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Michelle Yeoh EP’d Martial Arts Picture ‘Nak Muay’ Co-Starring Suablack, Buakaw & Saenchai To Begin Filming In Thailand On August 2
Director Tinge Krishnan's Muay Thai action film "Nak Muay", executive produced by Michelle Yeoh, is set to begin principal photography in Thailand on 2 August. The production, backed by Disruptive Element Films, marks a notable crossover between Thai combat sport and international cinema, casting real-life Muay Thai stars Suablack, Buakaw and Saenchai in lead roles rather than conventional actors, and reflects growing UK-Thailand co-production ties in the industry.
Filming will take place on location in Bangkok and the rural district of Pranburi. The story follows undefeated champion Yod (Suablack), who is secretly wracked with guilt over a childhood friend left with irreversible brain damage after a fight, as he is mentored by retired fighters Magic Lotus (Buakaw) and Tongchai (Saenchai). Krishnan, a Bafta-winning short filmmaker with TV credits including "A Thousand Blows" and "Industry", also wrote the script, while Dominic Buchanan produces alongside Emmy-winning consultant producer Scott Hornbacher; the project has support from the Thai government and the UK Global Screen Fund.
In short
- Michelle Yeoh EPs Muay Thai film "Nak Muay", shooting starts 2 August
- Real fighters Suablack, Buakaw and Saenchai star in lead roles
- Filmed in Bangkok and Pranburi with UK-Thailand government backing
Explained simply
"Nak Muay" is a Muay Thai action film directed by Tinge Krishnan, a BAFTA-award-winning filmmaker. Michelle Yeoh, best known for films such as "Crazy Rich Asians" and "Everything Everywhere All at Once", serves as an executive producer. The production is a UK-Thailand co-production with support from both countries' film funding bodies and governments.
Muay Thai is Thailand's traditional martial art and combat sport. The film is notable for casting actual Muay Thai champions in its lead roles—Suablack, Buakaw and Saenchai—rather than conventional actors. The narrative follows an undefeated champion who is burdened by guilt related to a childhood friend who sustained permanent brain damage during a fight.
The involvement of Michelle Yeoh as executive producer reflects the growing number of international collaborations in film production. Director Krishnan, who previously worked on television dramas including "Industry" and "A Thousand Blows", has written the script and is directing the film. The project is supported by film funding organisations and governments in both the UK and Thailand.
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