The film Lord of the Wind emerged as the top distributor’s pick in Russia, pulling in 121.3 million rubles over the weekend according to industry reports from the cinema trade portal. This surge signals strong audience turnout for a production centered on a remarkable real-life journey, underscoring the film’s momentum in the local market and confirming its status as a crowd favorite during the opening days. Source: Cinema Trade Portal.
Following closely behind is the American action feature Expendables 4, which captured the second spot at the Russian box office. In the same weekend, the comedy Bad Money from the United States secured a presence in the top three, illustrating a diverse slate that resonated with viewers across genres and demographics. This mix of titles highlights a dynamic cinema landscape where action, humor, and spectacle compete for attention. Source: Cinema Trade Portal.
Lord of the Wind centers on the world record-setting global flight completed by explorer Fyodor Konyukhov in 2016. The protagonist completed a circumnavigation in 11 days, 4 hours, and 20 minutes, a feat brought to life on screen with Fyodor Bondarchuk portraying Konyukhov. The role’s casting anchored the film’s authority by aligning a renowned actor with a legendary aviator, lending authenticity to the portrayal and drawing audiences who follow aviation feats and biographical storytelling. Source: Cinema Trade Portal.
On October 5, Bondarchuk explained his enthusiasm for joining the project, sharing reflections about the experience on set, as filming moved between Moscow and Dagestan. The production process involved location work and careful reconstruction to capture the scale and peril of the journey, contributing to the film’s immersive atmosphere and visual fidelity. Source: Cinema Trade Portal.
Initial plans reportedly explored a different casting path, with whispers that a Hollywood star might take the lead. Those plans were interrupted by the global pandemic and shifting budget considerations, ultimately paving the way for Konyukhov himself to select Bondarchuk for the central role. The decision underscored a collaborative approach to storytelling, where real-life expertise and established screen presence met to realize a biographical vision. Source: Cinema Trade Portal.
Earlier disclosures from Bondarchuk reflected on Konyukhov’s reaction to the performance, noting a sense of recognition and a shared commitment to authenticity in depicting the extraordinary voyage. The dialogue between the filmmakers and the subject added another layer of credibility to the project, reinforcing audience trust in the film’s portrayal of historical events. Source: Cinema Trade Portal.