In Saratov, the set of a new series about the group Combination drew attention as actor Nikita Kologrivoy was spotted in the frame. Local observers noted the disruption along the river embankment as filming moved forward, with security measures tightening around the Rotunda area.
The role for Kologrivoy in the project sees him portraying Alexander Shishinin, the first producer of the group, a character tied to the early days and the rise of the collective that the show centers on.
Filming crews worked to recreate a vivid 1990s ambience. A Soviet-style telephone booth was placed near the Rotunda, tiny details resembling the era’s street life were staged, and a couple of coins of the era were positioned nearby. Some facades still wore old signage, including advertisements reminiscent of Kodak film campaigns from that period.
Meanwhile, financial matters surrounding Kologrivoy came under public scrutiny as reports indicated a liability to the Federal Tax Service approaching 1.4 million rubles. This development added a layer of real-world controversy to the on-set excitement.
Earlier in the year, Kologrivoy was noted for comments aimed at fellow actors, criticizing performances in the field and sparring with industry peers. One exchange involved remarks about Sasha Bortich’s acting, followed by a jab at Danila Kozlovsky’s talent that sparked discussions about the standards within contemporary acting circles.
In a separate incident from the spring, the actor was reported to have been involved in a drunken altercation at a restaurant in Novosibirsk, which led to his placement in a detention facility for a period.
Additionally, a notable shift occurred when a well-known presenter was not included in a concert program held to honor Bulat Okudzhava, marking another moment of public interest in contemporary cultural events.