Nawapol is happy, "Mary" is a millionaire
One million baht in ticket revenue means a flop for mainstream movies, but it is a huge success for an independent film, especially one made on an ultra-low budget as is the case with "Mary Is Happy, Mary Is Happy", which has surpassed the Bt1-million m
Director Nawapol “Ter” Thamrongrattanarit expressed his delight on Facebook. “‘Mary Is Happy, Mary Is Happy’ has earned more Bt1 million,” he gleefully reported.
The income is significant, especially for an indie film that’s screened for just under three weeks with limited rounds, mainly at the Lido in Siam Square and House on RCA.
And although making money |wasn’t Nawapol’s main objective, he’s hoping more people will see it, and he urged those who haven’t already to rush to cinemas.
Writing in a horoscope style on Facebook, he predicted a dark future for “Mary”, saying chances to catch it will be be less and less. “Whoever wants to see it, I’d suggest you go see it now because there will be fewer shows.”
The main reason is that both Lido and House will be unavailable because they are hosting other activities during the next several days. “Mary” temporarily left Lido yesterday but it’s still on at House until tomorrow.
The plan is to have the movie back in both theatres next week. “But an astrologer has predicted that when ‘Mary’ returns to the theatres, it will be reduced to only two shows a day,” fortuneteller Nawapol said, his smile reflected in his crystal ball.
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Most sought-after stars
Actor Pakorn “Boy” Chatborirak and singer Ying Lee Srijumphon are Thailand’s most popular male and female celebrities. That’s if you think Google searches are anything to go by.
Among the guys, Boy Pakorn is followed by actor Nadech Kukimiya, boxer Buakaw Banchamek, actor Prin “Maak” Supharat and luk thung heartthrob Pai Pongsathorn.
The results are surprising, because you would think Nadech would be the most searched-for Thai male celeb. But search results are often driven by scandal, and Boy had a big one this year, when photos of him making out with a mystery woman were leaked.
Ying Lee’s rise to the top of search terms was driven by the relentless beat of her hit song “Khor Jai Ther Lak Ber Tho”. She was followed by fellow luk thung star, the short-shorts-clad Suteewan “Baitoey” Thaveesin. Actress Urassaya “Yaya” Sperbund and luk thung singer Tai Orathai rounded out the top five.
One thing the top Thai search results of 2013 says is that luk thung music is more popular than ever. No wonder the leading music festivals, among them Sonic Bang and Big Mountain, couldn’t do without at least one luk thung star.
