Latest news with #KhalidAlAmeri
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
'Felt like one of our own': Dubai filmmaker on casting Khalid Al Ameri in 'Chatha Pacha'
The Malayalam WWE-inspired action-comedy Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies has been generating quite the buzz lately, thanks to the unexpected guest appearance by Emirati social media favourite Khalid Al Ameri. But for Dubai-based filmmaker Shihan Shoukath, who is helming the big-ticket production under his banner Reel World Entertainment, the decision felt like a no-brainer. 'I often joke with [Khalid] that he's an adopted Malayali. The love Malayalis — especially in the Gulf — have for Khalid is something else. So when he walked onto set, it felt like one of our own showing up,' Shihan tells Khaleej Times. 'He brings this really warm, grounded, and humorous energy to everything he does, and that totally fed into the way we built his character. It was a fun mix of who he is, plus a twist to fit the tone of our crazy, chaotic world,' he adds. And with 30 days of filming now wrapped, Chatha Pacha is already turning heads, not just for the surprise cameo, but also for its star-studded cast, throwback WWE energy, and highly-anticipated soundtrack, marking Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's Malayalam film debut. Wrestling, rain and rowdies On paper, Chatha Pacha sounds like a fever dream: a Malayalam film set in Fort Kochi, where three estranged brothers come together to start their own WWE-style wrestling club. But in Shihan's hands, it's become a love letter to childhood obsessions, familial chaos, and the raw conflict of growing up in a place where dreams don't come easy. 'When the story came to me, I was instantly hit with this childhood memory of watching WWE with my brother and even my grandmother crammed into one living room, screaming every time someone did a chokeslam,' Shihan recalls. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies (@chathapachathefilm) 'That mix of chaos, brotherhood, and obsession with wrestling was so unique to our growing up. And I thought, what if we captured that energy, but rooted it in a very entertaining, local story? That's how Chatha Pacha was born. A total mad fusion of nostalgic WWE fandom and emotional Malayalam storytelling.' Star-studded cast and more With a star-studded cast including Roshan Mathew, Arjun Ashokan, Vishak Nair, and Ishan Shoukath (Dubai-based actor and Shihan's younger brother, last seen in a breakout performance in Marco), the energy on set has been anything but ordinary. 'It's been wild. Pure madness in the best way possible," says Shihan. "We were shooting in the rain, in real locations, with extras who are actual wrestling fans,' he adds. 'There were several moments when our legendary cinematographer, Anend C Chandran, framed our young child actors, and they spontaneously came up with improvised dialogues, wrestling moves, expressions. Everyone just froze. And I remember thinking to our director, Advait: this is connecting in ways we didn't even expect." And for the WWE fans, yes, there will be wrestling. Full-blown, sweat-dripping, bone-crunching wrestling. 'We're not taking wrestling lightly at all,' he adds. 'Our stunt director Kalai Kingson studied WWE's psychology, and even though it's stylised, it's grounded in real physicality. We even cast people with legit fight training. When the punches land, you will feel it.' How you could land a cameo Even before hitting the big screen, Chatha Pacha has been making noise where it counts. The film's GCC and overseas theatrical rights were recently acquired by Dubai-based distributor The Plot Pictures for a landmark sum, cementing it as one of the most valuable overseas deals in Malayalam cinema. Add to that, the music rights snapped up by a major Indian label, driven by the buzz around Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's debut. 'The soundtrack is on another level, honestly,' says Shihan. 'There's one track that's kind of a rebel anthem, which is already stuck in everyone's heads.' Meanwhile, the #ChathaPachaChallenge on social media has taken on a life of its own. Fans from across India and the Gulf are recreating their wildest WWE-style wrestling moves for a chance to score a cameo in the film. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies (@chathapachathefilm) Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies is slated for theatrical release later this year. And if the buzz is anything to go by, then our countdown has already begun!
