The film adaptation of the Russian folk tale At the Order of the Pike opened strong at theaters, drawing early attention from audiences and industry observers. In its initial release period, the project surpassed a notable milestone in domestic box office figures, with data reported by Cinema Fund indicating a robust start that underscored the audience’s appetite for mythic storytelling and vibrant, live-action retellings of traditional tales.
Since its nationwide launch on October 26, the feature has accumulated a substantial box office haul, reaching 667 million rubles to date. Of this total, around 400 million rubles came from the opening weekend, signaling a powerful first impression and solid word-of-mouth momentum. The film’s appeal translated into strong theater turnout, with more than 2.4 million viewers choosing to experience the cinematic adaptation on the big screen during its initial run. Such numbers place the project among notable recent releases within the Russian market, highlighting its capacity to draw broad sections of the audience into a shared, theatrical experience.
At the heart of the story is the folkloric premise in which a simple, sometimes impulsive character named Emelya discovers a river-placed magic pike capable of granting three wishes. The tale unfolds as the pike grants two wishes and withholds the third, weaving a narrative about desire, consequence, and clever solutions. The plot thickens when Emelya falls in love with Princess Anfisa, a romantic arc that is aided by a transformative crane who becomes a girl named Vasilisa. This character serves as a catalyst, enabling Emelya to navigate social obstacles and pursue a union with the princess while exploring themes of resourcefulness and fate woven into the mythic framework.
The project was steered by director Alexander Voitinsky, previously known for Ghost, who helms the production as it revisits the familiar contours of the folk tale with a contemporary cinematic language. The principal cast includes Nikita Kologrivy, known for Major Grom: Plague Doctor, Mila Ershova, recognized for Difficult Teenagers, and Alina Alekseeva, acclaimed for Christmas Trees and Needles. Their performances anchor the film’s emotional arc, delivering a balance of humor, wonder, and character-driven drama that aligns with modern audience expectations while honoring the source material’s folkloric charm.
Industry observers continue to monitor the film’s trajectory, with analysts noting its strong early trajectory and potential for sustained box office performance. The measured reception from critics and audiences alike suggests a favorable reception to the adaptation’s visual storytelling, pacing, and ability to translate a traditional tale into a cinematic experience that resonates with contemporary moviegoers. While market forecasts vary, there is a shared anticipation that the film could approach or surpass major financial benchmarks as it expands beyond its initial release window, reflecting confidence in its broad appeal and market momentum.