Ishan Shoukath Talks ‘Chatha Pacha’: A Deep Dive into Wrestling and Brotherhood

Introduction to Nostalgia in 2026

2026 is shaping up to be the year of nostalgia, prompting many to look back on treasured memories. For those who grew up in the late nineties and early 2000s, one such cherished memory is professional wrestling. The larger-than-life world of WWE transcended mere entertainment. Debutant director Adhvaith Nayar taps into this shared obsession with his upcoming film, ‘Chatha Pacha’. The film, which stars Arjun Ashokan, Roshan Mathew, Vishak Nair, and Ishan Shoukath, is set to hit theaters on January 22. As the release approaches, Ishan Shoukath sits down with for an exclusive chat.

Ishan Shoukath: A Key Player from Day One

Ishan Shoukath, known for his roles in award-winning productions like ‘Deadline’ and the blockbuster ‘Marco’, plays the character of ‘Little’ in ‘Chatha Pacha’. Unlike many actors who step into roles post-script finalization, Ishan’s journey with this film began much earlier.

“I was involved in creating my character, with valuable input from Adhvaith and our writer Sanoop,” Ishan shares. “By the time we began production, I felt well-prepared, having learned the nuances of Little’s character.”

The Character of Little

Ishan’s character, Little, is the youngest of three brothers. He embodies energy and enthusiasm, deeply valuing his relationships. “He grew up in Mattancheri but left for certain reasons, returning only to find his brothers in challenging situations,” he explains. “He’s a selfless family-oriented person, willing to sacrifice for those he loves.”

Intensive Training for the Role

As ‘Chatha Pacha’ unfolds against Fort Kochi’s underground wrestling scene, Ishan and his co-stars underwent rigorous training.

The Training Regimen

Ishan highlights the challenges faced during their physical preparation. “Coming from a sports and dance background gave me a sense of rhythm, but these wrestling moves were unfamiliar,” he notes. Over four months, the cast had intensive training sessions.

The training included coaches like Davis Thomas, focusing on movement and injury prevention, and parkour trainer Shravan Satya, who taught specific flips and techniques. “We had double sessions daily, along with gym workouts in our free time. We really invested time in this journey,” Ishan states.

Mental Preparation

Beyond physical readiness, mental fortitude was crucial. “In the ring, you have to push your limits. The moves are instinctive and not choreographed,” he emphasizes. Reflecting on the training, Ishan believes it has equipped him for future roles, stating, “Though intense, the training prepared me not just for this movie, but for what lies ahead.”

‘Chatha Pacha’: More Than Just Action

While ‘Chatha Pacha’ pays homage to WWE, Ishan emphasizes its deeper themes. “Yes, it’s an ode to WWE, but at its heart, it’s a moving story about three brothers who have taken different paths but are striving to reunite their family,” he explains. “The narrative is told through comedy and is relatable to anyone with siblings or friends, encompassing themes of second chances and the journey of underdogs.”

Conclusion

With its blend of intense preparation, personal stories, and heartfelt themes, ‘Chatha Pacha’ promises to be a film that resonates with audiences long after they leave the theatre. Mark your calendars for January 22!