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
'Felt like a perfect welcome': Khalid Al Ameri on his Malayalam film debut
When you think of Emirati pop culture, very few names capture your imagination quite like Khalid Al Ameri. For years, the content creator has chronicled the quirks and contradictions of life in the Gulf region with humour, heart, and an infectious sense of curiosity. But this weekend, when news broke that he would be making his film debut — of all places, in a Malayalam action-comedy — the Internet was set abuzz. Beyond just an influencer-turned-actor headline, it felt like a cultural crossover we didn't know we needed. Even more intriguing? The film, Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies, is being produced by Dubai-based filmmaker Shihan Shoukath. A Cannes-recognised storyteller, Shihan's debut short film Deadline won Best Original Story at the World Film Festival. Since then, he has co-founded Reel World Entertainment, a production company rooted in cross-cultural storytelling. And with Chatha Pacha, the production house aims to set the tone for a bold new chapter in Malayalam cinema — one that straddles the line between nostalgia, larger-than-life madness, and a deeply rooted emotional core. 'I was having a conversation with Shihan about a crossover film when he suggested I fly over to Kochi and spend a few days on set, just to learn about the industry and how things work,' Khalid tells Khaleej Times. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies (@chathapachathefilm) 'That alone was exciting for me. I love learning more about the industry. But then he surprised me by offering a cameo in Chatha Pacha. I've never done anything like this before, so it felt like the perfect welcome to the industry," he adds. For Khalid, it was also about stepping into a world he'd long admired from afar. 'The South Indian film industry is such a rich, powerful world built on incredible creativity and storytelling. I feel lucky to have experienced even a small part of it.' Surprise collab or long-time brewing? Speaking of the collaboration, Shihan adds, 'Khalid's actually a good friend and we've been in conversation for a while now about doing something together, especially a Malayalam film. The more we spoke, the more it started to feel real. When Chatha Pacha came along, I just knew there was this perfect window where he could come in and make a moment truly memorable.' As for what that role actually looks like? 'Without giving too much away, what I'll say is, audiences are definitely going to get the Khalid they love, but also see him in a way they've never seen before,' he shares. Though brief, Khalid's appearance marks a meaningful cultural crossover — a further nod to the UAE-India artistic bond that continues to grow stronger. "His short cameo isn't just for the sake of it, it actually plays into the mood and the movement of the scene. And yeah, there's definitely going to be a cheer in theatres when he shows up, especially in the UAE!" Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies, starring Roshan Mathew, Arjun Ashokan, Vishak Nair, and Ishan Shoukath (Dubai-based actor last seen in Marco), is slated for theatrical release later this year.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
UAE: From dubbing to acting, how these 8 Emiratis promote a love for Indian cinema
With Indian diaspora making up the largest expat community in UAE, it is no surprise that the two cultures have shared experiences, exchanged local art, and members of each community learning the languages of the other. As the Indian expat community came pouring in to UAE, many citizens found themselves drawn to the world of Indian cinema, with its unique storylines, song and dance numbers, and a sometimes flair for the dramatic. Emiratis who grew up watching Indian movies as a child became adults who contributed to the creation of these films. Here are some UAE-based talents who have showcased their love for Indian cinema by acting, dubbing, or even producing Indian movies. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. 1. Khalid Al Ameri The Emirati influencer and content creator has been very open about his love for all things Indian; from music to food, his feed prominently features videos trying out different aspects of the South Asian culture, and collaborations with Indian content creators. Khalid Al Ameri recently shared a story announcing an appearance in upcoming Malayalam action film Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies. This will mark his debut in Indian cinema; as no character details are known, the intrigue remains for viewers who are curious about what role Ameri will be playing in the WWE-inspired drama set in the coastal city of Kochi. 