‘M’, fuelling speculation among fans that Malayalam superstar Mammootty may make a special appearance in the film — a theory that has been doing the rounds since the project was announced.
Set against the visceral world of Kerala’s local wrestling culture, particularly inspired by the gritty milieu of Fort Kochi, Chatha Pacha explores themes of bravado, brotherhood, rivalry and humour. The film marks the directorial debut of Adhvaith Nayar and is creatively produced by Shihan Shoukath, with Ritesh, Ramesh S. Ramakrishnan and Shoukath Ali serving as producers.
The ensemble cast is led by Arjun Ashokan, Roshan Mathew and Vishak Nair, supported by a strong technical team. Music is composed by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, who make their Malayalam cinema debut with the film, while cinematography is handled by Anend C. Chandran and action choreography by Kalai Kingson.
Mohanlal Sparks Chatha Buzz
Malayalam cinema witnessed a fan moment turning into a headline-grabber as superstar Mohanlal booked the very first ticket for director Adhvaith Nayar’s much-anticipated action entertainer Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies, ahead of its worldwide release on January 22.
The makers revealed the moment through a video shared on social media, showing Mohanlal purchasing the inaugural ticket as advance bookings opened. In the clip, the actor casually remarks that his “friend” is also part of the film — a line widely interpreted as a nod to Mammootty, whose presence in Chatha Pacha has been the subject of intense speculation.
The gesture instantly resonated with fans, celebrating the enduring camaraderie between Malayalam cinema’s two biggest icons. The buzz was further fuelled days earlier when the film’s trailer offered a fleeting but powerful glimpse of Mammootty, seen from behind as he steps into a wrestling ring — effectively confirming his cameo and sending excitement levels soaring.
Backed by creative producer Shihan Shoukath and produced by Ritesh and Ramesh S. Ramakrishnan along with Shoukath Ali under the Reel World Entertainment banner, Chatha Pacha promises a high-energy cinematic experience rooted in a WWE-inspired wrestling world. The film is directed by Adhvaith Nayar and features an ensemble cast led by Arjun Ashokan, Roshan Mathew, Vishak Nair, and Ishan Shoukath.
Music has emerged as one of the film’s standout elements. The three songs released so far have topped charts, with a fourth track, Carnival, lined up just days before release. Sung by Shankar Mahadevan and Pranavam Sasi, with a fiery rap by MC Couper, the song underlines the film’s vibrant, celebratory spirit. Notably, Chatha Pacha marks the Malayalam debut of the legendary trio Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy.
Technically, the film boasts cinematography by Anend C. Chandran, editing by Praveen Prabhakar, screenplay by Sanoop Thykkoodam, action choreography by Kalai Kingson, and a background score by Mujeeb Majeed.
With Mohanlal’s endorsement, Mammootty’s confirmed presence, and mounting audience excitement, Chatha Pacha enters theatres amid blockbuster-level anticipation.
