Denchik on FC Rodina, Filming, and Friends: An Interview

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Denchik is a character in the TV series FC Rodina, and the interviewer asks how the portrayal came together and whether playing him was easy. The actor explains that the ease came from working with director Ivan Plechev, whose instinct for people helps the team cast roles that feel authentic. Vanya brings a precise sense of timing and humor, which proves essential to the character’s rhythm.

Asked about the project’s uniqueness, the actor notes that it was created by a young team, carrying a spirit of freedom, lightness, and motivation. Collaborating on such a project was a genuine pleasure for everyone involved.

Regarding the setting, the interview touches on the Russia–China border as described in the script. In reality, the filming took place in Nizhny Novgorod, a city the actor considers wonderful and even comparable to a resort, opened up to him in a striking new light.

One early episode required a nighttime swim. The actor recalls the challenge of the cold; the experience involved five shifts, and the cold made it memorable rather than daunting, adding a layer of intensity to the scene.

What proved most difficult on set, both physically and mentally? The response highlights the cold water shifts themselves, performed near a cemetery. The border seen by viewers is depicted as more symbolic than geographical; the real location offered a surprising, cemetery-adjacent backdrop that shaped the filming process in ways the actor hadn’t anticipated.

Memorable behind-the-scenes moments also surfaced. The most challenging aspect was the frustration of missing a goal from eleven meters, a playful anecdote about life not always aligning with performance, where five attempts all failed in a lighthearted way.

The humor in the writers’ room did not fall flat. The actor confirms that the jokes were genuinely funny, contributing to a shared sense of levity on set.

There was a social media moment involving a photo with Zoya Berber that sparked questions about humor and proximity. The actor explains the closeness of their relationship, noting that a proposal led to a shared life, turning what began as a joke into a real bond.

A decade ago, Blagoveshchensk lost its sole professional football club, Amur-2010, a turning point that some viewers see echoed in the series’ storyline. The question asks whether the show can highlight the challenges facing provincial clubs when funding falters and whether comedy can serve such social commentary. The actor believes humor can draw attention to these issues and even lift the spirits of local teams, noting the kindness of the Nizhny crew and the presence of similar clubs across the country. If the series can motivate even one club scenario to improve, that would be a worthwhile outcome.

On football loyalty, the actor acknowledges a fondness for Zenit, explaining that while not a fanatic, he enjoys supporting the team and cherishes stadium moments that show the sport’s atmosphere, even if a goal was missed due to distraction during a game.

Beyond football, water skiing has been a constant since 2014, described as a sport that strengthens body and soul. The actor owns a wake park in St. Petersburg, a favorite place for both sport and recreation.

In the Turkish TV adaptation Kapımı Çal, the Russian version casts the character Obukhov as the villain, diverging from the Turkish original. The actor chose not to imitate the Turkish tone, preferring to preserve an original interpretation that would feel distinctly Russian rather than a direct copy of the source material.

On his public image, the actor comments that his appearance carries a harsh, strong look, which makes a heroic, positive role feel unlikely. He jokes about the type casting aligning with his facial features, content to embrace the persona that suits him best.

During casting, the actor quickly realized that he was not meant to play Serkan Bolat, a realization rooted in appearance and type rather than ambition. This clarity helped steer the project toward a character that matched his strengths and screen presence.

Regarding the main cast, the actor praises Nikita Volkov and Liana Grib for the lead roles, calling Volkov a talented actor and a family person. He believes that Serkan’s portrayal was well justified and performed with conviction, acknowledging strong performances from his fellow actors.

As for collaborations with esteemed colleagues, the actor regards Konstantin Khabensky as a standout partner due to his genuine warmth, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to craft, qualities that left a lasting impression. The experience with Khabensky is described as both impressive and enriching.

A lingering question about an ex-girlfriend, Victoria Agalakova, who has appeared in Epidemic and other major projects, is treated with warmth. The actor expresses happiness for her success while noting that they do not stay in touch, reflecting a respectful recognition of separate paths.

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