Panna Rittikrai, the mastermind behind the remarkable Tony Jaa, whose electrifying performances in films like Ong-Bak left audiences worldwide in awe. Born in the quaint village of Khon Kaen, Thailand, Rittikrai's fascination with martial arts films began at a tender age, and he was determined to become an integral part of the industry.
During his college years, he took the initiative to form his own stunt team, the Seng Stunt Team, comprising 20 talented members. This marked the beginning of his illustrious career in the world of martial arts. In 1978, he made his directorial debut with the film Gerd Ma Lui, also known as Born to Fight, which showcased the exceptional stunt work of Rittikrai and his team.
This groundbreaking film would go on to influence a young Thai kid named Panom Yeerum, who would later become the renowned action star Tony Jaa. Rittikrai's dedication to his craft has resulted in over 50 low-budget yet action-packed films, garnering him international recognition.
The massive success of Ong-Bak in 2003 catapulted him to global fame, and he has since directed a remake of his first film, Kerd Malui, starring Thai national athletes and his protégé, Chupong Changprung, also known as Dan Chupong. Rittikrai has continued to work with Tony Jaa on projects like Tom Yum Goong, and his future endeavors are highly anticipated, solidifying his position as a prominent action director worldwide.
