How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies

"How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies" (original title: หลานม่า or Lahn Mah) is a 2024 Thai drama that resonated deeply with audiences across Asia. The story follows M, a university dropout and aspiring gamer who sees a cynical opportunity when his grandmother, Mengju (or Amah), is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Inspired by his cousin Mui, who inherited a large estate after caring for a dying relative, M volunteers to become his Amah's primary caregiver, secretly hoping to secure her house as his inheritance.

Initially, M struggles with the demanding and unfiltered nature of his grandmother, and their relationship is fraught with his ulterior motives and her suspicion. However, as they spend more time together—selling congee, going to hospital appointments, and simply living under the same roof—a genuine bond begins to form. M's superficial efforts slowly transform into sincere acts of love and care.

The film navigates the complexities of a multi-generational Thai-Chinese family, exploring the tensions between M's mother, Chew, and her two brothers, the wealthy but distant Kiang and the debt-ridden Soei. As M’s own motivations shift, he is forced to confront not only his grandmother’s mortality but also the true meaning of family, wealth, and legacy, leading to a profoundly moving and tear-jerking conclusion.

The core meaning of "How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies" is a poignant exploration of the idea that true wealth is found not in material inheritance but in the priceless value of time and genuine human connection. Director Pat Boonnitipat wanted to tell a story that felt personal and relatable, focusing on the complex, often unspoken dynamics within families. The film posits that the greatest regret is not lost fortune, but lost time with loved ones. It serves as a powerful reminder to cherish family bonds, understand the sacrifices of older generations, and recognize that small, daily acts of care are far more valuable than grand, self-serving gestures. Ultimately, the message is that love, empathy, and shared memories are the most significant legacy one can receive and leave behind.

While the film is largely interpreted as a heartwarming story of redemption, some viewers have offered more cynical or critical readings. One interpretation is that M’s transformation is less about pure love and more about finding a different kind of “profit”—emotional fulfillment and a sense of purpose he lacked. His final act of buying the grave could be seen as an attempt to assuage his guilt over his initial greed.

Another perspective focuses on the toxic family dynamics, arguing that the film, despite its feel-good ending, highlights a deeply problematic system of emotional manipulation and neglect. Amah's favoritism towards her sons, despite their failings, and the pressure placed on her daughter and grandson can be seen not as a touching reality, but as a perpetuation of harmful generational patterns. From this viewpoint, M's happy ending is an exception, and the film inadvertently papers over the harsh reality that many caregivers in similar situations are left with nothing but bitterness and exhaustion. Some audience discussions have pointed out that Amah is not a simple, cuddly grandmother but a complex, sometimes difficult person, and the film doesn't shy away from showing the frustrating aspects of caregiving, making M's journey one of enduring hardship as much as love.

"How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies" became a cultural phenomenon in 2024, particularly across Southeast Asia. Released on April 4, 2024, in Thailand, it quickly became the country's highest-grossing film of the year and eventually the highest-grossing Thai film ever in international markets like Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. Its success was fueled by its deeply relatable story, which tapped into the universal themes of family, filial piety, and elderly care that resonate strongly within Asian cultures. The film sparked widespread public discourse on intergenerational relationships, the duties of children to their aging parents, and the often-unspoken transactional nature of care within families.

The film's emotional weight led to a viral TikTok trend of audiences sharing videos of their tear-stained faces post-screening, turning the act of watching the movie into a shared, cathartic experience. Critics praised its heartfelt narrative, authentic performances (especially from first-time actress Usha Seamkhum), and the sensitive direction of Pat Boonnitipat. The movie's portrayal of a Thai-Chinese family, with dialogue in both Thai and Teochew, added a layer of cultural specificity that was celebrated for its authenticity. More broadly, the film's global success signaled a new era for Thai cinema, demonstrating its ability to produce stories with cross-cultural appeal that can compete on the world stage.

Audience reception for "How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies" was overwhelmingly positive and intensely emotional. The film became a box office sensation across Asia, largely driven by powerful word-of-mouth and social media trends. Viewers widely praised the movie for its heartfelt and relatable story, with many sharing personal anecdotes about their own relationships with their grandparents. The film's ability to evoke strong emotions became its defining feature, famously leading to a viral trend of people posting videos of themselves crying after the screening.

The performances of the lead actors, Putthipong Assaratanakul (M) and newcomer Usha Seamkhum (Amah), were lauded for their authenticity and chemistry. The main point of criticism, though minor, was directed at the film's predictability and its use of sentimental tropes common in family dramas. Some viewers also engaged in debates about the fairness of Amah's decisions regarding her inheritance, finding the family's dynamics frustratingly realistic. Overall, the verdict was that the film is a powerful, must-watch tearjerker that beautifully communicates a universal message about family and love.