Page 52 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 3 | February - March 2024

Can you walk us through a Kulthep: Securing Bella and
typical timeline when working Bright for Congrats My Ex! was like
on a Benetone Films project, setting a cornerstone; everything
from the storyline, to casting, else naturally aligned after that. A
to the production and editing? key factor in bringing this project
Which element would you say to life was the Thai director
makes or breaks a movie, and Prueksa ‘Tui’ Amruji, who
which takes up the most time? played a crucial role in directing

Kulthep: For a film, the process and refining the script to resonate
usually takes about two years, a with Thai audiences, which
bit longer than for a TV series. helped us craft the film into the
We start with an idea but spend success it became. For the initial
almost a year developing the script, script draft, we’d involved Indian
to ensure that it is the best it can writers for an authentic touch to
be before we start shooting. With the storyline. An award-winning
a weak script, it’s hard to make a Indian choreographer, a long-time
good movie even with the best friend, joined to infuse the film
directors. After that, we spend 3-4 with captivating dance sequences.
months preparing for the shoot, Moreover, we partnered with a UK
which usually takes two months. cinematographer we’ve worked
Post-production, where we edit with before, ensuring the film had
and finalise the film, typically lasts a unique visual appeal.
about six months.
How do you juggle work and
As the only Thai-Indian-owned family time?

production house in the Rachvin: Now that my children
Kingdom, how do you hope are grown, it gives me more
to bring together the Thai and flexibility to focus on Benetone
Indian communities with your Films. It’s about spending quality
projects, spanning storylines, time with family when we can
casting, and more? connect; a balance between work

Our Thai-Indian heritage gave us a unique aimed at the Indian diaspora in the US and family.
perspective, although it’s not easy to create a and Canada, that we co-produced with an
comedy that both Thais and Indians can relate American studio, Marvista. Kulthep: It’s about striking the right balance
to! Our first major Thai feature film, Congrats every day and with younger kids at home, DISCOVER JOHNNIE WALKER’S FIRST FLAGSHIP
My Ex! was a chance to explain to a wider In all these projects, we’re involved in it’s a juggling act. Thankfully, I have an
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such as Indian weddings, in a way that was fun initial idea and developing the script, to family, especially my wife, Anoushka, who
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managed to share a piece of Indian culture sign on the big names in acting, directing, next on the horizon for Benetone Films?
with Thai and international audiences in an and choreography that you did. Our vision at Benetone Films goes beyond any
entertaining and informative way. Rachvin: We funded the production single cultural narrative. The positive response
ourselves and worked alongside big names to Congrats My Ex! has been heartening,
Was Congrats My Ex! the first project that in the industry, like GMM TV and T&B inspiring us to keep creating impactful stories
was fully under the Benetone Films banner, Media. But our collaboration with Prime fostering Thai and Indian collaborations, and
and how far was the company involved? Video was key to Congrats My Ex!’s success. while we’re passionate about projects that
Congrats My Ex! was a big milestone for us, They spotted the potential in our film and explore Thai-Indian themes and are currently
being the first major Thai feature film we have helped us reach global audiences working on various series and films; we’re also
fully produced under the Benetone Films and supported us with strong promotional open to various narratives that aren’t limited to
banner. But our journey in content creation backing. And though we are relatively new this cultural intersection.
doesn’t stop there. We’ve also produced a to producing Thai films, well-known Thai The main criterion is the VIEW VIDEO:
short series for Hooq and a coming-of-age actors Ranee ‘Bella’ Campen and Vachirawit story’s overall appeal and
story titled WANNABE for Viu. We’re not just ‘Bright’ Chivaaree trusted our production potential to bring unique
focused on Thai content; we’ve gone global. quality and believed in our vision, drawn and engaging content to
Take Arranged Love (2023) for instance – it’s from our extensive experience, and were our audiences.
an Indian romantic comedy we shot in India, instrumental in bringing this project to life.

52 | MASALA MAGAZINE FEB-MAR 2024 FOR MORE INFORMATION: ADDRESS: TEL: EMAIL:
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