Drama Digest
Duang Jai Nai Montra is an adaptation of a book with the same name written by Praenath, a successful romance writer. Pachara is the general of Tarawapuram, an ancient Thai kingdom over a thousand years ago. Matira, his lover and a goddess, cursed him. Pachara has been alive for more than 2000 years and has watched his loved ones die. He wants to reverse the curse and die as soon as possible. He meets Praoploy, who looks identical to Matira. Praoploy has congenital heart disease and is waiting for a heart transplant. Pachara believes she is Matira’s reincarnation and abducts her to convince her to reverse the curse.
The Feel-Good Part
The acting is commendable, and the chemistry between all the couples in the drama makes you swoon. The cinematography is artful. They have captured both the Tarawapuram and current timeline beautifully. All the characters in the storyline have a purpose and have enough screen time to tell their stories. The plot development keeps the audience intrigued and glued to the screen till the end.
The Disappointing Factor
The show gets a little draggy towards the end, with many filler moments added in the final episodes. They could have decreased the number of reincarnated characters and focused more on different timelines and reincarnations of the main characters. They are so many interrelated characters that it becomes confusing.
In-Depth Analysis
Pachara, the cursed general, is tired of his immortal life. He has no desire to continue living while watching his loved ones die. Pachara was a general in the ancient kingdom of Tarawapuram. He fell in love with Matira, a to-be goddess of the empire. When Matira’s family plan treason against the crown prince, he is ordered to behead her father and brother. Matira asks him to choose between his love and his loyalty. Pachara goes for his devotion to the kingdom. Matira, who has supernatural powers, turns his heart into a diamond and curses him to be immortal without it. He runs Pachara Corporation, a world-class gemstone production company in the present world. He sees Praoploy, a girl with the same face as Matira, and believes he can reverse his curse. Praoploy has a congenital heart disease which didn’t let her live as she wished. She decides to live her last days while doing what she likes. She is an artist. She gets hired by Wipoo to the grand exhibition on traditional art. V-Estate is a competitor of Pachara Corporation, and Wipoo is the CEO. Pachara abducts Praoploy to get her to reverse his curse. He falls in love with her and realizes she is not Matira’s incarnation. Wipoo is also interested in Praoploy. He also plays lovey-dovey with her younger sister Prim. Praoploy’s elder brother hires a personal investigator Wanda to look into her disappearance. They both fall in love after spending too much time together. Praoploy decides to help Pachara reverse his curse. As the story progresses, we encounter more incarnated characters and learn the tragic demise of Tarawapuram. The loyalty of Pachara’s secretary Sindu is commendable. This man reincarnated and served his general and kept his word every time.
Star Power
The main cast include Phakin Khamwilaisak as Pachara, Nuttanicha Dungwattanawanich as Matira/Praoploy, Peter Corp Dyrendal as Praipol, Kannarun Wongkajornklai as Wasita/ Wanda, Chaiyapol Julien Poupart as Wipoo, and Lorena Schuett as Prim. In the supporting roles we see Kanticha Chumma as Karisa, Atthama Chiwanitchaphan as Matinee, Pookie Paweenut Pangnakorn as Somrasri, Montree Jenuksorn as Sindu, Anant Boonnark as Watson, Virakarn Seneetantikul as Orn, Janya Thanasawangkul as Oi, Ramida Prapasanobon as Kala, Best Anavil Charttong as Khem, Surasak Chaiat as Krai, and Phukhao Worapot Fanthamkang as Nukul. We see Lapassalan Jiravechsoontornkul as Mika, Kanokchat Manyaton as Prince Isara, Papangkorn Lerkchaleampote as Prince Ruthara, Marilyn Kate Gardner as Ladtha, Ron Pattharapon ToOun as Wasudha, Lita Kaliya Niehuns as Chantra, Wayne Falconer as Sunthornresaracha, Tanongsak Supakan as Suthichai (Chief Minister Suraya), Suangsuda Lawanprasert as Suchawadee, and Paweena Charivsakul as Phimphiman in the guest appearances.
Overall Opinion
The drama has a fantasy story with a touch of reality. The chemistry between the leads is swoon-worthy. There is a well-blended combination of mystery and comedy the drama offers. Duang Jai Nai Montra makes it to the list of must-watch Thai dramas.
