At 96 years old, Fernanda Montenegro plays Marta, a determined robber, in the film The film, an action comedy, revolves around an elderly couple who organize a bank robbery and recruit younger accomplices to carry out the plan.

The release of the official trailer took place on December 10, 2025, during the Paris Filmes panel at CCXP25, on São Paulo. The event brought together the main cast and generated expectations among the public present. The plot combines elements of humor and tension, with scenes that highlight the dynamics between generations of actors.

• Main locations: streets of São Paulo and interior of a fictional bank.
• Film length: approximately 100 minutes.
• Rating: 14 years old, due to action scenes and light language.

The plot begins with the couple Marta and Rodolfo, played by Montenegro and Ary Fontoura, living a monotonous routine in retirement. Insatisfeitos, they decide to fulfill an old dream of robbing a bank to ensure a comfortable old age. The choice of Montenegro for the role reflects her versatility in intense roles, contrasting with her classic image in theater and television.

Cast brings together generations in Velhos Bandidos

Fernanda Montenegro brings depth to the character of Marta, an experienced widow who commands the group with cunning. Alongside her, Ary Fontoura embodies Rodolfo, the impulsive husband who drives the plot forward with risky decisions. The two form the emotional core of the story, exploring themes of aging and daring without falling into stereotypes.

Bruna Marquezine takes on the role of Nancy, a skilled thief recruited by the couple, adding youthful energy to the narrative. Vladimir Brichta plays Sid, Nancy’s partner, whose technical skills are essential to the robbery. Lázaro Ramos plays the detective responsible for the chase, creating tense confrontations throughout the film.

The secondary cast includes names like Reginaldo Faria, Vera Fischer and Tony Tornado, who appear in supporting roles that enrich the context of the plot. Filming took place between March and July 2025, in locations in Rio of Janeiro and São Paulo. The chemistry between the actors was highlighted in interviews during production, contributing to the light tone of the comedy.

The distribution of roles balances experience and freshness, with Montenegro leading planning scenes and the young actors in action sequences. Fontoura, aged 92, shares comical moments that explore the couple’s complicity. Marquezine and Brichta bring modernity, while Ramos adds layers to the antagonist.

Family management boosts production of Velhos Bandidos

Cláudio Torres, son of Fernanda Montenegro, directs the film with a keen eye on family dynamics, inspired by personal experiences. The script, co-written by him with Fábio Mendes and Renan Flumian, focuses on agile dialogues that mix humor and suspense. The production of Conspiração Filmes guaranteed a modest budget, prioritizing creativity over grandiose special effects.

Torres opted for filming in real locations to capture urban authenticity, avoiding excessive studio sets. Post-production took six months, with editing that speeds up the pace in the robbery scenes. The director mentioned that the project emerged as a tribute to his mother, integrating elements from his theater career.

The choice of action comedy reflects a recent trend in Brazilian cinema, with productions that attract varied audiences. Torres balanced meticulously planned scenes with moments of improvisation, allowing the cast to explore nuances in the characters. The soundtrack, composed by independent artists, reinforces the light tone with contemporary Brazilian rhythms.

Plot details planning for the robbery in Velhos Bandidos

Marta and Rodolfo begin the plan by reviewing old maps and studying banking routines, revealing a past full of petty crimes. The couple identifies Nancy and Sid as ideal allies after observing them at a local market, where young people demonstrate dexterity in petty theft. The group meets in a modest house, where they outline strategies with improvised drawings on paper.

The detective played by Ramos arrives on the scene when an initial clue leads to the investigation, forcing the group to adjust the timeline. Subsequent Cenas show comical training, such as Rodolfo mishandling modern tools, leading to initial failures. The climax involves the nighttime execution of the robbery, with twists and turns that test the team’s loyalty.

• Stages of the plan: reconnaissance, recruitment, rehearsal and invasion.
• Main obstacles: electronic surveillance and unforeseen personal events.
• Comic elements: communication errors between generations.

The narrative progresses with the group dealing with unforeseen events, such as a false alarm activated by Rodolfo, which forces an impromptu escape. Nancy uses his agility to disarm systems, while Sid hacks digital locks. The detective, based on witness statements, closes in, increasing the tension.

Initial reception highlights Montenegro’s versatility

The trailer for Velhos Bandidos accumulated more than 500 thousand views on digital platforms in the first 24 hours after release. Fãs praised Montenegro’s performance, which transitions from dramatic to comedic roles naturally. The presence of Marquezine attracted a young audience, expanding the production’s reach.

Critics present at CCXP25 noted the balance between action and sharp dialogue, predicting solid box office for 2026. The choice of a light film as a farewell contrasts with previous works by Montenegro, such as Central from Brasil, but reinforces its adaptability. The cast shared behind-the-scenes footage on social media, showing rehearsals that lasted weeks.

The production generated discussions about age representation in national cinema, with elderly actors in central roles. Fontoura highlighted the partnership with Montenegro as a personal milestone. Ramos, in turn, emphasized research for the detective, inspired by real cases of São Paulo.

Behind the scenes reveal challenges in filming

Filming faced intense rain in May 2025, delaying exterior scenes on busy streets. The team adapted the schedule, filming interiors in makeshift studios at Rio. Montenegro, despite his age, participated in all the action sequences, with minimal stunt doubles to maintain authenticity.

Brichta reported long hours of preparation for chase scenes, including light physical training. The direction of Torres prioritized natural takes, reducing reshoots. Conspiração Filmes invested in high-quality sound equipment to capture dialogue in noisy environments.

The process included improvisation workshops, where the cast developed organic interactions. Locais as well as the center of São Paulo were closed for days, coordinating with local authorities. The final edit polished transitions, ensuring fluidity between comedy and suspense.

Legacy of Fernanda Montenegro in Brazilian cinema

Montenegro has accumulated more than 100 films since 1959, with nominations for Oscar and international awards. Velhos Bandidos closes a cycle, but she plans to continue in theater with dramatized readings. Sua influence shaped generations of actors, promoting authentic narratives about Brazilian society.

The film is part of a wave of national productions that value diverse casts, with box office sales growing in recent years. Torres credited his mother with inspiration for family scenes, echoing works such as O Auto da Compadecida. The premiere in March 2026 coincides with the upcoming centenary of Montenegro, expanding the cultural impact.