Action choreographer Panna Rittikrai birth name was Kritya Lordphanna. He was born on 17th February 1961 at Khon Kaen province, Thailand. He was a martial arts action choreographer, film director, screenwriter and actor from Thailand. He was passed away at 20th July 2014.
Panna Rittikrai was inspired by the stunts in Jackie Chan, James Bond and Bruce Lee films. After that, he founded his own stunt team called PPN Stunt Team.
The PPN team was now called as “Muay Thai Stunt”. Panna Rittikrai was ready to make movies with his new team. The Muay Thai stunt team is best known for its work as a martial arts and action choreographer.
In the year 1979, Panna Rittikrai started his film business in Bangkok. His initial role was as a physical trainer for actors.
The team worked on the 2003 film “Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior”. They also worked on 2005’s Tom-Yum-Goong. These both films were directed by Panna Rittikrai. Tony Jha starred in both films.
Ong-Bak and Tom-Yum-Goong movies were released worldwide. Both films featured gritty stunts. The films were popular among action-film fans around the world. Fans wanted to see more films like these. As a result, movie distributors began releasing some of Panna Rittikrai’s older titles.
In this time, some of Panna Rittikrai older films have found new life in the home video market. Spirited Killer, also known as Peon Had, is one of these films. Spirited Killer stars Tony Jaa. Mission Hunter 2 is another film that has found new life in the home video market. In Mission Hunter 2, Tony Jaa plays the villain.
During a 2004 interview with the Bangkok Post, action choreographer Panna Rittikrai mentioned that his movies were probably unknown to the interviewer.
Panna Rittikrai made his directorial debut with Gerd ma Lui (Born to Fight). He later remade the movie in 2004.
Panna Rittikrai worked on martial arts choreography for the film The Bodyguard. The Bodyguard movie was an action-comedy film. The film starred and directed by the Thai comedian Petchtai Wongkamlao (Mum Jokmok).
Panna Rittikrai was starred in the 2006 martial arts action comedy Dynamite Warrior. The movie was set in 19th century Siam. He also starred in “Born to Fight” as a role Dan Chupong. This was the Panna Rittikrai first role after 9 years.
Panna Rittikrai has taken treatment for liver disease since November 2013.
Panna Rittikrai died of acute liver and kidney failure in a hospital in Bangkok on 20 July 2014.
After die, Panna Rittikrai later diagnosed with a brain tumor as well.
Some of the major movies of the Panna Rittikrai were mentioned below.
- In 1994, Panna Rittikrai had done as stunt choreographer in “Kuang Ther Mar Plon” movie.
- In 1996, Panna Rittikrai had done as stunt choreographer in “Wake Up to Kill 3, Mission Hunter 2, Zombie & Hard Gun” movies.
- In 2003, Panna Rittikrai had worked as stunt choreographer in the blockbuster hit movies “Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior, Villager”.
- In 2006, Panna Rittikrai had worked as stunt choreographer in the blockbuster hit movies “Dynamite Warrior, Nai Hoi Dam & Black Wizard”.
- In 2010, Panna Rittikrai had worked as stunt choreographer in the blockbuster hit movies “BKO: Bangkok Knockout, (uncredited), To Sir with Love & Teacher Phan”.
