he Malayalam movie Chatha Pacha has kicked off 2026 with a bang, offering a diverse platter of genres ranging from high-octane action comedies to spine-chilling medical thrillers. If you have been searching for the Chatha Pacha release date OTT, wondering is Mammootty in Chatha Pacha, or looking for the latest on Baby Girl Malayalam movie, you have arrived at the right place.
This week is particularly special for OTT enthusiasts. With major titles dropping on streaming giants like Netflix and ZEE5, the weekend watch-list is packed. Here is an in-depth, human-curated guide to everything trending in Mollywood right now, featuring Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies, Paathirathri, Prakambanam, and more.
Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies – The First Blockbuster of 2026
Undoubtedly the most talked-about film of the season is Chatha Pacha, fully titled Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies. Directed by debutant Adhvaith Nayar, this film has breathed new life into the action-comedy genre by introducing a fresh concept: WWE-style wrestling in the rustic backdrops of Fort Kochi.
Chatha Pacha OTT Release Date and Platform
The wait is finally over for fans who missed the theatrical euphoria.
- Chatha Pacha OTT Release Date: February 19, 2026.
- Platform: Netflix.
- Languages: The movie is available in Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada.
If you are looking for new OTT release movies Malayalam, this is the headline title for this week.
Plot and Cast: What is the Movie About?
The story revolves around three estranged friends—Little, Savio, and Vetri—who reunite to revive their childhood dream of hosting a local, underground wrestling tournament inspired by WWE. The narrative is not just about fights; it explores friendship, rivalry, and the struggle to save their families from financial and personal crises.
Chatha Pacha Cast:
- Roshan Mathew (plays a Kane-inspired wrestler role).
- Arjun Ashokan (one of the three leads).
- Vishak Nair (plays the antagonist, Cherian).
- Ishan Shoukath.
Is Mammootty in Chatha Pacha?
One of the most searched questions is regarding the Megastar’s presence. Yes, Mammootty is in Chatha Pacha. He makes a special cameo appearance as a character named Walter. While his role is brief, it acts as a pivotal moment in the film. However, it is worth noting that the cameo received mixed reactions, with some trolls targeting the “old Kochi slang” used by the character, while fans celebrated the nostalgic value.
Chatha Pacha Review and Rating
So, is Chatha Pacha hit or flop?
- Verdict: Hit. It is officially the first major commercial success of Malayalam cinema in 2026.
- Chatha Pacha Collection: The film grossed approximately ₹33.42 crore globally, with a significant chunk coming from overseas markets.
- Critical Review: The movie holds a rating of roughly 3/5 from major publications. Critics praised the unique premise, the “Kochi vibe,” and the energetic performances of Roshan Mathew and Vishak Nair. However, some reviews pointed out that the emotional beats in the second half didn’t land as effectively as the action sequences.
Baby Girl: The Medical Thriller of 2026
While Chatha Pacha brought the laughs, Baby Girl attempted to bring the thrills. Released theatrically on January 23, 2026, just a day after Chatha Pacha, this film took a darker route.
Plot and Cast
Directed by Arun Varma and written by the acclaimed duo Bobby-Sanjay, Baby Girl Malayalam movie is a medical thriller.
- Plot: The story kicks off when a newborn baby girl goes missing from a hospital. The investigation points toward a hospital attendant, but as always with Bobby-Sanjay scripts, layers of mystery unravel, putting the spotlight on the hospital system and police procedural ethics.
- Baby Girl Cast:
- Nivin Pauly (playing Sanal Mathew, a common man caught in the chaos).
- Lijomol Jose (plays Rithu).
- Sangeeth Prathap (plays Rishi, the impulsive younger brother).
- Abhimanyu Shammi Thilakan.
Baby Girl Review: Hit or Flop?
Unlike its competitor, Baby Girl 2026 struggled at the box office.
- Verdict: Flop / Commercial Failure.
- Collection: It earned approximately ₹1.70 crore, failing to cross the ₹2 crore mark in its opening weekend.
- Review: The film received average reviews (around 3.0/5). While Sangeeth Prathap was praised for his serious role and Lijomol Jose for her grounding presence, critics felt Nivin Pauly was underutilized, with a script that didn’t offer him much scope to perform.
Paathirathri: The Crime Thriller on OTT
For those who missed it in theaters last October, Paathirathri is finally making its way to digital screens. If you are searching for Paathirathri OTT release date, mark your calendars for this weekend.
Paathirathri OTT Release Details
- OTT Platform: ZEE5.
