Inspired by a 1978 hijacking in Vietnam, "Sky Battle" features 51-year-old Thai Hoa as Long, the mastermind behind the incident. During the film's premiere, Hoa discussed his experience portraying the antagonist.

Asked about his approach to playing a terrorist for the first time, Hoa explained, "Long's power isn't physical; it's his ruthlessness and interrogation tactics. I read about this hijacking over 10 years ago. However, while filming, I wasn't concerned with whether the script was based on fact or fiction. I focused on understanding director Ham Tran's vision and bringing the character to life. My goal was to fully embody Long from the moment the director called 'action'."

Reflecting on past roles, Hoa contrasted his preparation for this film with his experience playing Bay Theo, a guerrilla leader in "The Tunnel," directed by Bui Thac Chuyen. "For 'The Tunnel,' I had to lose a significant amount of weight and undergo intense physical training. 'Sky Battle' was less demanding physically, with only a few fight scenes requiring rehearsal with stunt performers. The fighting style had to look realistic. During filming, a fellow actor hit me on the head with a prop gun, causing a minor cut and some bleeding. But my injury was nothing compared to what some of the other actors experienced."

When asked about the most emotionally resonant scene, Hoa shared, "I drew from my own experience as a father. In the scene where Long embraces his son while facing death, I immediately thought of my son, Bom, and felt a deep pang of emotion. While 'Sky Battle' centers on a hijacking, the action is merely surface level. The core value is family."

Hoa admitted that he often wishes he could add scenes or details after watching his films. "However," he noted, "with 'Sky Battle,' two key scenes brought both the director and me immense satisfaction. I can't reveal specifics, but these scenes were incredibly demanding. We raced against time and nearly gave up at one point."

Bom, Hoa’s son, makes his acting debut in a small role in the film. Hoa commented on his son's future in acting, "I see this as an experience for Bom, as he's currently studying information technology. I can't call it a passion yet, as he hasn't fully grasped the profession or experienced its ups and downs." He added, "Bom is much more independent than I was at his age. He's been supporting himself by tutoring English, saving, and investing. After filming 'Sky Battle,' he was most excited about the paycheck, as it was higher than his tutoring earnings (laughs). Being on set has made him consider acting more seriously."

Regarding their relationship, Hoa said, "We don't have deep conversations often, but I'm there when he needs me. We're like friends, occasionally grabbing coffee. I always tell him he can do any job, as long as he finds joy in it." He revealed, "Several producers have expressed interest in Bom's appearance, wanting to cast him. I've advised him to take it seriously and learn as much as possible if he sees it as an opportunity. He's currently studying acting with director Kathy Uyen. I don't want to be his instructor. I believe he'll be his own teacher, deciding what to absorb."

Many young actors in the film mentioned working with Hoa as a dream come true. Hoa responded humbly, "It's flattering that they enjoy working with me, and I enjoy collaborating with them as well. As for idolizing, I don't think it's necessary. Like everyone, I've had my struggles and challenges with acting."

Hoa shared his criteria for choosing projects. "I primarily choose a project based on the director. Trust in the captain of the ship is crucial. Then, I consider the script and the role. Sometimes, the story and character aren't perfect, but a skilled director can elevate the material. Even as a viewer, I often base my choices on the filmmaker's reputation."

Thai Hoa (left) and Bom (Thien Minh, the actor's son with his ex-wife, artist Cat Phuong). Photo: Thanh Huyen

On collaborating with the notoriously demanding director Ham Tran, Hoa said, "I believe every director needs a distinct style. Some are fiery, others are reserved; this leads to unique films. My role is to be guided by their expertise and supported in my performance." He continued, "I appreciate Ham Tran's energy, even though he used to have a reputation for being short-tempered. When I first met him for this film, I jokingly asked, 'I hear you're quite the hothead, is that still true?' He laughed and said, 'Not at all, this is 'Ham Tran 2.0'.' I was surprised by his calm and gentle demeanor, a complete 180-degree change. He remained composed on set, even in situations that would have frustrated me."

Despite numerous awards, Hoa rarely attends award ceremonies. He explained, "I consider myself lucky to receive awards, perhaps it's fate (laughs). Having a trophy is nice, but audience appreciation is what truly matters. When people call me by my character names, like Sister Hoi from 'Let Hoi Decide' or Teo from 'Teo Em,' that's the greatest award."

Born in Ho Chi Minh City, Thai Hoa began his career in the 1990s. He gained success in comedy in the 2000s, notably with "Gala Laugh 2003." He has starred in hit films like "Let Hoi Decide," "Long Ruoi," and "Marry Me." In 2020, he appeared in director Quang Dung's "Blood Moon Party," which became one of the top-five highest-grossing Vietnamese films at the time (175 billion VND). In 2021, he was part of the series "Apple Tree in Bloom." In 2023, he won two Best Actor awards, one for film ("Con Nhot Mot Chong") and one for television ("Me Rom"), at the Golden Kite Awards. He also won Best Actor at the Vietnam Film Festival 2023. In April, he portrayed Bay Theo, a Cu Chi guerrilla leader, in "The Tunnel" (Bui Thac Chuyen). Beyond acting, he's a screenwriter, known for the successful projects "Ghost Wife" and "Bloody Heart."

Mai Nhat