Michelle Yeoh EP’d Martial Arts Feature ‘Nak Muay’ Co-Starring Suablack, Buakaw & Saenchai to Begin Filming in Thailand

Disruptive Element Films is delighted to announce it will commence principal photography in Thailand from 2nd August until September on new scripted feature NAK MUAY by BAFTA-winning film and tv writer-director Tinge Krishnan (A Thousand Blows, The Mosquito Coast, Industry, Junkhearts, WeCrashed, Been So Long).

Shot and produced entirely in Thailand with support from the Thai government and the UK Global Screen Fund, the production will be shot on location in Bangkok and the rural district of Pranburi. NAK MUAY is a martial arts action drama based on an undefeated Muay Thai champion, executive produced by Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All At Once, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon) with additional Executives Colin Pons, Tinge Krishnan and David Ismalone.

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) and cinematography by Gavin Kelly (American Horror Story, Little America, Wu-Tang: An American Saga), NAK MUAY stars Muay Thai Boxer Sua Black and two of the greatest legends of the Muay Thai boxing world – BuaKaw and Saenchai. BuaKaw is universally regarded as one of the greatest Muay Thai fighters and kickboxers of all time. He is a multi-time global champion who single-handedly elevated Muay Thai to international mainstream prominence in the 2000s. Saenchai is also regarded as one of the greatest and most talented fighters in the history of Muay Thai. He is a former six-time Lumpinee Stadium champion across four divisions as well as the 1999 and 2008 Sports Writers Association of Thailand Fighter of the Year.

Friends in real life, Buakaw plays Magic Lotus, who is the most revered and beloved fighter of NAK MUAY. His mythical status formed after disappearing from the Muay Thai scene, with the legend of being so powerful that he accidentally killed two fighters.

Saenchai plays Tongchai – Magic Lotus’ partner in crime who appears to be a funny crazy farmer, but is secretly a hero of Muay Thai and an incredibly skilled fighter who can use the tiniest of body language cues to anticipate an opponent’s next move. Fast and perceptive with a heart of gold, he has a deep brotherly connection to Magic Lotus having grown up together in fighting camps. When Magic Lotus becomes secretly depressed after another death in the ring from his own hands, Tongchai supports his exile into nature from the boxing world. There he rediscovers his own essence and journey as a fighter and together they reignite their passion for Muay Thai when they decide to train Yod – a young and talented protégé. Yod is played by Natthaphum Kaeowatthanameth who fights professionally under the name of Sua Black who is known for his knockout power.

NAK MUAY is a bruising, mystical martial arts drama about the price of glory, the grip of guilt, and the quiet power of chosen family. At the height of his fame, Yod is 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.

Tinge Krishnan, Joint CEO Disruptive Element Films & Writer/ Director/ Producer Nak Muay said:
“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. 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.”