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Thailand's most expensive film to date, Suriyothai , an epic-scale project, is drawing in record crowds who are treated to stunning imagery, thundering battle scenes and a nationalist theme to boot.

Since its nationwide premiere on Aug 17, tickets for Suriyothai have been sold out at most major movie theatres in key cities. So far, it has made some 200 million baht (US$4.4 mil) in revenues.

''The movie is excellent - but the reaction to it is more impressive,'' gushed Charinya Chantasuwan, a 23-year-old student. ''It took me almost an hour to get to the nearest theatre only to wait even longer to get my tickets.''

Suriyothai - also the name of the heroine in the film - is a landmark for the Thai movie industry not only because of its historical theme - but because of the film's own history itself.

The movie, directed by Prince Chatri Chalearm Yugala, cost more than 400 million baht (US$8.8 mil) to produce, with half that amount going to promotion. The film took five years of research and two years to shoot, casting hundreds with the leading actors and actresses in Thailand.

The three-hour epic describes historical events in the life of Suriyothai, the queen of King Mahachakrapat of Ayutthaya in Siam (as Thailand was then called), who sacrificed her life to save her husband in the great battle against King Tabinshwethi of Burma in 1548.

The story took place in a turbulent period in Thai history, which was marked by violent internecine conflict surrounding the succession to the throne among three rival royal dynasties in Siam at the time -- U-Thong, Phra Ruang and Suphannabhumi.

Queen's support

The film mixes historical accuracy and controversy with diverse interpretations of the past. It portrays the life of many historical figures, court life and the way of life of the common people, as well ancient traditions and practices in Ayutthaya during the 16th century - both in times of peace and war.

The film Suriyothai proceeds based on the accounts of Domingos de Seixas, a Portuguese mercenary who was in the ancient capital of Ayutthaya from 1524 to 1549.

Suriyothai is the latest in a string of Thai movies focusing on nationalist themes, often around battles against invaders, including the Burmese, centuries ago. But Prince Chatri Chalearm says his aim in Suriyothai is to just teach today's Thais about the past, not to create controversy.

''We are beginning to forget our history. That period is very important to us, like the French or American Revolution. It was the first time that Thailand began to unify itself,'' said the prince, who says the film's production had been supported throughout by Queen Sirikit, who has always wanted Thais to learn more about their history.

A special premier of Suriyothai was in fact held on Aug 12, the Queen's birthday.

Reports say the film had been shown previously to government officials and professors in Burma. The reaction, reports say, was that it would not stir up friction between the neighbouring countries because it focuses on internal conflict over the descendant to the throne among royal dynasties in Ayutthaya, resulting in the kingdom's stability.

Great battle scenes

Beyond its visual breadth and richness, Suriyothai aims not only to demonstrate the disastrous effects that can happen amid a lack of unity among the Thai people, but to introduce new historical perspectives by addressing the crucial role played by royal ladies of the court.

This idea is portrayed wisely by the key figures in the film. The regal Suriyothai - a lady of substance and self-confidence - sacrifices herself for the country against her manipulative foe Sri Sudachan, who is adamant on doing everything so that power is resumed to her royal dynasty.

Prince Chatri Chalerm Yugala says he is aware that the film's historical aspects are under scrutiny. ''Many are worried about what they see as an incorrect reinterpretation of Thai history, but we only want Thais to pay more attention to history - and we do not aim to stir nationalism,'' he said.

''I do not aim to make the film historically accurate, but wish that it would make Thais interested in our own history to study more about it,'' he explained.

Indeed, the director has been quoted by local media as saying the production of the movie is a way of countering western cultural dominance in the form of the large number of Hollywood and foreign films shown in the country.

Meantime, Suriyothai continues to be hailed for its spectacular cinematography, great battle scenes and attention to production detail.

''It is much better than I expected. First I thought it would be like an extended history lesson, but the film actually has both historical and entertaining enjoyment,'' said 47-year-old government official Supen Ongpaiboon, who said Suriyothai was among the few films she had seen over recent years.

The film's distributor, Sahamongkol Films, said more than 100,000 tickets have been sold in advance.

SF Cinema, a movie house operator, confirmed that the audience response to Suriyothai means it has few screening slots left for other Hollywood films. It plans more screenings starting at 8am with the last one finishing at 5pm.

''The film is now almost round-the-clock showing,'' said Pritsana Mektara, information officer of SF Cinema.

Throat cut

For all its glitz and glamour though, the film is heavy on facts and not on emotions It seems to make the effort to limit romanticism, as love and caring between Suriyothai and her husband was hardly obvious - perhaps a disappointment to those looking for a romantic tale along with elements of intrigue, battle and politics.

Many viewers did not weep at the death of Suriyothai at the film's climax. Besides, Charinya adds, "I surely enjoy the movie. Though I wish they should have told us a bit more of what happened after Suriyothai's death, who won the war, and what happened afterward.''

But some viewers clearly remembered the violence. ''Though I know the story is all about conflict and war, I still think some violent scenes are not necessary," said Supen. ''I was terrified seeing a close-up scene of a royal maid's throat being cut."

Prince Chatri Chalerm also says he hopes to have the film shown overseas. "I will offer a remake of Suriyothai in order to make the film easier to understand for foreign moviegoers", he said, referring to negotiations with foreign distributors Miramax, Columbia Tristar and New Line Cinema.

''The movie will be shortened and some scenes will be re-enacted to add a foreign character who will narrate the story in order to make the film easier to understand for foreign moviegoers,'' he added.

Foreign participation in the film also took the form of those involved in the production team, including the director of photography, sound recording, and music composition.

Selling the film for foreign distribution could cost 20 million dollars. Suriyothai is expected to earn at least 300 million baht (US$6.7 mil) in box office sales in Bangkok alone - and US$100 million dollars if distributed to more than 100 countries.

Meantime, Suriyothai 's appeal has also been a commercial pitch. Hundreds of types of merchandise have come out, ranging from key chains, T-shirts, posters and magnets. Illegal compact discs sell for 560 baht (US$12.5).

Nearly 20 books have also been issued since the movie's success. Pictures of the movie characters grace Thailand's Singha beer cans and Suriyothai phone cards are now out in the market as well.

The above article was first written for the Inter-Press Service (IPS).