On December 16, Channel One will premiere the eight-part musical biopic "Kombinatsiya," which tells the story of one of the most beloved girl groups of the early 90s era. The series is set against the backdrop of the rapidly changing cultural and socio-economic environment of the Soviet Union and features Nikita Kologrivyy, Pavel Priluchny, Anastasia Ukolova, and Elizaveta Bazykin, among others, lending star power to this compelling narrative.
The plot centers on Alexander Shishinin, played by Kologrivyy, who works at the Saratov Department for Combats Against Socialist Property Theft. The year is 1988, and his life takes several dramatic turns, first with the birth of his daughter and then with his encounter with Barri Alibasov, whose band "Integral" stirs something within him. After watching the mesmerizing performance by the group “Mirazh,” and fueled by his dreams, Shishinin decides to change career paths and pursue music production.
Alongside composer Vitaliy Okorokov, portrayed by Vladimir Kanukhin, Shishinin embarks on the mission to form what would be the first female band in the Soviet Union. Their quest leads them to discover their first vocalists, Alena Apina and Tatyana Ivanova. The duo embodies the contrasting personalities required to appeal to their young audience, Apina being the reserved type and Ivanova fitting the more adventurous mold. The band's lineup later expanded to include bassist Olga Akhunova and drummer Yulia Kozyulkova, building the foundation of what will become "Kombinatsiya." With one important manifesto: if the songs give him chills, it’s good enough.
Their breakthrough hit, "Russian Girls," released in 1989, catapulted the ensemble’s fame, coinciding with the rise of European dance music trends from groups like ABBA and Modern Talking. Shishinin and Okorokov cleverly infused popular Euro-dance elements with relatable Soviet-themed lyrics, making their music echo with the realities of their audience. The clever incorporation of English phrases also set "Kombinatsiya" apart from other contemporary Soviet artists.
"Russian Girls" made waves by featuring rhythmic beats and easy-to-sing choruses, appearing on the annual "Soundtrack" chart published by the newspaper "Moscow Komsomoletz." The success marked the beginning of their exuberant touring timeline, which will be depicted vividly onscreen. The series does not shy away from showcasing the group’s flamboyant fashion choices; neon colors and sparkles adorned their wardrobes and set them apart during the otherwise grey times of the Soviet era.
Despite the cheerful melodies, the lyrics often danced around themes of hardship, echoing the discontent of ordinary Soviet citizens. "Kombinatsiya" managed to encapsulate the festive spirit of the times with clothing choices spurred on by retro aesthetics—reflecting the pulse of the moment where both joy and struggle interwove. Today, the nostalgia for those clothes has resurfaced, with many finding inspiration from 90s pop culture references as they find their way back onto runways.
Besides the vibrant performances, fans will see portrayals of the personal lives of the artists, highlighting their bittersweet journeys. The legacy of "Kombinatsiya" will also be addressed through factual storytelling, as the biopic includes contributions from real participants of the story, such as former band member Alena Apina, who plays the role of her own music conservatory instructor. The present-day actress portraying her youthful self will be Aнастасия Уколова.
Notably, the cast includes those who contributed significantly to the band’s success. Real-life participants of the events provide authenticity, with former producer Vitaliy Okorokov appearing during production to guide the actor portraying him, Vladimir Kanukhin.
Filming took place primarily across Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Saratov, where the band originated, capturing the essence of their early performances. Central to the narrative is the tragic storyline of Alexander Shishinin, whose untimely demise casts a shadow on the joyful events the biopic portrays, bringing depth and gravity to the narrative’s arc.
Do not miss the premiere of "Kombinatsiya" on Channel One on December 16 at 10:00 PM. The musical biopic promises to capture the hearts of viewers with its vibrant portrayal of the highs and lows faced by one of the defining pop groups of the post-Soviet era.
