Actress Usa Semkham makes her big screen debut at 78

This movie also marks the debut of a 78-year-old housewife turned actress, Usa Semkham, who plays the role of A-Ma ( grandma ).

"Lahn Ma" or “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” is inspired by what is a familiar story in Thai society.

The movie is told through the grandson who decides to quit his regular job and come back to live with his grandmother. While on the surface, he appears to be a caring grandson coming to take care of his elderly relative, he is looking to inherit what he thinks will be a tidy sum.

The young man does everything to win his grandma's trust yet the old lady has a few tricks up her sleeve too, teaching him how to live life little by little until something in him changes.

"Lahn Ma" premiered with a gala screening on April 1.

The initial response from the audience was overwhelming, winning "Lahn Ma" the highest pre-booking ticket sales of 2024. Its opening revenue was 21 million baht. After just 4 days of screening, it had earned 110 million baht nationwide.

Usa talked about the success of the movie.

"I'm very happy that the film has touched the hearts of so many viewers. On the day of the premiere, some people hugged me. Others held hands as tears ran down their faces. It made me realise that after children and grandchildren watched the movie, they experienced nostalgia for their elderly relatives. As for adult viewers, when they watched it, they missed their children and grandchildren. It's a movie that everyone in the family, all 3 generations, should come to watch together and see each other's point of view. This movie lets grandmothers know that when their children are working, they may not have time to come see them. But if we miss them, we should call them. We don't have to wait for them to call. It's best to show love for each other on the day while we’re still alive.”

For those who haven't watched the film yet, she encourages them to go and see it.

"Don't worry about crying out of sadness; I think that tears could also be tears of happiness, reminding us of the good times we've had in our lives," Usa, who shyly admits she still has someone who loves her, said.

Usa, currently 78 years old, used to lead a typical housewife's life, rarely going out. However, she was persuaded to try exercising outdoors. That landed her a part in an advertisement and an invitation to audition for "Lahn Ma". While not believe she would get the part because many people were applying, she decided to give it a try.

And the rest, as they say, is history.