Ishan Shoukath on ‘Chatha Pacha’: 'We trained thrice a day for four months; it was very intensive training, but even prepared me for future roles' - EXCLUSIVE

2026 is officially marked as the year of nostalgia. We are all looking back in time and reliving best memories. For those who grew up in the late nineties and early 2000s, professional wrestling is one such cherished memory.

The larger-than-life world of WWE, was beyond entertainment. Debutant director Adhvaith Nayar taps into that shared obsession with his upcoming film ‘Chatha Pacha’. The film starring Arjun Ashokan, Roshan Mathew, Vishak Nair, and Ishan Shoukath in lead roles is set to release on January 22. As the film gears up for release, actor Ishan Shoukath joins TOI for a candid conversation.

Ishan Shoukath on being part of the film since day 1

Ishan Shoukath, best known for his roles in award-winning ‘Deadline’, and blockbuster ‘Marco’ is set to play the role of ‘Little’ in ‘Chatha Pacha’.Unlike most projects where actors step in after the script is locked, Ishan says his collaboration with ‘Chatha Pacha’ began at a much earlier stage. In fact, he was a part of the creative process shaping characters, including his role Little. “I was a part of creating this character, of course with the creative input of Adhvaith (director) and our writer Sanoop (Thykoodam). So, by the time of the production, I felt like I was already in character.

I’d learnt the nuances of the character,” Ishan Shoukath said. He essays the role of Little, the youngest of the three brothers. “He’s energetic, bubbly, and values his brotherhood and friendships the most. He grew up in Mattancheri, but for certain reasons had to leave town and was separated from his brothers. When he returns, everyone is in different stages of their lives and in difficult situations. He is this selfless, family guy, who wouldn’t mind dying for those around him.

And yeah, you think you see a lot of that in the movie,” the actor added.

Ishan Shoukath on the intensive training to get into the ring

As the film is set against the backdrop of Fort Kochi’s underground wrestling culture, the actors, including Ishan Shoukath, had to undergo intensive training for their roles. The physical training was definitely the most challenging of all. As I come from a sports and dance background, I had a sense of rhythm and timing. But, at the same time, these moves were unfamiliar.

We had a very intensive four months of pre-production training. There were two trainers. Davis Thomas did the action conditioning coaches, which is more about movement, flexibility, and injury prevention. Shravan Satya, who is a parkour trainer, trained us the specific flips and the techniques of how to get these moves done.

Training mostly is about familiarizing our body and developing that muscle memory so that when we get to the ring, we don't risk anything and we can save time.

We really invested in the post-production time. Everyone had around double sessions in a day, one in the morning and one in the evening. In our free time, we had gym sessions. We trained thrice a day for four months,” the actor elaborated. Ishan also spoke about the mental prep for the role. “You want to push your body, test your limits and make no excuses once in the ring. Because the stunt is done on the spot and very instinctively.

It’s not really a pre-choreograph move.”The young actor feels though the training was intense, it has prepared him for the roles to come. “It was very intensive training, but it even prepared me for future roles. I think it has not only trained me for this movie, but for movies going forward.”Though Ishan Shoukath was part of ‘Marco’ a high-octane actioner, he didn’t get to perform in any action scenes, as his character was visually challenged.

“I couldn't really showcase any of those skills over there, but you have got to stay ready for whatever comes your way. I think I've somewhat subconsciously been prepping for ‘Chatha Pacha’ my whole life! Because I couldn't dream of a better role than this because of the kind of action in the movie.

It’s not the usual action we see in our films.”

‘Chatha Pacha’ has action and much more

While ‘Chatha Pacha’ is an ode to WWE, Ishan Shoukath adds that it is also a deeply moving story of three brothers. “On a thematic level, yes, it's a story, which is an ode to WWE. But at its core, it's really an emotional story of three brothers who have gone there three separate ways and are trying to get their family together. It is said through comedy, in a lighter way. Everyone who has a friend, or a brother would relate to the story.

It's a story about second chances and the underdogs.”