Expanding its footprint in large-scale regional cinema, Shemaroo Entertainment has joined hands with producer Shihan Shoukath to distribute and present the Malayalam film Chatha Pacha – The Ring of Rowdies across India and international markets. Scheduled for a theatrical release on January 22, 2026, the film is positioned as a high-energy, emotionally charged spectacle that aims to redefine the boundaries of Malayalam cinema.
Touted as the industry’s first-ever WWE-style sports entertainment film, Chatha Pacha – The Ring of Rowdies promises an experience unlike anything audiences have seen before. Loud, visceral and unapologetically massy, the film blends the adrenaline of professional wrestling with powerful human drama, creating a unique cinematic format that merges spectacle with soul.
Speaking about the collaboration, Nishith Varshneya, Head – International Business & India, Digital Syndication at Shemaroo Entertainment, expressed strong confidence in the project. He stated that the film carries a rare “wow factor” and is poised to be one of the most anticipated releases of 2026. According to Varshneya, Chatha Pacha is fearless in its concept and rooted deeply in emotion, while also embracing a bold pan-Indian sensibility. He added that Shemaroo remains committed to bringing stories with universal appeal to audiences worldwide, especially films that push creative boundaries while remaining audience-first.
Producer Shihan Shoukath described the film as a product of passion and ambition. He explained that the goal was to create a sports-entertainment spectacle that Malayalam cinema had never attempted before, without compromising on storytelling. Partnering with Shemaroo Entertainment, he said, provides the scale, reach and belief required to take such an unconventional film to audiences across regions and cultures. The collaboration, according to Shoukath, reinforces confidence in the film’s ability to resonate beyond linguistic and geographic boundaries.
The film is directed by Adhvaith Nayar, nephew of legendary actor Mohanlal and a protégé of acclaimed filmmakers Jeethu Joseph and Rajeev Ravi. Sharing his vision, Adhvaith said that while he grew up immersed in the magic of Malayalam cinema, Chatha Pacha – The Ring of Rowdies represents his desire to push its limits. The story follows a group of ex-convicts who come together to form an underground wrestling club, using the wrestling ring as a space for survival, self-respect and redemption.
Blending WWE-style action with deeply human themes, the film explores brotherhood, second chances and the struggle of individuals society has written off. For Adhvaith, the wrestling ring becomes a metaphorical battleground where pride, suffering, resilience and hope collide, making the film both visceral and heartfelt.
Adding to its pan-Indian appeal, Chatha Pacha – The Ring of Rowdies features music by the legendary trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, marking their first-ever Malayalam film project. This milestone significantly enhances the film’s cross-market resonance. The ensemble cast includes Mammootty in a special role, alongside Vishakh Nair, Arjun Ashokan, Ishan Shoukath, Roshan Mathew and Carmen Mathew—bringing together performers well-suited to the film’s energetic and emotional canvas.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Fort Kochi, the film chronicles intense rivalries, public attention and clashes with the law, as the characters’ fight for survival transforms into a profound journey of identity, loyalty and redemption. Chatha Pacha – The Ring of Rowdies signals a bold new chapter in mainstream Indian cinema.