Michelle Yeoh Joins Executive Production of Thailand-Based Muay Thai Action Film “Nak Muay”

Disruptive Element Films – the UK-Thailand joint venture of director Tinge Krishnan and Colin Pons – has scheduled the start of principal photography for August 2. Filming will take place on location in Bangkok and the rural district of Pranburi, Thailand. The project, titled *Nak Muay*, is Krishnan’s third feature film and will be produced entirely in Thailand with backing from the Thai government and the UK Global Screen Fund. BAFTA-winning producer Dominic Buchanan and four-time Emmy-winning consultant producer Scott Hornbacher are attached as producers, while cinematography will be handled by Gavin Kelly.

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The film centers on Thailand’s undefeated Muay Thai champion Yod, portrayed by Suablack (Natthaphum Kaeowatthanameth). Yod is a national icon and global brand face, yet he wrestles with guilt after a past bout left his childhood friend Krit with irreversible brain damage. Buakaw appears as Magic Lotus, a revered fighter whose lethal reputation masks a secret depression following another death in the ring. Saenchai plays Tongchai, Magic Lotus’s longtime friend who disguises his fighting skill behind a bumbling farmer persona. Together the trio trains Yod, hoping to rekindle his passion for Muay Thai while confronting personal demons.

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Tinge Krishnan – director, writer, and executive producer – is a former medic turned filmmaker who broke out with the BAFTA-winning short *Showdowscan* and has directed episodes of *A Thousand Blows*, *The Mosquito Coast*, *Industry*, and *WeCrashed*. Michelle Yeoh, known for *Everything Everywhere All At Once* and *Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon*, joins as an executive producer alongside Krishnan, Pons, and David Ismalone. Dominic Buchanan (producer of *Gimme the Loot* and *The End of the F***ing World*) and Scott Hornbacher (consultant producer on *Boots*, *Mad Men*, *The Sopranos*) round out the senior production team.

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Krishnan emphasized that the film offers her a rare opportunity to merge her sci-fi, fantasy, and martial-arts roots with a story she wants to tell as a woman and a practitioner of the sport. The production enjoys official support from both the Thai government and the UK Global Screen Fund, underscoring a collaborative effort to showcase Muay Thai culture on a global stage.

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• “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,” — Tinge Krishnan, for medic-turned director

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