Complex couples

Toey takes on a new role

By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos by Varuth Hirunyatheb

Pongskorn Mettarikanon (Toey) has stood out from the crowd since playing Buk Joi in the TV period drama Supap Buruth Jutathep two years ago. The actor, who hails from Amnat Charoen province, stole the show in that drama with his unpretentious portrayal of a local villager.

Since then, the 23-year-old actor has had several leading roles in popular period dramas including Phan Thai Norasing and Bang Rajan.

Recently, Toey acted in the romantic drama movie See Sao (Love Is), which was his first acting role set in the present. The movie involves a complicated love story involving two couples.

Student Weekly recently caught up with the busy star at a press conference for the movie. Toey told us all about his acting experiences and his character in Love Is, which is due to be released on March 12.

Student Weekly: When did you first realise that you like acting?

Toey: I’ve liked acting since I studied performing arts at university. I wanted to work in the acting field after being a competitor on The ldol Project 2 TV show. There are a lot of people who want to work in this field. I’ve been given a great opportunity, so I want to do my best.

Student Weekly: What was it like working with the prominent directors M.C. Chatrichalerm Yukol and Aof Pongpat?

Toey: M.C. Chatrichalerm Yukol taught me about acting naturally, because Phan Thai Norasing was filmed more like a movie than a TV drama, so it required realistic acting. He really paid attention to the historical details because it was a period drama.

Aof Pongpat taught me how to act, how to interpret a character in great detail, and about different camera angles.

Student Weekly: How did you feel about working on Love Is?

Toey: I was grateful for the opportunity. The character was a total change for me. This movie will show people that I can act in a movie set in the present. Acting in this movie felt natural for me because my character, Kamol, is similar to me. He’s a new graduate, just like me. In the period dramas, my characters have been strong leaders that are more mature than I am.

Student Weekly: Was acting in Love Is easy for you?

Toey: Not at all. My character required many different kinds of acting because he becomes disabled after an accident. Before playing the part, I observed accident victims so that I could understand their reactions.

Student Weekly: What was it like working with actress Fang Dhanantorn?

Toey: She was great, especially since this was her first movie. She can express feelings from deep inside, not just superficially.

Student Weekly: Were there any filming locations that you particularly liked?

Toey: I liked Doi Mae Salong in Chiang Rai the most. I’d never been to a northern province before. It was the first time I experienced fog. Every location was spectacular.

Student Weekly: As a native of Amnat Charoen, where do you recommend tourists visit?

Toey: Amnat Charoen is a serene province, so it’s a good place to chill out. You should see the Phra Mongkhon Ming Mueang Buddha image at Dan Phra Bat Temple. And you can see a lot of monkeys at Don Chao Poo Animal Sanctuary. In the evening, you can watch people riding jet skis at the reservoir.

Student Weekly: What are your expectations for Love Is?

Toey: I hope that lots of people go to see Love Is. It’s not an ordinary romance movie. The four main characters represent four different kinds of love. Viewers will also get to see me in a different type of role.

comments powered by Disqus