Renamed, Recut ‘Arbat’ Tops Box Office
By Sasiwan Mokkhasen
Staff Reporter


Scene from Arpat, the movie formerly known as Arbat. Photo: Sahamongkol Film International

BANGKOK — With a slightly different name and two minutes shorter, a movie about a misbehaving monk banned days before its release proved controversy can translate into ticket sales.

Arpat – the movie formerly known as Arbat – brought in 15.72 million baht in sales during its first four days since the ban was lifted Friday, beating Pan (10.4 million) and May Nhai, or May Who? (7.9 million baht).

Complaints from Buddhist hardliners earlier this month over scenes of a novice monk behaving inappropriately prompted the Film Censorship Board to ban Arbat only two days before its premiere. The film won permission to eventually open a day later than planned after the studio cut several scenes and changed its from Arbat to Arpat, which is the same word but spelled in Pali.

The name refers to a violation of a monk’s vows.

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1445257578&typecate=06&section=


-- Khaosod English 2015-10-20

The movie will now open in an additional 100 cinemas as a result of the publicity. The director would like the complainants for their efforts.

Went to see this last night, with English subs, though I have a good grasp of Thai and understood about 75% anyway.... all I can say is WHAT A LOAD OF RUBBISH.... but fair play to the producers because this film couldn't have cost more than 2m baht to make.... so they're already in a healthy profit.

Went to see this last night, with English subs, though I have a good grasp of Thai and understood about 75% anyway.... all I can say is WHAT A LOAD OF RUBBISH.... but fair play to the producers because this film couldn't have cost more than 2m baht to make.... so they're already in a healthy profit.

Went to see it last night with "her indoors", who is Thai. Before going in, we met three of our young female friends, who were still screaming and shouting how scary it is. I must admit that during the film and when there was screaming on the screen, my whole body reverberated, but after the second screaming session, I realised it was the very loud sound effects in the cinema, bombarding my lovely little body! As for plot and being able to follow the plot, a couple of times I did have to refer to "her indoors" to confirm which of the males had done the dastardly dead with the now deceased Auntie Pin.............still slightly confused despite following the sub titles carefully. For me, it was a bit slow in parts and lacked credibility, but in fairness, I am not Thai, Bhuddist nor am I a believer in spirits (unless they are alcoholic!). My Wife loved it, as did clearly our young female friends, so could have quite positive "Thainess" appeal.