Fans of mystery thrillers were abuzz last week as the cast and crew of the highly anticipated film "Krasnyy Shelk" held a preview event at the VK office in Moscow. Set against the backdrop of espionage and intrigue, this film takes viewers back to the tumultuous year of 1927 during the rise of subterfuge and deception. The event, which was streamed online via VK Video, garnered around 2 million viewers, showcasing the project's strong fanbase even before its official release.
Directed by Andrey Volgin, "Krasnyy Shelk" features a talented ensemble cast including Milosh Bikovich, Gleb Kalyuzhny, Yaroslav Mogilnikov, and Gosha Kutsenko. The story revolves around couriers transporting sensitive documents on the Trans-Siberian Express, embroiled with espionage, foreign spies, and danger at every turn. During their presentation, the filmmakers and actors shared insights about filming, which took place partly at the Hengdian World Studios—the largest film studio globally—where they recreated Shanghai from the early 20th century.
Milosh Bikovich, who plays the lead, entertained guests with stories from set, reflecting on his adventurous filming experiences. "I loved every bit of the process, even if it meant earning several scars,” he quipped, adding, “Some of the stunts were quite demanding, but we had an amazing stunt team to guide us." His modesty masked the harrowing experiences behind the scenes, one of which involved him falling from his boat during filming due to the unpredictable rigging. “I jumped and realized I wouldn’t make it to the shore, so I fell right in,” Bikovich recounted, chuckling. "Nothing serious!"
Gosha Kutsenko participated via video link, sharing his humorous take on being assigned the role of the most trusting character within the storyline. “I’m just this innocent cherry on the cake of the plot,” he said jokingly, amusing the online audience. He reminisced about wanting to explore the filming locations, but travel restrictions meant he couldn't join the team on site. “They didn’t let me go to China! They were worried my mustache might scare people away!”
Among the other participants, Yaroslav Mogilnikov became the talk of the event when it was revealed he had his mother called to the set for safety reasons. Due to age restrictions affecting the use of certain pyrotechnics, Mogilnikov shared how this unusual measure unfolded, much to the amusement of the audience. He laughed, saying, "You have to love your mom for keeping things safe!"
The film not only aims to thrill audiences with its engaging story but also captures the essence of the time through its production design and casting choices. Other notable cast members include Elena Podkamin and Irina Alferova, who is set to dazzle audiences with her performance. The rigorous filming conditions, swinging from subzero temperatures at Baikal to sweltering heat in China, presented their own set of challenges, especially for the actors performing their own stunts wherever possible.
On the day of the event, offices of VK and VKontakte were illuminated red as part of their promotional support, signaling the film's vibrant theme and thrilling storyline. The engagement from users, including live interactions during the stream, highlights the impact of social media on contemporary film promotion. Fans eagerly asked questions, and the lively back-and-forth added to the anticipation for the film’s premiere.
With the release date set for February 20, "Krasnyy Shelk" promises to draw viewers who relish captivating narratives reminiscent of Agatha Christie-style mysteries. The film's combination of historical flair, suspenseful storytelling, and action-packed sequences makes it one of the most awaited cinematic experiences for the season.
Director Andrey Volgin expressed his gratitude for the support from VK and emphasized the collaborative effort behind the project. "It's thrilling to bring this story to life, and we couldn’t have done it without such strong support!" A sentiment echoed by the entire cast who anxiously await the film's reception upon its release.