Kerala Gross Crosses ₹10 Crore in 4 Days as the Film Emerges as the First Major Mollywood Success of 2026
Chatha Pacha Movie Latest Box Office Collection Reports
Chatha Pacha has emphatically announced itself as the first major success story of Malayalam cinema in 2026, storming past ₹25 crore worldwide mark within its opening days and cementing its position as one of the strongest openers in recent Mollywood history. The wrestling drama has registered a ₹25.21 crores worldwide gross in just four days, setting a powerful tone for the year ahead and underlining its wide audience appeal across markets. Closer home, the film has demonstrated exceptional strength in its core territory, with the Kerala gross crossing the ₹10 crore milestone within these four days of release.
From packed theatres across Kerala to thunderous audience reactions, Chatha Pacha has emerged as a true mass entertainer. Rooted in the wrestling culture of Kochi, the film’s raw energy, stylised action, and emotional core have struck a deep chord with audiences, translating into strong word-of-mouth and repeat viewership, particularly in its home market.
Adding a special layer of celebration to this box office momentum is the Padma Bhushan honour conferred upon Mammootty as part of the Padma Awards 2026.
The Padma Bhushan, awarded for “distinguished service of high order,” recognises Mammootty’s extraordinary cinematic journey spanning over 400 films across Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, and other Indian languages, reaffirming his stature as one of Indian cinema’s most enduring and respected icons. The honour coincides with the success of Chatha Pacha, in which Mammootty makes a memorable cameo appearance as Walter, making the moment particularly significant for the film’s team and audiences alike.
Backed by Creative Producer Shihan Shoukath, along with Ritesh & Ramesh S. Ramakrishnan and Shoukath Ali under the banner of Reel World Entertainment; and helmed by debut director Adhvaith Nayar, Chatha Pacha brings together a compelling ensemble cast featuring Arjun Ashokan, Roshan Mathew, Vishak Nair, and Ishan Shoukath. Their performances have been widely acknowledged for anchoring the film’s emotional and narrative depth within its wrestling-driven world. Music has played a defining role in shaping the film’s identity.
Chatha Pacha marks a landmark moment with Shankar Ehsaan Loy composing their first-ever Malayalam soundtrack, a debut that has drawn widespread attention. Featuring four chart-topping tracks, the music blends emotional intensity with mass appeal, while Mujeeb Majeed’s background score has been praised for elevating both the wrestling sequences and the film’s emotional beats. The film’s music rights being held by T-Series has further strengthened its national presence.
From a technical standpoint, Chatha Pacha has emerged as a film audiences are actively dissecting and appreciating for its craftsmanship. Anend C. Chandran’s cinematography vividly captures the grit, sweat, and spectacle of the wrestling arena. Praveen Prabhakar’s editing maintains a sharp, propulsive rhythm, while Sanoop Thykkoodam’s screenplay grounds the high-voltage narrative within the textured realities of the Mattancherry milieu. Vinayak Sasikumar’s lyrics add depth to the musical moments, and Kalai Kingson’s action choreography delivers wrestling sequences that feel visceral, authentic, and adrenaline-charged.
Further expanding the film’s cultural footprint, the Chatha Pacha team recently announced the launch of official trading cards in collaboration with Topps India, marking the first time a Malayalam film has entered the global trading card space. Inspired by international wrestling card culture, the collectibles feature characters from the film across multiple categories and rarity tiers, extending the film’s presence beyond theatres into pop-culture and fandom spaces.
On the distribution front, Chatha Pacha is released by Wayfarer Films (Kerala), Mythri Movie Makers (Telangana & Hyderabad), PVR INOX Pictures (Tamil Nadu & Karnataka), Dharma Productions (North India), and Plot Pictures (global) ensuring strong reach across key domestic and international territories.
With its Kerala gross, worldwide numbers, overwhelming audience response, and expanding engagement beyond the big screen, Chatha Pacha stands tall as the first major Mollywood success of 2026. As industry observers note, the film represents another defining mass milestone for Malayalam cinema.
