— Is Grisha busy fixing other branches in the sequel? Hired?
They didn’t hire him; he was involved in amateur activities. He describes himself as an individual entrepreneur, and that choice becomes the source of many misfires, mischievous moments, and the chaos that unfolds in the film.
— The new film, Slave 2, features Aglaya Tarasova undergoing a wartime reeducation during the Napoleonic era. What memories of Napoleon from school still linger for you?
He recalls that the downfall of anyone who seeks world domination is a sorrowful fate, a lesson etched into history classes by necessity. It is a simple, sobering takeaway that resonates even today.
— Making sequels to successful movies is tough, and not attempting one can seem foolish. What aim did the team set for itself? Was this primarily a commercial decision?
They found the challenge amusingly stupid, but they chose to pursue it anyway. The result surprised everyone, turning into a rich, layered plot that brought genuine joy to filming. It promises to reward the audience just as much, if not more, in the end.
— What, in your view, is the core message of the movie Slave 2?
Some viewers might expect a lighthearted comedy with a candy-colored vibe, but the film carries a deeper moral. It explores the salvation of the human spirit—an urgent, contemporary story that emphasizes that career and ambition aren’t everything; the people we love and the relationships we nurture are what truly matter.
— If a space-set story were to be filmed, what would it focus on?
Such a project would center on Earth, on people and their connections. Space would serve as a metaphor—a stage for exploring the inner life of human beings rather than a distant backdrop.
— The drama Give a Show has just wrapped filming, and the song You Dance With Me is tied to it. What kinds of music move you, in general?
He admits he’s not a big fan of pop. His taste leans toward deep house, jazz, and classical music. If pop must be included, Sting remains a preferred touchstone.
— How does the Serbian show business landscape function? Are there TV series about it? Who stands as Serbia’s chief pop icon?
He notes that he isn’t certain how the industry is organized, though he’s seen numerous series addressing the topic. Serbian musical culture blends popular and folk trends, making it hard to single out a sole leader in pop stardom.
— You frequently share updates from your performances on social media, including in Serbia, inviting audiences to join. Has travel for culture ever taken you abroad for a festival, a show, or a museum visit?
Yes. He has traveled to Amsterdam and Budapest to hear artists and has explored various cities for museum experiences. Cultural events are often a compelling reason to travel and expand one’s horizons.
— Have you watched the film Tuna? Do you feel Belgrade is depicted there?
He hasn’t seen it yet but plans to watch it soon, hoping to gain new perspective.
— What, in your view, does Belgrade share with global capitals like Beijing, Moscow, or Cairo?
Belgrade, according to a respected Serbian writer, is not as bright as Rome, not as stylish as Paris, nor as famous as London. Yet it has its own charm and a poignant memory. It sits at a crossroads of history, radiating energy from eras that have faded while still remaining present in the pulse of the city.
— Would you agree to play an unattractive character, perhaps changing your look dramatically for a role?
Absolutely. He even dreams of portraying Richard III one day, embracing a striking physical transformation.
— What is the best piece of advice you’ve received as an actor?
There have been many, but one line keeps echoing: “Get on stage and speak your truth.” It remains a guiding beacon, reminding him to stay authentic and fearless.
— What about the idea of portraying resistance itself? Any thoughts?
Virtually any role of resistance holds potential, depending on the story and the character’s journey.
— Do you have a favorite line from a film you love?
He treasures a memorable exchange from the film Beautiful Villages Burn Beautifully: one character tells another, “If you hadn’t gotten hurt, I would have killed you right now.” The companion replies, “But I wasn’t seriously injured.” It’s a vivid moment of tension and dark humor that sticks with him.
— In Serbian cinema, who would you consider the main Russian presence, if any? Is there such a figure?
It seems there isn’t a single defining Russian figure in Serbian cinema. Perhaps, in his view, there isn’t a definitive main Russian, though a personal choice might exist for some viewers.
— Which relationship would be most beneficial for an actor’s career: friendships with a screenwriter, a director, or a producer?
The most valuable asset is self-work. Building one’s own craft is what sustains a career, regardless of who one collaborates with. Mental health benefits from that focus and independence.
— Have there been moments when you thought, “We should adapt this story for the screen”?
Yes, such thoughts occur often. Yet the commitment to pursuing a particular story remains strong until the right moment to bring it to life is found.