Bangkok: Uey Nontharee dusts off Tee Yai and reinterprets the 2025 version with Apo-Most-Kao conveying the story. Ready to serve legendary stories to come back to life once again with the latest release of the movie “Tee Yai Rerk Dao Jor” directed by the legendary director Uey – Nonzee Nimibutr, reinforced by a cast of skilled actors such as Apo Nattawin, Most Wisarut, Kao Supassara, Joke Akarin and many more. It is considered a major return to role for Apo in the role of “Tee Yai 2025”, a bandit who lives life to the extreme with a new interpretation that reflects both the recklessness and humanity under the shadow of the legend.

According to Thai News Agency, Director Uey Nonzee revealed that the film is based on the legendary figure Tee Yai, whom everyone knows well. However, he interpreted it in his own way, telling the story of his humanity alongside his friends. He believes he would not have grown into a legendary bandit without them. Regarding casting, he wanted to work with new generations he had never worked with before, so that they could empower themselves. Once they had that energy, they would inspire the actors he worked with. Each actor was selected based on trust. He made everyone believe they were truly their characters. Apo, for example, was very new. I sat down with him, looked into his eyes, and wanted to know what he was like. I saw that he had something hidden inside him, and he had a lot of energy. He had a very determined gaze.

Apo revealed that it was the first time he heard from P’Uey. Back when he was casting the role, he noticed Tee Yai had a distinct character. After doing his homework, researching information, and looking at actual footage, he found the actor’s eyes captivating, his polite yet fierce nature, which intrigued him. He was interested and eager to give the role a try. Although there have been several versions of Tee Yai, including Nok Chatchai (1985), Num Sornram (1999), and Tao Somchai (2016), he wasn’t pressured. He believes he’s not P’Nok or P’Num Sornram, but rather Apo portraying Tee Yai from his perspective. Aoy added that the pressure isn’t on anyone else. He always tells his actors not to watch or look at anyone else; he creates his own version, not to compare them. He believes everyone has their own version. Every story wants to tell a different story, to act in a different way. Similarly, we want to tell our own version of the story, each version is different. He believes that audiences can’t help but com
pare, but he encourages them to be open-minded and try new things, so they’ll receive something new in return.

Kao also shared that she’s very excited about acting in this project, as it takes her back in time to a certain era. She’s also thrilled to be working with her favorite director, Uey Nonzee. She’s seen him work since Nang Nak, and she wonders if this is her time to work with a legendary director. She sees it as a challenge, and she’s worried whether he’ll like her performance. Kao then goes on to say that Uey is very kind, very considerate, and respectful of all the actors. After filming ended, he’d walk up to the younger actors and bow to them, thanking them for being actors and characters in this project. This left her deeply impressed by the director, and she’d like to work with him again.