From Stage to Screen: “Shine” Reunites Mile and Apo in a Sweeping Historical BL Epic
On August 2, 2025, a long-anticipated moment in the BL community will finally arrive: Mile Phakphum and Apo Nattawin, beloved for their iconic roles in KinnPorsche, are reuniting on-screen in Shine, a groundbreaking historical BL drama that promises to blend poetic storytelling, raw emotional depth, and social commentary in one unforgettable television event.
Produced by Be On Cloud and streaming on WeTV globally and Channel 7HD in Thailand, Shine is more than a love story — it is a cultural time capsule, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Thailand in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
A Story Rooted in Rebellion and Romance
Shine is based on the critically acclaimed Thai novel “สายรุ้งและเงา” (The Rainbow and the Shadow) by Sutthinee Wongwan, a feminist and novelist whose works often explore themes of identity, revolution, and forbidden love. The novel, first published in 1989, was once considered too controversial to adapt due to its progressive treatment of queer themes and social unrest during the post-dictatorship era in Thailand.
But with the evolution of BL storytelling and a growing global audience, Shine finally found its moment.
The plot revolves around Trin (Mile Phakphum), a principled, straight-laced economics scholar from a noble family who is sent to rural Chiang Mai for research. There, he meets Thanwa (Apo Nattawin), a free-spirited painter and political activist deeply embedded in Thailand's anti-war hippie subculture. Their paths collide during student protests, underground art shows, and the push-and-pull of duty versus desire. Their love story unfolds in stolen glances, secret letters, and moments of radical intimacy, all set against the political turbulence of the Cold War era.
The Making of Shine: Art, Politics, and Passion
Shine is directed by Pond Krisda, the creative force behind KinnPorsche, and marks a bold departure from his earlier, action-focused work. In interviews, Pond revealed that the project took nearly three years of preparation, involving research trips to Chiang Mai, consultations with historians, and working closely with novelist Sutthinee Wongwan herself.
“We didn’t want to just make a love story,” Pond explained. “We wanted to make something that resonates — politically, spiritually, and emotionally. Shine is our love letter to a generation that dared to hope.”
The production team also worked with THACCA (Thailand Creative & Culture Agency) and the Ministry of Culture, making Shine part of the Thai Cultural Export Initiative, aimed at spotlighting local talent and heritage for global audiences.
Costumes were hand-designed to reflect 1970s Thai street fashion, with attention to fabric, embroidery, and period-appropriate accessories. Music plays a vital role in the series, featuring original compositions from Thailand’s legendary rock band Slot Machine, who crafted a haunting, psychedelic soundtrack echoing both romantic longing and revolutionary fervor.
The Reigniting of MileApo Magic
For fans, the pairing of Mile Phakphum and Apo Nattawin needs no introduction. Their chemistry in KinnPorsche the Series redefined the genre — raw, nuanced, and dripping with tension. But in Shine, the duo explores a different register entirely.
Mile Phakphum Romsaithong, 32, steps into the role of Trin with a quiet intensity. Known for his polished image, Mile trained in formal Thai speech and classical northern dialect to bring authenticity to the character. “Trin is a man torn between obligation and the desire to live truthfully,” Mile shared during a press conference. “I see parts of myself in him — his fear, his restraint, his yearning.”
On the other side is Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat, 30, whose portrayal of Thanwa breaks open the character’s inner contradictions — idealism and recklessness, gentleness and rage. Apo spent time with political activists and queer artists from Thailand’s 1970s era to fully embody Thanwa’s world. “It was the most emotionally exhausting role I’ve ever taken,” he admitted. “But also the most rewarding.”
More Than a Love Story
While the heart of Shine is undoubtedly Trin and Thanwa’s slow-burn romance, the series also explores feminist and generational conflicts. The supporting cast includes:
- Moira (played by Punpun Sutatta), a widowed jazz singer who defies gender norms.
- Viroj (Son Yuke), Trin’s cousin and secret sympathizer of student protests.
- Santi (Oab Oabnithi), Thanwa’s childhood friend turned government informant.
Each character embodies a different response to the social upheaval of the time, making Shine a tapestry of ideology, class, and emotional survival.
A Cultural Milestone in BL Storytelling
With only 8 hour-long episodes, Shine is being described by critics as a “limited masterpiece.” What sets it apart is not just its star power, but its unapologetic dive into Thai history and LGBTQ+ visibility, offering a narrative that is as intellectual as it is passionate.
International distribution via WeTV will include uncensored versions, complete with official subtitles in 12 languages. Fan meet-ups, OST concerts, and a photo book release are already scheduled across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe.
Conclusion: The Light That Shines Through Time
Shine is more than a reunion project for Mile and Apo — it is a story about daring to love in a world built to keep love hidden. As Trin and Thanwa find their voices and each other amid the chaos, audiences are invited not just to watch, but to feel, reflect, and remember.
📅 Premieres August 2, 2025
🖥️ Streaming on WeTV | Airing on Channel 7HD
🎧 OST by Slot Machine
📚 Adapted from “The Rainbow and the Shadow” by Sutthinee Wongwan
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