Michelle Yeoh EP’d Martial Arts Pic ‘Nak Muay’ Set August 2 Start Date

EXCLUSIVE: Tinge Krishnan’s Michelle Yeoh EP’d action picture Nak Muay – starring Muay Thai boxing stars Suablack, Buakaw and Saenchai – will begin shooting in Thailand next week.

Disruptive Element Films – Krishnan’s UK and Thailand-based joint company with Colin Pons – has announced an August 2 start for principal photography, with filming due to take place on location in Bangkok and the rural district of Pranburi. 

It is the third feature for medic-turned director Krishnan, who broke out with Bafta-winning short Showscan, and has since taken directing credits on TV shows such as  A Thousand Blows, The Mosquito Coast, Industry,WeCrashed as well as features Been So Long and Junkhearts.

Tapping into the culture and world of Thailand’s traditional martial art and national sport Muay Thai, the film co-stars Buakaw as Magic Lotus, a revered fighter with a legendary deadly touch in the ring, alongside Saenchai as Tongchai, Magic Lotus’ longtime friend and partner in crime, who hides his fighting skill behind the persona of a buffoonish farmer.

When Magic Lotus becomes secretly depressed after another death in the ring at his hands, Tongchai supports his exile into nature from the boxing world. Together they reignite their passion for Muay Thai when they decide to train young fighter Yod, played by Sua Black (aka Natthaphum Kaeowatthanameth).

Yod is also hiding a secret. As Thailand’s undefeated Muay Thai champion, he is a national icon, the face of global brands, and a fixture in Bangkok’s elite circles. But behind the flashbulbs and footwork, he’s cracking under the weight of guilt. Years ago, a brutal match left his childhood best friend Krit with irreversible brain damage. Now Krit is dying, and Yod is spiralling.

“As a director with roots in sci-fi, fantasy, and martial arts, this film is the chance to make the film I’ve always wanted to make as a woman and a martial arts practitioner,” said Krishnan, who also takes writer and executive producer credits on the production.

“Nak Muay wrestles with that desire, centring on Yod. His transformative relationship with the strong women around him is interwoven with his journey as a Muay Thai fighter grappling with his craft’s meaning and his own moral compass after a devastating breakdown.”

The film is produced by BAFTA award-winning Dominic Buchanan (Gimme the Loot, The End of the F***ing World) with four-time Emmy award winning consultant producer Scott Hornbacher (Boots, Mad Men, The Sopranos). Cinematography will be by Gavin Kelly (American Horror Story).

Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All At Once, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon) is also on board as an executive producer alongside Pons, Krishnan and David Ismalone.

The film is being shot and produced entirely in Thailand with support from the Thai government and the UK Global Screen Fund.