The only full-length feature ever to focus on His Majesty the King returns to cinema screens nationwide next month with a clearer picture and a new soundtrack.

"Duay Klao" ("The Seed"), which was made in 1987 to mark the King's 60th birthday, has been remastered and the score now includes nine of the King's compositions, giving its message even greater power.

Initiated by Five Star Entertainment, the country's most successful film company of that time, the project was entrusted to up and-coming director Bhandit Ritthakol.

"Even though it was made 19 years ago, the story is not outdated. Expressing our love and esteem for our beloved King doesn't just mean wearing yellow T-shirts or shouting 'we love the country'.

"We should also do good by following the King's example and his generosity. He has never taken from his people but always given," says Bhandit.

"We grew up watching documentaries about the King's activities. But it was very hard to make a feature that told of the King's devotion to his people," explains the director.

With a budget of less than Bt3 million, the film quietly left cinemas after a short run. Takings were lower than Bt2 million.

"At that time, the audience loved teenage comedy. It was my lowest earning income film and the least commercially successful of my entire career," says Bhandit, whose debut movie was 1984's "Khad Cheak."

But he has no regrets about the movie, which went on to win several awards from the National Film Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor from its star, the late actor and folk singer Jarun Manopetch.

"I was honoured to be chosen for the film. I only wish I had done more and made a better movie. Watching it today, we can see a lot of faults."

It was Bhandit's fifth movie, and came out just before what is regarded as his golden era that saw the runaway success of the classic comedy series "Boonchoo" and his masterpiece drama, "Kalla Khrung Nueng Muea Chao Nee" ("Once Upon a Time").

Bhandit handled the project with care. He carefully researched the King's wisdom, reading up on the Royal Projects in the libraries at parliament and the Agricultural Ministry.

The story was tight and flawless.

"It was intricate project and posed a challenge to the filmmaker. He had to keep an audience entertained for two hours. We were used to watching short documentaries on royal activities," says Ruethaiwan Wongsirasawas who initiated the project to have the movie remastered for this year's screening.

"It was my third film and my first time with the director. But Bhandit made each character come alive. He wrote the story as a film not a documentary," says veteran actor Santisuk Promsiri who later collaborated with the director on the successful "Boonchoo" series,

"The Seed" tells the story of Sao Kham (Jaran Manopetch) who travels down from the north to Bangkok to pick up a precious seed from the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, which is believed to bring prosperity wherever it is planted.

Sao Kham plants his arid fields but it seems his luck hasn't changed. He continues to fight with a selfish local trader and the drought ruins his crops. Then his eldest son returns home after graduation and finds work on a royal project that brings artificial rain.

The land becomes fertile and the plants flourish.

"I was so pleased to be part of the movie," says veteran actress Narumol Nilawan, who contacted Five Star as soon as she heard about the project.

Narumol plays Buarian, the selfish trader who take advantage of the farmers, including the protagonist Sao Kham.

"The movie might not be cinematically perfect, but the story is quite modern in portraying how the protagonist is able to survive after his family is torn apart by poverty and crime," says Ruethaiwan.

"It is odd that we live in a country where people love the King so much yet we hardly have movies about the King," notes Bhandit.

The idea for the upgrade the film was born at a of the Thai Directors' Association. Ways of marking the King's 60th anniversary on the throne were being discussed and Ruethaiwan mentioned her love for "Duay Klao", which is usually screened at special events like the King's birthday celebrations.

The association contacted Five Star Company and once word got out, sponsorship started pouring in. Among those who have given a helping hand are and Kantana Film Labs, Ran Indra Studio and Fuji Film. Frozen seafood producer Prantalay Marketing donated Bt1 million.

Ruethaiwan is quick to say that Directors' Association has no quarrel with the film companies and was not involved in this year's squabble with the Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand.

"Our relation with filmmakers has always been good no matter which companies are they from. The project is a joint effect and will benefit society as a whole.

"Duay Klao" goes on release on September 9 at cinemas nationwide. All proceeds will be donated to the Chaipattana Foundation.

Schools, offices and organisations wanting to attend as groups or organise special screenings should contact the Thai Film Director Association from September 4 onwards. For more information, call (01) 442 0933, e-mail info@thaifilmdirector.com or visit www.thaifilmdirector.com.

Parinyaporn Pajee

The Nation