Billkin, Thailand’s rising star and musician, is making waves in the film industry with his breakout role in the Thai film How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies. This intergenerational family drama has made history by becoming the first Thai film to land on the Oscar shortlist for Best International Feature Film. In this article, we’ll explore Billkin’s reaction to this milestone, his career journey, and his upcoming projects, including the UK release of the film.
Billkin’s Journey to Stardom: From Musician to Leading Actor
Billkin, widely known as a musician in Thailand, stepped into the acting world with How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, marking his first major film role. His career as an actor began with smaller roles, including a guest appearance in the 2019 film Brother of the Year. He quickly found success in television, starring in the popular coming-of-age series I Told Sunset About You and its sequel I Promised You the Moon. But it was his role as M in How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies that catapulted him to international recognition.
Billkin has always been selective about his acting projects, making sure that each role resonates with him personally. For him, the opportunity to star in How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies was exciting because he saw a bit of himself in the character M, a young man who takes care of his terminally ill grandmother to secure her inheritance. This theme of intergenerational relationships and the exploration of Thai-Chinese family dynamics struck a chord with Billkin, especially given his own background.
‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’ Breaks Boundaries
Directed by Pat Boonnitipat, How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies tells the story of M, played by Billkin, who moves in with his grandmother, who is terminally ill, to care for her in the hopes of securing her inheritance. While the film’s premise is culturally Thai, it has resonated with global audiences, breaking language and cultural barriers. The film has received praise for its emotional depth and its portrayal of family relationships, making it not just a Thai story, but one that speaks to universal themes.
The film made history when it was announced as a contender for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards. This marks a groundbreaking achievement, as it is the first Thai film to ever make the Oscar shortlist. Thailand has submitted 24 films for this category since 1984, but never before has it advanced to the prestigious shortlist. This success is a milestone for the Thai film industry and signals a growing recognition of Southeast Asian cinema on the global stage.
Billkin’s Reaction to the Oscar Shortlisting
Billkin expressed his surprise and pride upon hearing the news of the film’s Oscar shortlist placement. “I’m a bit surprised because it’s the first Thai movie that has this opportunity,” Billkin said in an interview with Deadline. “At the beginning of this project, I never dreamed that we were going to come this far.”
Despite the success of the film, Billkin remains humble and focused on his craft. He shared that, during the production, he never expected such a significant achievement, and was more focused on delivering a performance that felt authentic to the character and the story.
The Film’s Global Success and Upcoming UK Release
How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies has already achieved significant commercial success, grossing over $50 million at the global box office and topping the Thai domestic box office with more than 334 million Thai baht ($9.1M). The film’s success is not just a result of the compelling story but also its powerful performances, particularly Billkin’s portrayal of M.
The film is set to open in the UK and Ireland on December 26, distributed by Vertigo Releasing. This release is particularly significant for Billkin, who is currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in entrepreneurship at University College London. For Billkin, this film release marks an important milestone in his career, allowing him to expand his reach to international audiences while continuing his studies in business.
Billkin’s Career Beyond Acting: Music, Entrepreneurship, and Future Plans
While Billkin’s acting career continues to flourish, he remains deeply committed to his music career. He is an accomplished musician and has performed in several concerts, with tours under his belt. But beyond entertainment, Billkin has also taken a hands-on approach to his career management. He runs his own company, Billkin Entertainment, overseeing his music and other projects.
In addition to his work in entertainment, Billkin is also focused on business. He explained his decision to pursue a degree in entrepreneurship at University College London: “I wanted to take a little break and follow my dreams in another part of my life, which is the business part, that I was inspired by my family.”
His decision to study abroad was not just about gaining academic knowledge but also about gaining experiences that could help him manage his future projects, whether in entertainment or beyond.
Collaborating with Director Pat Boonnitipat
Billkin praised Pat Boonnitipat, the director of How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, for his open-minded and collaborative approach. “Pat gave me a lot of freedom during our time working together,” Billkin said. “He’s really open-minded and appreciated every input that I gave. I learned a lot from working this way.” Boonnitipat’s previous work on the successful series Bad Genius has earned him a reputation as one of Thailand’s most talented directors, and his unique direction played a significant role in the film’s success.
The Film’s Global Impact and Reception
Despite being in Thai, the film has reached audiences around the world, touching hearts in more than 110 territories. Billkin shared that he’s been overwhelmed by the positive feedback from audiences worldwide. “It’s surprising and exciting,” he said. “The movie is in Thai, and the context of everything in the film is based on Thai culture, but the message transcends cultural and language barriers.”
The success of the film on the international stage further solidifies Billkin’s belief that Thai cinema has much to offer the world, and he feels privileged to be part of this historic moment for Thai films.
What’s Next for Billkin?
Looking ahead, Billkin is already planning his next steps in both music and acting. He has new music projects lined up for next year, with plans to release songs regularly. As for acting, however, he admits that it is harder to plan, as film projects involve many parties. “As an actor, I’m just a little part of the film, so we have to find the right director, the right team, the right story that we are all interested in and can work together,” Billkin explained.
Billkin is also set to star in a Thai remake of the hit Taiwanese film Marry My Dead Body, produced by GDH, marking his next major acting role.
Conclusion
Billkin’s journey in both the music and film industries is one to watch, and his role in How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies has cemented his place as one of Thailand’s most promising stars. As the film continues to make waves globally, Billkin remains focused on his personal growth, balancing his passion for entertainment with his entrepreneurial ambitions. With his upcoming UK film release, music projects, and business plans, Billkin is positioning himself for even greater success in the years to come.
Photo credit: Deadline
