Filming of the fabulous blockbuster "Sadko" has begun in Russia

The famous epic, familiar to many since childhood, will be embodied in a new form. Filming of the fabulous blockbuster "Sadko" has begun in Russia. The creators treated the original source carefully, but added unexpected plot moves, large-scale decorations and costumes to the picture, thought out to the smallest detail. There are many surprises waiting for the audience. The film, shot with the participation of the National Media Group, will be released in spring 2028. On July 29, film critic Nikolai Nikulin told Izvestia about the details of the filming.

There is silence on the set, and Anna Peresild enters the throne room with the boyars, where a scene is being shot with the announcement of a new assignment for Sadko, who claims to be his lover's hand and heart.

"In the story, Sadko returns to Veliky Novgorod and falls in love with Lyubava, played by Anna Peresild. But Glafira's evil stepmother doesn't want to marry her off. Obviously, even in a fairy tale it's not easy, but in a fairy tale, especially in a movie story, it's bound to be beautiful," said the film critic.

The phrase "We're shooting a fabulous blockbuster" is often heard on the set. No one hides the budget — more than a billion rubles. Large—scale filming has already taken place on the shores of Lake Ladoga, where the Novgorod port was built, and for another scene in the pavilion, a picturesque gallery.

"I am delighted with the scenery. It seems to me that to do such a job, to put such details in there, is just incredibly cool," admitted Peresild.

The actress has already had a fairy tale in her film career — "Alice in Wonderland", but there is a special atmosphere here. The luxurious costumes were sewn by Alexei Balabanov's widow, Nadezhda Vasilyeva. Famous composer and creative producer Dasha Charusha wrote songs for the film and she is delighted with what is happening on the set. She noted that the costumes of the mass scenes are made so that they can be viewed under a magnifying glass. Everything is embroidered with fine hand embroidery and beads.

"You were on the stage of the second assignment, where Lubava asks a new riddle. She gives instructions to bring something that money can't buy," added director Ivan Oganesov.

In order to play the main character Sadko, it was not enough to put on a peasant shirt — you had to learn how to control a boat, sing and, of course, play the harp.

"The instrument seemed a bit old to me. Then, when I got used to it, I would like that after the release of this film, the psaltery would become the instrument that all guys dream of playing," said actor Anton Rogachev.

Of course, comparisons with the classic film adaptation of Alexander Ptushko's Sadko cannot be avoided. However, it will be a completely different film with new characters. For example, Nikita Kologrivy played Sadko's friend, who helps to overcome all difficulties.

"Anton went through fire, water and copper pipes, because he is the main character here. I've already played my Emelya, so I think it's Anton's time to pass these tests, and he passes them worthily," the actor emphasized.

At the same time, all the key points of the classic epic are, of course, preserved. This is important both for the audience and for the creators themselves, since a fairy tale is primarily about eternal values and selfless heroes.

Play, guslar: how to make a new version of Sadko

Large—scale decorations, a star cast and a fabulous budget of 1.2 billion rubles

On July 21, the Berg Sound Film Company, together with XOVP, announced the start of production of the full-length feature film "Puss in Boots. New Adventures" based on the fairy tale by Charles Perrault. The plot of the original fantasy unfolds in the modern world around a hero named Andrey, who is trying to save an inherited theater by staging a musical and featuring Puss in Boots. The film combines elements of fairy tales, family movies and a wide range of musical genres.