2. Noora and Mariam Al Helali The two Emirati sisters in their 20s first garnered widespread attention on social media for their native-like fluency in Malayalam, and their deep knowledge of movies and cultural references. Growing up with Malayalam-speaking nannies and studying in a catholic school in Sharjah shaped their multicultural experience. The two sisters found that there were many similarities between Emirati, and Indian, specifically Keralite culture. The young adults who had grown up watching and adoring movies from Kerala got to work on a dream project when they lent their voice to several characters for Emirati-dubbed Malayalam film Turbo Arabic, which released in August 2024, starring Mammootty. 3. Ahmad Al Marzooqi Turbo Arabic was the first Emirati-dubbed Malayalam film to have a theatrical release in the region, and it brought on multiple Emiratis to voice the characters in the film, including content creator Ahmad Al Marzooqi. Al Marzooqi, sometimes called "Bollywood Wikipedia", first fell in love with Indian cinema when he watched Sanjay-Dutt starrer Khal Nayak with his mother, he earlier told Khaleej Times. He then began watching all Bollywood-related TV channels, and soon began to no longer need subtitles. The renowned Emirati personality had already been doing voice-overs for his own channel, which made him somewhat familiar with the process. 4. Nahla Al Fahad While some contribute to the film process by acting and dubbing, yet others support movies through roles that may not show on screen, but are crucial to the filmmaking process. Award-winning Emirati filmmaker Nahla Al Fahad's fondest childhood memories is that of watching a Bollywood film every week. Moved by the emotions that underpin Indian storylines, she said she connected to "Indian culture through the movies". The UAE filmmaker went on to co-produce the Malayalam film Momo in Dubai in 2023, alongside Indian producers Harris Desom and Anish PB. The film, much like the diversity among the producers, showcased a meeting of Indians with the UAE. It captured the dreams and aspirations of Keralite expats in the region despite financial hardships, portraying an age-old story of Indian diaspora in their new home. 5. Bader Ali Habib and Sakina Suhail This Emirati couple combined their love for 'desi' culture, and their fascination of Prithvi Theatre on a visit to Mumbai, to create a community in Dubai where "desi arts, stories, pop culture, and food could come together under one roof.' The husband-wife duo reflected on how the growing expat population in the 1990s led to stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Khanna, Dharmendra, becoming household names among Emiratis. Called Saanjh Dubai, the community hosts movie nights and desi cultural and artistic gatherings. It also fosters a 'digital home' for popular characters, with posts on Instagram showcasing Simran's father waiting for a ride in the Dubai Metro; about to live a 'jee ley apni zindagi'(live your life, girl)! 6. Mansoor Al Feeli The legendary Emirati actor was the first to play a role in a Bollywood film, termed Dishoom. Mansoor Al Feeli is a prominent artist who has acted in several films, including Hub Malki (Royal Love) Leban Mutheleg and Do' Damis (The Light of Darkness). The movie has a special UAE connect, having filmed at 30 different locations in Abu Dhabi, including Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Liwa desert and Reem Island. Dishoom portrays the disappearance of Indian cricketer Viraj Sharma, a short time before an India vs. Pakistan match. The movie stars John Abraham, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Varun Dhawan, with the two male actors playing cops that lead a chase through UAE to find the cricketer.
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Emirati influencer Khalid Al Ameri to make Malayalam cinema debut in WWE-inspired film 'Chatha Pacha'
Khalid Al Ameri, one of the Arab world's most recognisable Emirati digital storytellers, is stepping into the cinematic ring—literally. The Emirati content creator and humanitarian is making his debut in Indian cinema with a cameo appearance in the upcoming Malayalam action film Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies, a WWE-inspired drama set in the coastal city of Kochi. Khalid shared a post on Instagram Story which suggested his cameo appearance in the Malayalam film. From his Instagram Stories, it looks like Khalid is also currently in Kochi, where the film is set. Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies promises a uniquely entertaining blend of local flavour and global spectacle. The film draws inspiration from the theatrical world of professional wrestling. It stars some of Malayalam cinema's most exciting talents, including Arjun Ashokan, Roshan Mathew, Vishak Nair, and Marco breakout Ishan Shoukath. The project also has serious creative weight behind it. Shihan Shoukath, the Cannes-winning filmmaker known for Marco, is serving as the film's creative producer. Adding to the prestige is the legendary music trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, making their Malayalam debut. Known for their work on Bollywood blockbusters like Dil Chahta Hai and Rock On!!, the trio's inclusion signals a rich experience. Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies is planned for release by the end of the year.
