Naveed Ahmed Khan Photos by Ramzan Mughal
ISLAMABAD: The Royal Thai Embassy in Islamabad premiered the acclaimed Thai animated film Khan Kluay with English subtitles at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), drawing enthusiastic applause from an audience comprising people from diverse walks of life, especially women and young girls.
The film, Thailand’s first 3D animated feature, captivated viewers with its powerful storytelling and rich cultural narrative. Directed by Kompin Kemgumnird, Khan Kluay offers a moving tale of a young elephant who embarks on a perilous journey to save his herd and ultimately, the Kingdom of Thailand. The film delivers over a hundred lessons through its social, cultural, and ethical themes leaving a deep emotional impact on the audience.
His Excellency Mr. Rongvudhi Virabutr, Ambassador of Thailand to Pakistan, welcomed guests in his inaugural remarks. He emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges in strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries. “Cultural relations between Thailand and Pakistan have flourished through academic collaborations and personal connections,” he noted. The ambassador further highlighted the role of educational partnerships, scholarships, and exchange programmes in fostering mutual understanding, with shared Buddhist and Islamic heritage continuing to serve as a cultural bridge.
Director General of PNCA, Mr. Muhammad Ayoub Jamali, lauded the enduring cultural cooperation between Pakistan and Thailand. He emphasized that high-level exchanges have helped nurture mutual respect and appreciation in the fields of arts and culture.
Khan Kluay has emerged as Thailand’s most successful animated film to date, grossing $1.96 million (75 million baht) on just 60 screens in Bangkok within three weeks of release. Produced by Kantana Animation and distributed by Sahamongkolfilm International, the $5 million film even held its own against international blockbusters such as The Da Vinci Code and X-Men: The Last Stand. The studio anticipates the film’s earnings may surpass $3.14 million (120 million baht), making it one of Thailand’s top films for the year.
The director, Kompin Kemgumnird, has an impressive background in animation, having worked on renowned Hollywood titles like Ice Age, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, and Tarzan. The film also marks the return of Kantana to film production after an eight-year hiatus.
One of the youngest attendees, little Asma, shared her thoughts on the movie, saying, “The first part of the movie teaches us never to give up. It has love, a moral, and even some sadness when Khan Kluay’s mother dies. I liked the second part the most—Khan Kluay and his wife had children, and they were so cute.”
The screening not only celebrated Thai cinematic art but also reinforced the growing bond of friendship and cultural exchange between Thailand and Pakistan.
