Arjun Ashokan: I had to put on six kilos for my role in 'Chatha Pacha' (IANS Exclusive)
Kochi, Jan 19
Actor Arjun Ashokan, who is best known for his brilliant performance in the Mammootty-starrer 'Brahmayugam', has now disclosed tothat he had to put on six kilos for his role as Savio in director Adhvaith Nayar's eagerly awaited action entertainer, 'Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies'.
Since its announcement, 'Chatha Pacha' has generated strong buzz for its distinctive WWF-inspired wrestling backdrop, bold visual language, and larger-than-life treatment. The film channels the raw pulse of Kerala street life and blends it with the flamboyant energy of wrestling culture. The film is all set to hit theatres on January 22, 2026.
Talking exclusively to IANS, Arjun Ashokan says, "I had to start preparation long before the others. If the shoot was done in June, I started my preparations from November the previous year."
But why did he have to start earlier than the others? Says the actor, The thing was that I was doing a movie named 'Thalavara' before 'Chatha Pacha' for which I had to tone down all my muscles. I had to appear lean for that character. So, right after that film, I had 'Chatha Pacha' lined up. So, I started my work before even the movie's sessions started."
Arjun, whose character Savio's ring name is Loco Lobo in the film, adds, "I guess I was 62 kilos when I did 'Thalavara' and I had to go all the way to 68. So, it was pretty good. It felt good after changing."
Point out to him that for most people, putting on weight is easy but losing weight is difficult and he replies, "Actually, for me, it's easy to lose and gain weight. I don't know. I can easily do that. But actually being fit is really hard."
Giving an idea of the kind of training he underwent to keep himself fit to play a wrestler, Arjun Ashokan says, "We had basic Parkour training.Actually, the preparation was just for us to prevent injuries while doing fights."
Produced under the banner of Reel World Entertainment, 'Chatha Pacha' is backed by Creative Producer Shihan Shoukath, along with producers Ritesh, Ramesh S Ramakrishnan and Shoukath Ali.
The film features an ensemble cast led by Arjun Ashokan, Roshan Mathew, Vishak Nair, and Ishan Shoukath. It is further strengthened by a solid technical team that includes music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, cinematography by Anend C. Chandran, screenplay by Sanoop Thykkoodam, action choreography by Kalai Kingson, and background score by Mujeeb Majeed, all of whom add scale, grit, and impact to the film's cinematic vision.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's easy to lose and gain weight? Must be nice to have that metabolism! 😂 Jokes aside, his performance in Brahmayugam was subtle and powerful. Excited to see him in a completely opposite, high-energy role. The technical team with Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy is a huge plus.
As someone who follows fitness, I appreciate the honesty about it being hard to stay *fit*, not just gain or lose weight. The Parkour training for injury prevention is smart. Hope the action choreography lives up to the hype. The 2026 release feels so far away!
Blending Kerala street life with wrestling culture is a genius concept. Malayalam cinema is really experimenting with genres. Roshan Mathew and Vishak Nair in the cast too? This is going to be a blast. Hope the story is as strong as the premise.
Respect for the prep work. Actors like him who go through physical transformations for roles deserve their due. But I just hope the film's substance matches its style. Sometimes these "larger-than-life" treatments can feel a bit empty. Fingers crossed!
The lineup is stellar! Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy for music in a Malayalam film is unexpected and exciting. Anend C. Chandran's cinematography will surely capture the raw pulse they're talking about. January 2026 is marked on my calendar! 🎬
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