Khaleej Times
06-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Alishba Royale Makes a Grand Opening at Dubai Marina Harbour
Dubai welcomes a new era of cruising as Al Hadaf Group launches its most ambitious maritime marvel to date In a city known for pushing boundaries and redefining luxury, Dubai welcomed a brand new addition to its waters on April 11, 2025, with the launch of Alishba Royale, a beautifully handcrafted wooden five-star dhow cruise by Al Hadaf Group. Held at the Marina Harbour, the event was attended by local dignitaries, media, and social personalities, including popular Emirati influencer Khalid Al Ameri, who praised the importance of preserving traditions while crafting exceptional experiences. Guests were treated to five-star catering, reflecting the luxurious spirit of Alishba Royale and setting the tone for the unforgettable journeys it promises to deliver. Alishba Cruises first set sail in 2019 with the launch of its deluxe cruise, Alishba Costa, marking the brand's commitment to blending comfort with cultural charm. The debut of Alishba Royale is a natural evolution of this vision - elevating the cruise experience to new levels of opulence and authenticity. Unlike modern cruise liners, Alishba Royale stands out for its traditional design and handcrafted build, created entirely with human effort and great attention to detail. Every part of the boat reflects the craftsmanship and heritage of the UAE, offering guests a glimpse into the nation's rich maritime history. Heritage with a Purpose The team behind Alishba Royale hopes to bring something different to Dubai's tourism scene by offering a heritage-based experience. Unlike high-tech cruises, this one is all about slowing down and connecting - with nature, with tradition, and with the present moment. At the core of this success story stands Mr. M. Ali Khan, the forward-thinking CEO of Al Hadaf Group and Collective Dynamic Holding. Known for his sharp business acumen and passion for building meaningful ventures, Khan has been instrumental in shaping Dubai's luxury tourism and real estate landscapes, with success of ventures like MAK Developers Making Dubai First Island Pool. "We envisioned Alishba Royale not just as an ordinary dhow, but as an emblem of Dubai's global hospitality ambition," said Khan during the launch. "This vessel is our commitment to offering world-class experiences that inspire, delight, and bring people together in unforgettable ways." A Relaxing Two-Hour Journey Guests can enjoy a peaceful two-hour ride through Dubai Marina, taking in stunning waterfront views and iconic landmarks such as Ain Dubai, Blue Water Island, Marina canal and JBR walk from the comfort of the wooden dhow. The cruise offers a calming atmosphere, with soft music playing in the background and a variety of food served on board. Whether you're a visitor or a resident looking for a fresh way to enjoy the city, Alishba Royale offers a relaxed escape from the fast pace of daily life. Memorable Moments on the Water As Dubai continues to grow as a world-class travel destination, particularly in the realm of sea tourism, experiences like Alishba Royale highlight the importance of blending tradition with modern tourism. This luxurious dhow cruise offers more than just scenic views - it's a celebration of culture, elegance, and unforgettable moments. With today's travelers seeking more authentic and meaningful experiences, Alishba Royale delivers a unique offering that adds something truly special to the city's vibrant landscape. Whether it's a corporate event, an intimate wedding celebration, a private anniversary dinner, or any special gathering, Alishba Royale provides the perfect backdrop - where the charm of traditional dhow design meets the comfort of modern luxury. From candlelit dinners under the stars to elegant receptions on the water, Alishba Royale is redefining sea-bound experiences in Dubai Marina, making each moment feel personal, timeless, and exceptional. Whether it's a peaceful evening ride or a unique way to explore the Marina, Alishba Royale invites guests to relax, connect, and celebrate life the traditional way - on water.