- Release Date: February 20, 2026.
Why Watch Paathirathri?
Directed by Ratheena PT (known for Puzhu), this film is a tense crime thriller.
- Plot: The title Paathirathri translates to “Midnight.” The story follows two police officers, SI Jancy and Hareesh, whose routine night patrol turns into a nightmare when they discover a mysterious body. This event spirals into a dangerous investigation that threatens their careers and personal lives.
- Cast: Navya Nair and Soubin Shahir lead the film, supported by Sunny Wayne and Ann Augustine.
- Review: The film received a decent response during its theatrical run in October 2025, praised for its atmospheric tension and strong performances by Navya Nair and Soubin Shahir.
Prakambanam: The Horror Comedy Surprise
Released on January 30, 2026, Prakambanam offers a lighter, spookier alternative to the heavy action and thrillers listed above.
- Genre: Horror Comedy.
- Prakambanam OTT Release Date: While the theatrical release was late January, official OTT dates are usually 4-6 weeks post-release. Expect this on platforms like Hotstar or ManoramaMAX by late February or early March 2026.
- Cast: Ganapathi, Sagar Surya, Al Ameen, and Mallika Sukumaran.
- Plot: The film starts in an old ancestral home (tharavadu) where a grandmother’s death leads to a mix-up with her ashes. The chaos shifts to a men’s hostel in Kochi, where students (played by the Romancham fame actors) face spooky yet hilarious situations.
- Review: With a rating of 3.0/5, it draws comparisons to hits like Romancham. It functions as a social satire, poking fun at ideological rigidity while delivering laughs.
Other Notable Mentions & Upcoming OTT Releases
The Malayalam OTT space is buzzing with content. Here are a few other titles you might encounter in your search for new OTT release movies:
- Nellikkampoyil Night Riders: A horror-comedy that is already available for streaming on ZEE5 as of February 7, 2026.
- Sarvam Maya: Another hit from 2026 (starring Nivin Pauly) mentioned alongside Chatha Pacha as a notable release, likely heading to OTT soon.
- Ashakal Aayiram: Listed in current showtimes, this is a title to keep an eye on for future OTT announcements.
Detailed Analysis: Chatha Pacha Budget and Production
While the exact Chatha Pacha budget hasn’t been officially disclosed in the public domain, the production quality suggests a mid-range budget efficiently utilized. The film was produced by Reel World Entertainment and distributed by heavyweights like Wayfarer Films (Dulquer Salmaan’s company) and Dharma Productions (a rare crossover for Malayalam cinema distribution).
The visual appeal of the film is credited to cinematographer Anend C. Chandran, who captured the vibrancy of Fort Kochi and the gritty texture of the underground wrestling rings perfectly. The music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy (songs) and Mujeeb Majeed (score) added a distinct flavor that separated it from typical “thallu” (action) movies.
Why Chatha Pacha is a Must-Watch on OTT
If you are deciding what to watch on Netflix this weekend, here is the checklist:
- Nostalgia: If you grew up watching WWE (Undertaker, Kane, The Rock) in the 90s or 2000s, this movie is a love letter to that era.
- Performance: Roshan Mathew transforms physically and emotionally for this role. Vishak Nair proves he is one of the best character actors/villains in the current generation.
- The “Vibe”: The movie captures the essence of “Kochi machans”—the friendship, the slang, and the reckless ambition—better than most recent films.
- The Cameo: Even if it’s brief, seeing Mammootty in a rugged, local avatar is always a cinematic treat.
Conclusion: A Packed Weekend for Malayalis
February 2026 is turning out to be a fantastic month for Malayalam cinema lovers.
- For Action Lovers: Stream Chatha Pacha on Netflix (Feb 19).
- For Thriller Fans: Stream Paathirathri on ZEE5 (Feb 20).
- For Theatrical Watchers: Check out Prakambanam if it’s still running near you, or wait for its imminent digital release.
The industry is seeing a shift where “Mass” movies are evolving. Chatha Pacha proves that you don’t need a superstar lead to score a hit; you need a fresh concept (like local wrestling) and spirited execution. Meanwhile, the failure of Baby Girl serves as a reminder that even strong scripts by legends like Bobby-Sanjay need the right execution and pacing to work in today’s fast-paced market.
Whether you are watching Chatha Pacha on mobile or planning a family movie night with Paathirathri, the content pipeline is overflowing. Don’t forget to check out the Chatha Pacha trailer on YouTube if you haven’t yet—it perfectly sets the tone for the “Ring of Rowdies.”
Happy Streaming!
