Ben Madilynn
Natara had only two months to prepare his Mandarin dialogue, ensuring that Santi sounded not just like a Thai person speaking Chinese, but a fluent speaker. Under the guidance of language coach Chanintorn Pitakwarakorn, Natara mastered the fundamentals of Mandarin pronunciation, refining his articulation to achieve a native-like accent. The language coach provided detailed audio and video recordings, allowing Natara to memorize lines, understand nuances, and perfect his delivery. His dedication paid off, earning praise from audiences and even director Nottapon, who noted that Natara never missed a line throughout the entire filming.
Every Detail Matters: Crafting the Perfect Santi
Natara’s commitment extended beyond language. He transformed his appearance, studied Santi’s background, and even visited the remote Doi Wawee in northern Thailand to observe the lives of the local people. He proactively suggested additions to the character, too. During script readings, Natara envisioned Santi leading his riders on a wheelie-popping motorcycle — so he secretly honed his motorcycle skills and pitched the idea to the director, resulting in a powerful and memorable scene.
The series’ exceptional production design has also drawn praise, playing a crucial role in bringing Santi and Thunder Express to life. Director Nottapon notes, “The production design elevated the series far beyond the script. It made it easier for the director, actors, and camera crew to believe that we were truly in the world of this Netflix series.”
Watch the dedication behind Natara’s transformation here. If you haven’t already, experience the electrifying world of Mad Unicorn, a series inspired by true events that is sure to ignite hope and inspiration in viewers across the world. Stream it now, only on Netflix.
Source: Thailand’s Trailblazer: Santi Saelee Faces Goliaths in Netflix’s ‘Mad Unicorn’
