Dual 'Khoo Kams' not exactly twins

Scenario’s remake of “Khoo Kam” for TV, starring Sukrit “Bie” Wisetkaew, has generated significant buzz for Channel 5, and it certainly hasn’t hurt that at the same time M-Thirtynine issued a sneak preview of its film version, starring Nadech Kugimiya.

It’s just a coincidence that two interpretations of “Khoo Kam” (“Destined Couple”), based on the classic novel “Sunset on the Chao Phraya”, are coming out this year, says a spokesperson for M-Thirtynine. He admits, though, that there’s intense pressure as people compare the TV series to the first glimpse of the movie before it hits theatres on April 4. 

For his part Nadech – a TV star making his big-screen debut – has asked his fans not to draw comparisons between him and Bie. “The series and the movie are just different,” he says. “I give total support to Bie.” 

Adding to Nadech’s anxieties, some viewers of the movie preview didn’t think his co-star Oranate “Richy” D Caballes fits the role of the strong-willed Angsumalin. “Give her a chance,” he pleads. If it’s any consolation, they’re saying the same thing about Nuengthida “Noona” Sophon, who plays the character on the small screen.

Noona and Bie can meanwhile fret about having big shots like Plodprasop Suraswadi watching them on TV. The deputy premier declared an abiding interest in “Khoo Kam”, reminding reporters he grew up during World War II, when the story takes place. 

“I’d love to tell the producer that rue-hang-yao [long-tail] boats with engines didn’t exist at that time,” he said, a little miffed. “And there was no hoi cherry either,” he added, nitpickingly referring to a South American snail that sneaked through customs much later. The keen-eyed Plodprasop spotted the snail as it made a split-second cameo appearance in the TV show when Angsumalin was swimming. The grievances from government had a good airing on the social media, so presumably producer Takonkiet “Boy” Viravan has heard.

People are so picky, though. The social lions also roared after spotting TV antennas on the roofs of buildings in a promotional photo for the movie, so let’s see if director Kittikorn “Leo” Liewsirikul calls for a complete re-shoot of every outdoor scene.