Thailand’s Sahamongkolfilm International has sparked bidding wars across Asia with its erotic drama Jan Dara, which has already sold to five territories during Cannes.

The $3m film, which is Thailand’s first erotic drama intended for theatrical release, has gone to Korea (Daisy & Cinergy), Hong Kong (Edko Films), Singapore (Clover Films), Taiwan (Applause) and the Philippines (Pioneer).

Sahamongkolfilm executive vice president Gilbert Lim said the film had sparked bidding wars in Korea and Hong Kong and multiple offers in Singapore and Taiwan. “We also have a lot of interest from Japanese and European distributors,” said Lim.

Currently in production for a tentative September release, the film is directed by ML Pantewanop Devakula, who has credits including Eternity and The Outrage, both produced by Sahamongkol.

The cast is headed by Thai actress Rhatha Phongam, who stars in Nicolas Winding Refn’s upcoming Bangkok-set Only God Forgives, and Mario Maurer, who was recently nominated for best supporing actor at the Asian Film Awards for The Outrage. The film also stars Japanese adult video actress Sho Nishino. 

The film is based on the novel by Utsana Phleungtham about the sexual rivalry between a Thai nobleman and his illegitimate son. Thai director Nonzee Nimibutr made a less explicit adaptation of the book in 2001 starring Hong Kong actress Christie Chung.

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