A forthcoming series centered on the iconic late Soviet and post-Soviet pop collective known as Combination is headed to production in Russia. The news comes from a prominent national business daily, Kommersant, which reported that a streaming platform has commissioned the project. The eight-episode biopic will explore the rise, impact, and eventual dissolution of the group that captured the imagination of a generation with its distinctive sound and stage presence.
The project is being developed by Wink, a multi-platform video service that has expanded into original productions. The show is planned as an eight-part narrative that will trace the group’s journey from its early days, through its peak popularity, and into the complexities of fame in a shifting cultural landscape. The production is being undertaken by Lunapark Film, a studio known for crafting character-driven stories and for previously delivering a series about another famous music act, The King and the Clown. Lunapark will collaborate with NMG Studio to bring this story to life, drawing on archival material, interviews, and carefully staged recreations to capture the era with authenticity. [Source: Kommersant]
The cast has been announced to reflect the ensemble at the heart of Combination. Anastasia Ukolova, best known for her role on Molodezhka, will take on the part of Alena Apina, while Elizaveta Bazykina, who has appeared in In Two and The Boy’s Word, will portray Tatyana Ivanova. The on-screen line-up also includes Pavel Priluchny, recognized for his performances in Major and Devyatayev, who will depict Apina’s husband and an influential producer named Alexander Iratov. The choice of actors aims to convey the chemistry and tensions that defined the band’s public persona and private dynamics, offering audiences a window into the era’s music industry and cultural climate. [Source: Kommersant]
Directorial duties for the project come as a continuation of the studio’s track record in weaving personal, dramatic portraits of public figures. The team behind the eight-episode arc intends to present not just a nostalgic retelling but a nuanced exploration of the pressures, opportunities, and trade-offs that accompany rapid fame. The series will examine how the group navigated changes in the music scene, media visibility, and audience expectations, all while anchoring the story in the broader social and political currents of the time. This approach seeks to offer audiences a balanced portrayal that honors the music as well as the individuals who created it. [Source: Kommersant]
In related industry notes, insiders have pointed to the ongoing trend of major studios partnering with streaming services to produce high-profile biopics about prominent musicians from the late Soviet and post-Soviet periods. The project about Combination represents a convergence of archival research, dramatic re-enactment, and contemporary storytelling techniques designed to engage both longtime fans and new viewers curious about the era. The production team has emphasized a commitment to accuracy while allowing room for cinematic interpretation that highlights personal narratives and the cultural significance of the group’s work. [Source: Kommersant]