Screen success

Rookie rockers act up

By Suwitcha Chaiyong

The highly talented Jirayu La-ongmanee (Kao) has become known as one of the best teen actors in the kingdom in recent years. His latest movie, Huay Khan Thep (Suck Seed), is highly anticipated by movie lovers, since it was produced by local masters of the blockbuster, GTH.

In Suck Seed, the 15-year-old Kao plays Ped, who forms a rock band called Suck Seed in a bid to impress skillful female guitarist Earn, played by 18-year-old Nattasha Nauljam (Nat), who happens to be the real-life daughter of legendary guitarist Lam Morison. Also in the film is 17-year-old rising star Pachara Chirathivat (Peach), who plays Ped's best friend Koong, as well as Koong's twin brother, Pete.

Suck Seed will be in cinemas on March 17, but before film fans can find out whether Ped's lousy musical skills can win Earn's heart, Student Weekly caught up with the three energetic young actors at a chic salon to hear all about their new movie.

Student Weekly: Do you guys really like rock music?

Kao: Yes. Rock music can easily impress an audience, especially when it's performed live.

Nat: Absolutely. It's entertaining and people of all ages can enjoy it.

Student Weekly: How do you feel about a guy learning an instrument just to try to impress a girl?

Kao: Playing music is a good thing, so it doesn't matter what the reason is. And even if his performance doesn't impress the girls, he'll make some new friends by playing music.

Nat: I agree. Some musicians might start off like that, but after learning to play an instrument, they usually end up loving the music.

Student Weekly: Peach and Nat, how did you feel about acting for the first time?

Peach: I was thrilled to have new experiences. Now I know how exhausting it can be just to get one scene onto the screen!

Nat: Acting was something that I'd never experienced before. It was like a dream come true.

Student Weekly: Did you guys feel nervous about working with Kao?

Peach: I felt shy. [Laughs.] He was so quiet the first met, but after we got to know him he was cheerful and funny.

Nat: I was an unknown actress and he's a big star, so I was worried that I might be wasting his time. But he was very nice and always gave me some great advice. I was glad to work with him.

Student Weekly: Peach, was it hard playing the two roles of twin brothers?

Peach: It was difficult because I had to keep changing my personality. But eventually I understood that I could play each character as myself in different moods. Koong is a cheerful character, while Pete is much more serious.

Student Weekly: Kao and Peach, was it difficult pretending to be best friends in the film?

Kao: It was awkward when we first met, but an acting coach made us get to know each other by hanging out together at her place. We're both fans of the Chelsea football team and we both like rock music, so we became good friends.

Student Weekly: Do you guys have a favourite scene in Suck Seed?

Kao: I like the scenes where all the band members are together. We always had fun hanging out, so it didn't feel like we were acting.

Peach: I like the scene where Suck Seed are recorded a song for a competition. It was the scene that really broke the ice between us.

Nat: The first scene I did with Kao was great. I only had to say two lines, but it was really nerve-wracking for me!

Student Weekly: Why would you recommend this film to viewers?

Kao: It has a great script. It reminded me of a period in my life when I first got into music and dreamed of having my own band. For older views, watching this film might be like using a time machine to go back to your teen years.