Domestic drama Ice 3 drew 59 million rubles on its opening day, February 15, a figure reported by Film Distributor’s Bulletin that underscores the film’s strong start in the market. The surge highlights a growing interest in contemporary Russian cinema and the appetite for sequels within popular franchises. Analysts note that such a debut often sets the tone for the weekend, suggesting that Ice 3 could approach half a billion rubles in its first three days as audiences continue to queue up for the continuation of the story. This opening momentum positions Ice 3 as a benchmark release for mid-February and signals healthy consumer confidence in locally produced thrillers and family dramas alike.
Meanwhile, a newer entry in the box office race, the animated feature Super Wings, entered the tally from the eighth place and earned about 1.4 million rubles at the outset. Projections for a four-day window place the total near 25 million rubles as word spreads and family audiences begin to choose between fresh releases and ongoing festival favorites. The reception to Super Wings demonstrates the vibrancy of the market for animated titles and the willingness of viewers to explore a diverse slate of genres during the post-holiday season.
On the broader weekend chart, the British drama One Life, featuring Anthony Hopkins, secured ninth place with around 1.3 million rubles on its opening day and accumulated roughly 8 million rubles over the weekend. The performance of One Life reflects continued international interest in prestige dramas, even as domestic productions push their own agendas and expand their footprint in regional cinemas. This trend aligns with a global market that increasingly blends local storytelling with widely acclaimed cinema from overseas, offering audiences a broad spectrum of choices during the cinema-going cycle.
Actress Maria Aronova, speaking in January about the Ice series, expressed a candid concern about the prospects of a sequel. She admitted feeling a genuine fear of revisiting the story in a third installment but also remained hopeful that the project would deliver fresh perspectives. Aronova emphasized that the team managed to bring something new to the third part while acknowledging the emotional stakes involved. She also revealed that her colleague Alexander Petrov convinced her to participate in the continuation, highlighting the collaborative nature of the project and the persuasive dynamics that often accompany franchise productions.
Earlier reports hinted at ambitious plans to expand production capacity, including the potential construction of new film studios in Crimea. Those early discussions reflect a strategic interest in developing regional infrastructure to support ongoing Russian cinema, attract co-financing, and create opportunities for local talent to work on large-scale projects. Such developments could influence studio pipelines, crew availability, and the overall pace at which future installments in popular series are developed and released.