Actor Ken Phuphoom Tackles CGI-Heavy Role in 'Nakee 3'

Leading man Ken Phuphoom Pongpanu reunites with actress Taew Nataporn in the blockbuster film 'Nakee 3: Krutha Nakee,' directed by Off Pongpat Wachirabunjong. Ken says the role pushes his craft to a new level, requiring him to act against nearly 100% CGI backgrounds while delivering heavy emotional scenes.

**What is 'Nakee 3' like this time?** Ken: "I play Phaya Krut [Garuda King]. Everyone will see me transform and fly. This installment feels difficult because there are many emotional scenes, plus acting with almost 100% CGI. The visual spectacle is immense. The challenge here is a different kind of CGI — background CGI, environment CGI — where we have to imagine everything. Director Off describes what the location will look like; the beautiful visuals we see are what he wants us to envision. We also shot on real locations."

**Does this part flash back to the origin of the love story?** Ken: "It's the absolute origin of Anirut, the character I play, meeting the Naga [Taew Nataporn] and falling in love. It's a forbidden love because the Garuda and Naga clans have been enemies for generations, but they fight for their love. Playing the Garuda is tough."

**We see Ken's physique on display; how fit did you have to be?** Ken: "I stay fit consistently, but this role might have used it just right — I'm shirtless for the whole film (laughs). Am I satisfied with my body? Yes. I'm not the ultra-lean type, but I look strong and healthy, and that's enough."

**Was there any special preparation?** Ken: "Talking extensively with Director Off — that's the homework. Through those conversations, I see his perspective on the character and the film. The more we talk, the more information I get, because Off loves to tell stories and communicate. Since the first installment, he's been a great storyteller. The more data I gather from him, the easier my job becomes."

**How was your co-star Taew Nataporn in this chapter?** Ken: "Same as always — we click easily because we've been with this franchise since the first film. We've spent a long time shooting together and have a bond with the material. Everything runs smoothly because we've been tied to this story together for so long."

**Fans know the 'Nakee' visual style; what's new this time?** Ken: "The story is completely fresh, and the scale of the visuals and locations is massive — bigger than TV, bigger than the second film. Because this chapter deals with love and war, the scale is huge. The fight sequences are one part; my portion is more dramatic, involving my character's storyline with Taening [Kanyawee] and Khem [Hasuwee], though they don't meet on screen. They handle the war action; my part grapples with why my love with Taew faces such immense obstacles. It's heavy. Will there ever be a chapter where we get a happy ending? (Laughs)"

**When acting intense dramatic scenes, do you ever get stuck in the emotion?** Ken: "Not really. My personality lets me switch off serious mode on my own. Sometimes after a cut, the heavy feeling lingers briefly, so I give myself a moment to cool down before stepping out. The emotional toll is another difficult aspect — it takes a lot of energy."