'Velhos Bandidos': Fernanda Montenegro's Cinematic Farewell Is a Star-Studded Brazilian Heist Comedy
Brazilian cinema is preparing for a seismic moment. At 96 years old, legendary actress Fernanda Montenegro is set to bid farewell to the big screen in spectacular fashion with "Velhos Bandidos" (Old Bandits), an intergenerational action-comedy that pairs the Oscar-nominated icon with some of Brazil's brightest contemporary stars including Bruna Marquezine, Lázaro Ramos, and Vladimir Brichta.
Premiering exclusively in Brazilian theaters on March 5, 2026, the film promises to deliver irreverent humor, high-stakes action, and multigenerational star power in a heist caper unlike anything Brazilian cinema has seen before.
The Plot: When Retirement Gets Robbed
In "Velhos Bandidos," Montenegro plays Marta, a determined retiree who, along with her partner Rodolfo (played by 92-year-old Ary Fontoura), hatches an audacious plan to rob a bank in a heist worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster. But to pull off the perfect crime, they need help from a younger generation.
Enter Nancy (Bruna Marquezine) and Sid (Vladimir Brichta), a pair of skilled young thieves who reluctantly join forces with the elderly masterminds. Standing in their way is the dogged investigator Oswaldo, brought to life by the talented Lázaro Ramos, who becomes the crew's greatest obstacle.
The film balances sharp comedic timing with action sequences that showcase the unexpected capabilities of its senior protagonists, while exploring themes of aging, partnership across generations, and the art of the perfect crime.
A Dream Cast Spanning Generations
What makes "Velhos Bandidos" particularly special is its ensemble, which brings together Brazilian acting royalty with contemporary stars:
Fernanda Montenegro leads with over 100 films since 1959, including her Oscar-nominated turn in "Central do Brasil." This film marks her transition from dramatic powerhouse to comedic force.
Ary Fontoura, at 92, shares the screen with Montenegro as her partner in crime, bringing decades of experience and natural chemistry to their scenes together.
Bruna Marquezine represents the new guard of Brazilian cinema, bringing her massive social media following and proven acting chops to attract younger audiences while holding her own alongside legends.
Vladimir Brichta and Lázaro Ramos round out the principal cast, with Ramos adding layers to what could have been a one-note antagonist role.
Supporting performances from Reginaldo Faria, Vera Fischer, and Tony Tornado further enrich the film's texture, creating a true celebration of Brazilian talent across multiple generations.
A Family Affair: Cláudio Torres Directs His Mother
Adding another layer of significance to the production, "Velhos Bandidos" is directed by Cláudio Torres, Fernanda Montenegro's son. Torres, who co-wrote the screenplay with Fábio Mendes and Renan Flumian, brings a personal touch to the material, drawing inspiration from family dynamics and his intimate knowledge of his mother's capabilities as an actress.
The script emphasizes agile dialogue that balances humor with suspense, creating what early reports suggest is a tonally sophisticated comedy that respects both its audience's intelligence and the legacy of its stars.
From Script to Screen: The Making of 'Velhos Bandidos'
Filming took place between March and July 2025 across locations in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Behind-the-scenes footage shared on social media revealed weeks of intensive rehearsals, with the cast developing remarkable chemistry that translates into the film's comedic timing.
Produced by Conspiração Filmes and distributed by Paris Filmes, the production represents a significant investment in Brazilian cinema at a time when national productions are experiencing renewed box office success.
Early Buzz and Anticipation
The official trailer, which debuted on December 10, 2025, during the Paris Filmes panel at CCXP25 in São Paulo, generated immediate excitement. Within 24 hours, the trailer accumulated over 500,000 views across digital platforms, with audiences praising Montenegro's seamless transition from dramatic roles to comedy.
Critics present at CCXP25 noted the film's careful balance between action sequences and sharp dialogue, with early predictions suggesting strong box office potential for 2026. The choice of a light, comedic vehicle as Montenegro's farewell contrasts sharply with her more serious previous work but demonstrates her remarkable range as a performer.
Cultural Significance: Representation and Legacy
"Velhos Bandidos" arrives at a culturally significant moment for Brazilian cinema. The film challenges ageist assumptions about who can lead action-oriented narratives, placing actors in their 90s at the center of thrilling set pieces typically reserved for younger performers.
The March 2026 release also coincides with anticipation building toward Montenegro's upcoming centenary, making this farewell performance even more poignant. Her influence has shaped generations of Brazilian actors, and "Velhos Bandidos" serves as a celebration of a career that has promoted authentic narratives about Brazilian society for over six decades.
The film also represents a broader trend in Brazilian cinema toward diverse casts and intergenerational storytelling, with national productions seeing growing box office returns in recent years.
Final Thoughts
"Velhos Bandidos" promises to be more than just another heist comedy. It's a love letter to Brazilian cinema, a showcase for multigenerational talent, and a fitting farewell for one of the country's greatest living actresses. While Fernanda Montenegro plans to continue her work in theater through dramatized readings, this film represents the closing of a remarkable chapter in cinema history.
For international audiences, the film offers an opportunity to witness Brazilian storytelling at its most vibrant—blending humor, action, and heart in ways that transcend language barriers. For Brazilian audiences, it's a chance to celebrate their own cinema heritage while enjoying what promises to be one of 2026's most entertaining domestic releases.
Mark your calendars for March 5, 2026, when "Velhos Bandidos" opens exclusively in Brazilian theaters. This is one heist you won't want to miss.
Film Details
Title: Velhos Bandidos (Old Bandits)
Release Date: March 5, 2026 (Brazil, theatrical exclusive)
Director: Cláudio Torres
Writers: Cláudio Torres, Fábio Mendes, Renan Flumian
Cast: Fernanda Montenegro, Ary Fontoura, Bruna Marquezine, Vladimir Brichta, Lázaro Ramos, Reginaldo Faria, Vera Fischer, Tony Tornado
Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
Production Company: Conspiração Filmes
Distributor: Paris Filmes
Language: Portuguese
Country: Brazil
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