State Duma Deputy Elena Drapeko defended the Ministry of Culture’s move to withdraw the sequel to the film “Direct Kakha” from rental. In an interview, she emphasized that the ministry is a reputable institution with an expert board, and when they decide to pull a film, there are clear reasons behind the decision. Drapeko noted that there is nothing to display in the film that would justify scenes of natural violence.
Earlier, it became public that the sequel to the Viktor Shamirov film had its lease canceled. The project hit theaters on May 25 and grossed about 355 million rubles before this turn of events. The film later appeared on online platforms on July 14. Audience reactions on major review sites placed the film well below average, indicating a strong sense of disappointment among viewers.
Critics and audiences alike voiced concerns about a scene depicting the rape of a drunken woman. The central character not only commits the act but also justifies the behavior through crude humor, which sparked broad controversy and debate about ethics and depiction in contemporary cinema.
The project carries an 18-plus rating on its distribution certificate, reflecting a determination that the content is suitable only for adult audiences. This rating has been a focal point in ongoing discussions about responsible media distribution and the boundaries of provocative storytelling within the national film landscape.
In related commentary, prominent filmmakers and industry observers have weighed in on the broader implications for artistic expression and state involvement in cultural production, including debates about censorship and accountability in cinema. These discussions underscore how policy decisions can shape the reception and availability of films that generate intense public discourse.
Overall, the episode illustrates the tension between creative experimentation and social responsibility in the film industry. It also highlights how regulatory decisions, audience expectations, and critical reception intersect to influence a movie’s reach and the conversation it sparks about consent, violence, and the portrayal of vulnerable characters in modern storytelling.