In life, Nikolai Dobrynin is an open and emotional person, much like many of his heroes. In Against Everyone, the actor explored the image of a stern grandfather who rarely smiles. How convincing is his portrayal in this role?
Nikolai Nikolaevich is described by colleagues as a remarkable artist and a generous person, with a long history of friendship and admiration among peers. He approached the grandfather figure with a blend of vitality and seasoned experience, believing that this part held real importance. Although his own age is younger than the character’s, his performance carried a weight that felt authentic and persuasive.
Was the role quickly established off screen, and how did he behave during breaks?
On set, he stayed true to his nature—kind and warm, quick to share warmth and attentive to everyone around him.
Tell us about the character Vasilisa. How is she connected to Grandfather Zakhar?
Vasilisa is Zakhar’s granddaughter and is connected to both of his sons. With Viktor, she has two children and is married to her twin brother, Herman. The show centers on these relationships—Vasilisa once could have had a bright future as a beauty queen, but life within the Zanozin family does not unfold as she imagined. She accepts what she has and resists the harsh blows of fate as best as she can.
What is Vasilisa’s character like?
Her defining trait is resilience. She may not overthink every twist of fate, but she guards her heart and keeps going despite challenges.
Does Grandfather support Zakhar’s stubborn push for control of the site?
Vasilisa herself rarely decides anything in this family. She tries to leave a mark on her father-in-law, but Zakhar’s stubborn, uncompromising nature leaves little room for compromise.
Has this been the first time the actor played a village resident?
Indeed, it marks a new experience for him to portray a woman tending a simple house. He found the cottage life sweet and appealing, appreciating the rural ambiance and the cottage economy.
What new aspects did he have to learn for the role?
One discovery involved the daily rituals of a cow—how the animal is milked, cared for, and befriended by the woman who tends the homestead.
What was the biggest challenge on set? Were there any unusual moments?
Filming took place in a real residential complex where a complete village scene was built with a house, a chicken coop, a greenhouse, a well and more. Shooting stretched from day into night, often disturbing local residents with bright lights and noise. Those nearby were patient, and sincere apologies were offered for any disruption. Gratitude is extended to all who tolerated the disturbances.
The crew created a sprawling 1689 square meter set, and the impression was that the space functioned as a true home rather than mere decoration. The team, led by Alexander Kim, built the house with meticulous care, and the actor was impressed by the level of detail on set.
Would he consider living in a village setting for a challenge, not just in a cottage but in a fully equipped house with a stove and wooden amenities?
He is not ready to abandon modern comforts entirely, but views the idea as a playful adventure and a chance to experience something exotic. He still loves his cottage and village life, but the thought of trying more rustic living seems appealing only as a temporary step.
Having received the Golden Eagle Award for his recent role in Mom’s Penguins, and with the project lauded by critics, what does he attribute to his success?
He credits the director Natasha Meshchaninova, noting that cinema belongs to its creator. The director’s artistry, trust, and friendship made a lasting impact, and the film owes much of its success to his presence and guidance.
Does he endorse the actors’ approach to their characters, especially the morally gray ones?
Acting, as he sees it, is about understanding the character. Even when a role is morally ambiguous or dangerous, the aim is not to justify but to understand and inhabit the character’s qualities. The most compelling roles are those that are complex and contradictory, not easily explained in simple terms.
How can one explain the worldview of the hero in Penguins?
He describes the heroine as a woman with internal trauma, fears, and a tendency to veil problems with new ones. The character’s depth makes it hard to sum up in a few words. If one digs a little, a viewer can see how parental behavior can be toxically misaligned with love and care, especially when fear or blindness shapes choices. The underlying theme resonates with the classic tension between children and parents during adolescence.
Do children of actors have an edge when studying acting, thanks to exposure to sets and stages?
There may be an initial glow of interest, but deeper dynamics vary. Some families nurture a serious, professional approach, while others encourage exploration without pressing for a specific path. Every family has a different story about balancing ambition and reality.
What were his hobbies as a child, and did his parents push him toward acting?
His childhood passed quickly, and by sixteen he was studying at the institute. He recalls participating in school circles, dances, and amateur performances, which felt like natural preparation rather than a deliberate path chosen with heavy guidance.
Would his children pursue acting, and does he steer their interests?
He supports exploring anything his children show interest in. While he doesn’t see a clear path toward acting for them, he remains attentive to their curiosities, offering opportunities to join circles or courses without forcing the matter.
Why did he take only a small role in his father, director Sergei Ursulyak’s project, and how did he work under that leadership?
He felt excitement about sharing a screen with his father, though the responsibility sometimes limited relaxation and spontaneity. The role was brief, and although the experience had its challenges, he deeply respects his father as a director and looks forward to seeing the premiere. He values the family bond above all else.
What about holiday plans and upcoming artistic endeavors?
Last year, he planned ahead, enjoyed a quiet, intimate New Year in a village setting, and appreciated the calm before a new round of rehearsals for the play Zoyka’s Circle at the Pushkin Theater. The premiere is slated for April, signaling a busy creative period ahead.