SINGAPORE: Thai horror-comedy “Pee Mak” is making some serious cash.
It raked in US$33 million (S$41.2 million) since its release in March to become the highest-grossing domestically-produced film of all time in Thailand.
“Pee Mak” director Banjong Pisanthanakun, who had previously helmed horror films like “Shutter”, “4BIA” and “Phobia 2”, attributes its success to the film’s fresh take on a familiar tale.
“Pee Mak” is unlike the 30 or so films also based on the Thai legend of Mae Nak – about the spirit of a woman who kills anyone that tries to expose her true identity, in a bid to stay with her still-living husband – which have come before it.
Pisanthanakun tells the story through the eyes of Mae Nak’s husband instead, and gives the tale a different ending.
“Although it’s a familiar story, their love is very great, and the theme of a human man’s relationship with his wife that has passed away is intriguing,” said Pisanthanakun, during a media conference in Singapore on Wednesday.
Laughing his way to the bank
“Pee Mak” revolves around Pee Mak (Mario Maurer), a conscript who returns home from the battlefield with his four close friends Ter (Nuttapong Chartpong), Puak (Pongsatorn Jongwilas), Shin (Attharut Kongrasri) and Aey (Kantapat Permpoonpatcharasuk) in tow.
They meet Pee Mak’s wife Nak (Davika Hoorne) and their newborn son Dang.
But Pee Mak’s friends soon hear a rumour that Nak had died during childbirth while Dang was stillborn, and things take a turn for the worse.
Pisanthanakun had injected funny pop culture references into “Pee Mak”, and banked on the comedic talents of Jongwilas, Chartpong, Kongrasri and Permpoonpatcharasuk – whom he had worked with in both “4BIA” and “Phobia 2” – to bring on the laughs as Pee Mak’s four friends who struggle to tell him Nak’s terrifying secret, even as they try to stay alive.
The 33-year-old director believed that the combination of horror and comedic elements in “Pee Mak” contributed to its success as well.
“It succeeds because the movie makes people laugh. It touches them. It makes them feel good. And they go out and talk about it,” explained Pisanthanakun, pointing out that the positive word of mouth has helped the film tremendously.
Next stop: Romance
“Pee Mak”, which opens in Singapore on June 13, has gone on to pull in HK$7.8 million (S$1.25 million) in Hong Kong, after breaking box-office records at home.
Chinese film producers have also expressed interest in doing a remake of the film.
Pisanthanakun revealed that he was surprised the blend of horror and comedy in “Pee Mak” had turned out to be so popular with audiences.
“I just wanted to make a funny and touching movie,” said Pisanthanakun.
“I didn’t know that horror-comedy would be the next big thing.”
While he appears to have struck gold with “Pee Mak”, Pisanthanakun expressed that he does not intend to ride its popularity and make another horror-comedy.
He is thinking about doing a romantic drama instead.
“I want to do a different genre next time,” said the mild-mannered director thoughtfully.
Even if it means missing out on the millions in box-office receipts another horror-comedy would likely bring in?
“I’m okay with that,” said Pisanthanakun with a smile. – CNA/ha
