A recent interview with Alexander Baranov, the director developing a feature about Vladimir Zhirinovsky, touched on casting rumors and the evolving scope of the project. During conversations with reporters, Baranov acknowledged comments from Ivan Vershinin, a member of the Tyumen Regional Duma representing the LDPR. Vershinin suggested that Nikita Kologrivy, known for portraying Kashchei in the series A Child’s Word: Blood on the Asphalt, could portray Zhirinovsky due to a strong resemblance in appearance and temperament. Baranov emphasized that while such comparisons are interesting, they do not determine casting. The project remains in its early planning stages, and the director noted that decisions about the lead actor will come when the time is right. He explained that external likeness is only one piece of the puzzle, and a successful portrayal requires a broader set of qualities, including acting range, interpretation, and the ability to capture the real-life figure’s complexities. The actor’s representative reportedly declined to discuss any potential involvement in the film, adding another layer of caution to the ongoing negotiations. Past statements from LDPR leader Leonid Slutsky indicated that the party intends to produce a feature film about Zhirinovsky, highlighting the goal of presenting a compelling narrative that sheds light on the late political figure’s life journey. According to Slutsky, the project could help audiences gain a deeper appreciation of Zhirinovsky while also delivering an engaging cinematic experience. In addition to the film project, Slutsky has recently introduced a political initiative in Moscow, signaling broader activity by the party around the campaign season. The overall message from LDPR officials remains focused on creating a memorable cinematic exploration of Zhirinovsky’s public life, blending historical elements with dramatic storytelling to resonate with viewers across Russia and beyond. Critics and observers note that the balance between factual representation and narrative drama will be essential to maintaining credibility, particularly given the contentious nature of Zhirinovsky’s political career. Supporters argue that the film could serve as a valuable cultural artifact, inviting new generations to reflect on the arc of a controversial leader and the events that shaped modern Russian politics. As the production team advances, industry insiders will be watching closely to see how casting choices, script development, and production timelines unfold, and how the final product will be positioned within Russia’s broader landscape of political cinema. The evolving dialogue around the project illustrates how cinema and politics intersect in contemporary Russia, and how filmmakers navigate public memory, political sensitivities, and artistic ambition to deliver a film that informs, engages, and entertains.
Citations: This summary reflects statements from Baranov and reported remarks attributed to Vershinin and Slutsky, with customary attribution to the respective sources within the industry press.