Martial artist, director and choreographer Panna Rittikrai has passed away

20.07.2014EvilDollaR

Today, a famous actor, stuntman and fight choreographer passed away in a hospital in Thailand at the age of 53. Panna Rittikrai, thanks to which the world learned about Tony Jaa and Thai martial arts films.

Panna Rittikrai (birth name - Krittiya Lardphanna) was born on February 17, 1961. Since childhood, he studied Thai boxing, and began working in cinema in 1979, teaching Thai actors the elements of hand-to-hand combat and engaging in their physical training. Inspired by kung fu hits Bruce Lee и Jackie Chan, as well as James Bond films, Panna decides to create his own stunt team PPN Stunt Team, who worked on director Rittikrai's first films "Born to Fight" (1984) and "Spiritual Killer" (1994)

Rittikrai becomes truly famous after the release of the film “Ong-Bak” (2003), where Panna and his then-famous stunt team were responsible for the action. The main role in the film was played by Panna's student and one of his stuntmen - Tony JAA. In the future, Rittikrai, as a director, will direct two sequels to the successful action film with Jha, as well as several more hits, like a remake "Born to Fight" (2004) "Bodyguard" (2004) “Dangerous Bangkok” (2010) and "The Killer's Revenge" (2014). It is also believed that Panna discovered the talent of a dancer and actress to the world Gigi Yanin, nominating her for the lead role in the film "Chocolate" (2008), in which he was also involved in fight choreography and production.

About the films in which Rittikrai played action roles, he jokingly said:

“You may have never heard of my films. They are popular among taxi drivers and somtam sellers, security guards and Isan coolies. My most loyal fans are the people in the distant tambons, where they spread mattresses on the ground and drink homemade whiskey while watching my films in the open air.”

Panna Rittikrai had a huge impact on combat cinema, featuring brutal full-contact fights and the desperate work of Thai stuntmen, whose fame spread throughout the world.

Liver disease greatly affected the choreographer’s physical condition - since November last year he lost a lot of weight and began to weigh less than 50 kg. Due to an exacerbation of the disease at the end of June, Rittikrai was taken to the hospital, where, upon additional examination, a brain tumor was discovered. Despite the fact that the operation was successful, on the morning of July 20 Panna Rittikrai died. The cause of death is said to be blood poisoning caused by liver disease.

On July 21st there will be a farewell ceremony for the deceased. Cremation and burial are scheduled for July 26 (16 p.m. Thai time).

Rest in peace Panna Rittikrai...

Tribute to Panna Rittikrai

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Tags: R.I.P., Panna Rittikrai

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