Mutmee's movie

Actress takes on a legendary role

By Tatat Bunnag
Photographs by Varuth Hirunyatheb
and courtesy of Sahamongkol Film International

With her beautiful and distinct Thai looks, actress Pimdao Panichsamai (Mutmee) has often been chosen for starring roles in Thai historical period dramas.

Although she entered Thai show business almost a decade ago as a rising teen pop singer with RS Music, Mutmee really stepped into the limelight when she played Mae Phloi in the 2011 musical, Si Phaen Din. She also became popular starring in the TV sitcom, Look Phi Look Nong (Relatives).

The 26-year-old actress is now ready to make her feature film debut in Pantai Norrasingh, directed by renowned filmmaker MR Chatrichalerm Yukol (Tan Mui). Pantai Norrasingh is based on a famous story from the Ayutthaya Period, and Mutmee plays the part of Nual, the loyal wife of the famous barge helmsman, Pantai Norrasingh.

Student Weekly recently caught up with Mutmee to find out about her first film role in Pantai Norrasingh, which is due to open in local cinemas this week.

Student Weekly: How did you become involved with this film?

Mutmee: The project actually started about three years ago, before I acted in Si Phaen Din. I didn’t have any acting experience before that. I had to take acting classes for years at Tan Mui's acting school. I learned everything from acting to traditional Thai dancing and singing. I even learned how to ride a horse and buffalo!

Student Weekly: Were you familiar with the story of Pantai Norrasingh before working on the film?

Mutmee: A little bit. I knew that Pantai Norrasingh was an important soldier who was famous for his loyalty and sacrifice. After damaging the Ayutthaya King’s boat, Pantai offered his head as punishment.

Student Weekly: Can you tell us about your character in the film?

Mutmee: I play Nual, a local woman who lives in Wiset Chai Chan district in Ang Thong. She can do lots of things including cooking, buffalo riding and farming. Nual has known Pantai since she was a child. She was a popular girl, with boys like Pantai and Tidduar trying to win her heart.

Student Weekly: Is it true that this version of Pantai Norrasingh is more of romance and drama than an action film?

Mutmee: I think this film has everything. There are some cool and intense fight scenes, as well as a great love story. But there are many kinds of love in this film, including love for the nation, love for the King, love between Nual and Pantai, and great friendship.

Student Weekly: What was the hardest scene for you in the film?

Mutmee: Acting wasn't too much of a problem for me, but working in the extremely hot weather was really tough. We filmed in Kanchanaburi in temperatures of more than 40 degrees Celsius. It was crazy! I also fell off buffaloes and horses many times, so I had cuts or bruises all over my body. Not to mention ugly skin rashes from unidentified bug bites!

Student Weekly: What was it like working with director Tan Mui?

Mutmee: I feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity to be part of this film. I was a big fan of Tan Mui’s previous films like Suriyothai and The Legend of King Naresuan series. He’s one of the best film directors in Thailand.

Student Weekly: What else can your fans expect from you in the near future?

Mutmee: This year has been the best yet for me. I've been offered great movie and drama roles, and Pantai Norrasingh is finally hitting the cinemas.

I’m going to release a new single soon, and I’m also getting married. I’m so happy!

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