Chatha Pacha first review: Mammootty’s entry gets thumbs up, Malayalam ‘popcorn entertainer' is lit

Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies has made its world premiere, announcing the arrival of the first major Malayalam film of 2026. Viewers seem to have loved the film, which they have called an action-packed popcorn entertainer. And as expected, megastar Mammootty’s much-hyped cameo and entry as Walter seem to be the show stealer as first reviews for Chatha Pacha trickle in.

What are the first reviews for Chatha Pacha

The 2026 Malayalam film Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies, led by actors Arjun Ashokan and Roshan Mathew, made its world premiere on January 20. Viewers who watched the premiere show have been raving about the film on social media, especially about Mammootty’s cameo performance.

Inspired by WWE wrestling, the Malayalam film revolves around an underground club in Kochi and is mostly led by young actors. The action sequences and the performances by the lead cast have got a thumbs up from the audiences. Mammootty plays Walter, their coach, and the much-talked-about cameo hasn’t let down the fans. Vishak Nair and Ishan Shoukath play the other lead roles in the film, which also features Siddique and Lakshmi Menon.

Adhvaith Nayar, who made his directorial debut with Chatha Pacha, is also winning praise for the ‘good making’. The film also marked the Malayalam debut of Bollywood trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and they too appear to have made an impression with their terrific music. Overall, the film appears to be the perfect popcorn entertainer from Malayalam, which have not had many successes in the genre in recent times.

Also read: Chatha Pacha director Adhvaith Nayar on working with Jeethu Joseph, Geethu Mohandas and Mohanlal | Exclusive 

When will Chatha Pacha release

After the premiere on January 20 night, Chatha Pacha will release worldwide on January 22, 2026. The film will release across 250 screens in Kerala. Though the first major Malayalam release of the year, Chatha Pacha will face competition from Nivin Pauly’s thriller film Baby Girl, which will hit theatres the next day on January 23.

Chatha Pacha FAQs

Q. What is Chatha Pacha?

A. Chatha Pacha is a 2026 Malayalam movie, which revolves around a bunch of youngsters who set up an underground wrestling club in Kochi.

Q. Is Mammootty in Chatha Pacha?

A. Yes, Mammootty is making a cameo appearance in Chatha Pacha as Walter the coach.

Q. Who are the actors in Chatha Pacha?

A. Actors Arjun Ashokan, Roshan Mathew, Vishak Nair, and Ishan Shoukath play the lead roles in Chatha Pacha, along with Siddique and Lakshmi Menon.