Andrey Knyazev, once a member of the influential band Korol i Shut, spoke about his experience with the new program featuring the band. He revealed that he watched the first two episodes twice, sharing that his impressions came with strong, conflicting notes. His remarks are presented here as one artist’s perspective on a project that looks to unpack a storied chapter in rock history while inviting viewers into a surreal, song-driven world. The musician describes the process as a kind of radio voice of memory, a thread linking past performances to the contemporary retelling on screen.
In his own words, the first two episodes were not what he expected. He recounts viewing the episodes on a large cinema screen and feeling that the experience did not land at a single setting but rather unfolded as if the work were testing several angles from the outside in. He characterizes the cinematic version as exposing new layers of their relationship to the material, suggesting that fantasy elements play a central role in shaping how the audience encounters the group’s legacy. The second viewing, he notes, shifted his perception in a way that made the series feel more cohesive, even addictive, prompting heightened anticipation for what comes next as he imagines the narrative arc evolving in future installments.
The project, titled The King and the Jester, debuted its initial episodes on Kinopoisk in early March 2023. The show is built around pivotal moments in the history of the St. Petersburg rock group, while simultaneously pulling viewers into a dreamlike, musical universe inspired by the band’s catalog. Knyazev participated actively in shaping the project, contributing ideas and guidance that reflect his intimate familiarity with the group’s creative trajectory. His involvement underscores a commitment to presenting the story with a blend of factual recollection and artistic interpretation, inviting fans to reconsider familiar material through a fresh, cinematic lens.
Earlier discussions around the program noted that Knyazev would continue to play a guiding role beyond the screen, shaping how related exhibitions and cultural events interpret punk-era aesthetics. In this context, the idea of a broader “Punk Culture” exploration emerges, linking the band’s historical moments to broader currents in contemporary art and music that continue to influence audiences today. The juxtaposition of documentary-like elements with stylized, theatrical storytelling strengthens the program’s appeal for longtime followers and newcomers alike, offering a nuanced portrait of a scene that remains vivid in memory and critical in its ongoing impact. (Source attribution: interviews and official communications related to the project.)