S lands his perfect role

Over the last few years, Kantapong Bumrungrak (S) has made a name for himself as one of the leading actors in Thai TV dramas. Now, he has finally landed his perfect role in the action-packed new show Leb Krut (Garuda Claws), which airs on Channel 7.

S is famous for his good looks and physique. He’s popular for his roles in TV dramas and romantic comedies. But as police officer Captain Grit, he’s finally playing the kind of part he’s wanted to play for a long time. To prepare for the role, S had to do a lot of intense training. After months of tough workouts, his body was completely transformed.

S Weekly recently caught up with the 31-year-old actor to chat about his latest show and his passion for action movies.

Can you tell us about your role in Garuda Claws?

S: I play Captain Grit, a police officer and one of the main characters in the show. He’s a headstrong cop who does whatever is in his power to stop the crime organisation known as Garuda Claws.

The show is based on a novel by Chatchai Wisedsuvarnabhumi. Were you familiar with the book before accepting the role?

S: No, not really. But I’ve watched some of the older adaptations of the drama. I think the story has been remade several times for film and TV.

Is it true that it’s a role you’ve been wanting to play for a long time?

S: Yes. I love action movies and I’ve always wanted to be in one. I haven’t had a chance until now. I was mostly in serious dramas over the past few years. I guess Channel 7 probably saw that I’m quite good at acting in this genre, so they never thought that I’d be able to do stunts and action as well.

How did it all come about?

S: Last year, when we finished filming Kamin Gub Poon [A Tale of Two Castes], I was tired with my usual roles that involved a lot of crying scenes. [Laughs.] I decided to approach the channel and ask them if I could do action. I told them that I know Thai boxing and can shoot a gun and ride a horse and motorcycle. They gave me a chance to try out and here I am!

How much did you prepare yourself for the role?

S: A lot! I had to attend many workshops, training sessions and go to the gym daily to work on my body and get in the shape that you see on the show. Actually, most of the problems during filming weren’t from my acting, but more from my physical appearance. I’m 185 centimetres tall and they say very tall actors usually look slow and sluggish when performing fight scenes. Many action heroes, like Tom Cruise, Jet Li, Jackie Chan and Tony Jaa, aren’t that tall, so they look very fast. I’m a bit too tall, so they had to be more careful with all the angles and camera work.

Do you have a favourite action movie?

S: I enjoy all kinds of action, but I like it most when they combine action with good drama and suspense. My recent favourite is the Korean action comedy My Boss, My Teacher [2006]. There’s a sequel too, but I think the first one is so much better.

Did you enjoy filming the action scenes?

S: For sure! I had a lot of fun.

Will there be any more action from you soon?

S: I think I’m going to focus on action for a while now. After Garuda Claws has ended, there will be a new show later this year called Sarawat Yai [Chief Inspector]. It’s a crime drama where I get to play a cop again.