On April 19, 2025, Pervyi Kanal (Channel One) is set to air the historical blockbuster Viking, featuring Danila Kozlovsky in the role of Prince Vladimir. This marks Kozlovsky's first appearance on federal television in several years, following a period of controversy and legal disputes.
The film Viking, which originally premiered in 2016, is being reintroduced to audiences just in time for the Easter holiday. It will be broadcast at 18:25, just a few hours before the live transmission of the Easter service at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. According to Kozlovsky, the film is about "a complex, painful, tragic, yet simultaneously happy feeling of love," as reported by the Pervyi Kanal website.
Kozlovsky's return to federal television is significant, especially considering the backdrop of his recent legal troubles. In February 2025, he announced the resolution of a dispute initiated by Vitaly Borodin, head of the Federal Project for Security and Anti-Corruption. Borodin had accused Kozlovsky of "extremism" and "discrediting the army" due to his departure to the United States after the onset of the Special Military Operation (SVO) in Ukraine. This accusation arose after Kozlovsky's performances in Moscow and St. Petersburg, which were scrutinized amid rising tensions surrounding the SVO.
Furthermore, Borodin demanded an investigation into Kozlovsky for allegedly "financing the Armed Forces of Ukraine," citing his friendship with director Alexander Rodnyansky, who has been labeled a foreign agent in Russia. In response, Kozlovsky firmly denied the allegations, stating that his trip to the U.S. was solely to visit his child, insisting he does not hold dual citizenship and has never publicly criticized the Russian authorities.
For an extended period, Kozlovsky's projects were absent from federal channels, largely due to his criticisms of the military operation, which had made him a controversial figure in Russian media. His return with Viking could signal a shift in the perception of artists who have faced backlash for their views during these tumultuous times.
In a related note, the well-known Russian singer Alla Pugacheva commented on Kozlovsky's performances, reflecting the ongoing public interest in the actor's career and personal life. As Kozlovsky navigates the complex landscape of Russian entertainment and politics, his upcoming film is poised to reignite discussions about artistic expression and its intersection with national sentiment.
As the air date approaches, many are eager to see how Kozlovsky's portrayal of Prince Vladimir resonates with audiences amid the current socio-political climate in Russia. The film's themes of love and sacrifice, set against a backdrop of historical conflict, may provide a poignant reflection on contemporary issues faced by the nation.
In conclusion, Danila Kozlovsky's return to federal television with Viking comes at a pivotal moment, intertwining the realms of art and politics in Russia. As the nation prepares for Easter, viewers will be watching not just for the film's narrative, but also for the implications of Kozlovsky's comeback in a landscape fraught with controversy.
