A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Formula of Love
Actress Elena Valyushkina recalled her experience filming alongside Alexander Abdulov for the musical comedy Formula of Love during the interview on the program Once Upon a Time … . She described Abdulov as bringing an energetic array of ideas to the set and being deeply involved in the movie’s production from start to finish. Valyushkina admitted that a colleague pressed her to expose herself in a particular frame, a suggestion she said Abdulov echoed with persuasive charm. The film’s director noted that even Mark Zakharov, who is known for his exacting standards, was impressed by Abdulov and allowed the actor to steer some improvisational moments on set.
Valyushkina recounted Abdulov’s approach with a memorable line that illustrates his confidence and timing. He arrived on set with a sense of mischief and reassurance, telling her that she would be the first to step into a bold scene and that his charm would help carry the moment. The anecdote highlights Abdulov’s influence and his ability to influence both cast and crew through conversation and charisma.
The cast list for Formula of Love includes Nodar Mgaloblishvili, Elena Valyushkina, Alexander Mikhailov, Elena Aminova, Alexander Abdulov, Semyon Farada, Tatyana Peltzer, Alexandra Zakharova, and Leonid Bronevoi. The film draws inspiration from Alexei Tolstoy’s novel The Count of Cagliostro, with the screenplay crafted by Grigory Gorin. The ensemble performance and the witty musical numbers helped establish Formula of Love as a memorable entry in the era’s Soviet cinema, balancing humor with theatrical flair that fans remember to this day.
Earlier comments from Dolina add another layer to the Abdulov story. Singer Larisa Dolina described a tearful farewell moment after her final meeting with Abdulov, underscoring the emotional resonance and long-lasting connections formed among the film’s artists during production and beyond. This recollection complements Valyushkina’s account, offering a broader picture of the creative atmosphere that surrounded Formula of Love and the impact Abdulov had on his peers.