MANILA – Thai heartthrob Mario Maurer is back in the Philippines to promote his movie “Pee Mak,” which will be distributed locally by Star Cinema as part of its 20th anniversary celebration.
“Pee Mak” broke box-office records in Thailand, where it is now the all-time highest grossing local movie with $33 million ticket sales during its run.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News’ Ginger Conejero on Sunday, Maurer admitted that he was also surprised at the movie’s success.
“For me, I’m very happy because I never thought it would be this successful. The people were very crazy about the movie, it has never happened before. Some watched like three times or four times,” he said.
Produced by GTH Productions in Thailand and directed Banjong Pisanthanakun, "Pee Mak" is a horror-comedy about Mae Nak (Davike Hoome), a woman who, beyond death, continues to make her love felt by her clueless husband, Pee Mak (Maurer).
“It’s about an old Thai story. [The story is about] a couple and they are very much in love. One day, I had to go to war. When I came back, she’s still there but there’s a rumor around the village that she already passed away. When I saw her, she’s already a ghost,” explained Maurer.
Mario Maurer and Baifern Pimchanok fan conference. Photo from Penshoppe's Instagram account
Asked what it is about the movie that many people in Thailand lined up for it, the 24-year-old actor said: “The whole movie is funny but it is still romantic. It’s not just my success. I think it’s for the whole team, everybody made the movie perfect.”
Despite this new achievement, Maurer said he will not pressure himself to surpass the record of “Pee Mak.”
“I’m not thinking of a higher goal or beating it because it’s impossible. I’ll just continue doing movies,” he said.
"Pee Mak" will open in theaters in the Philippines on August 28.
Aside from promoting the film, Maurer also attended a fan conference organized by Penshoppe, the local clothing line which he endorses.
Maurer was joined in the conference by Thai actress, Baifern Pimchanok, his "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" leading lady and fellow Penshoppe endorser.
