— Tell us how the project came to his attention and what emotions surfaced after reading the script, if you can share.
The actor came to the project through the casting process. He recorded his tests, then attended a face-to-face meeting with fellow actors for additional tests. A few more trips to Moscow followed, and he earned approval. Every confirmation message carrying the words “You are approved” left a lasting impression. While the body can yearn for work, the excitement of the script stayed strong from the start. He valued the script, yet he believes that reading it and bringing it to life often diverge. How scenes finally play out can differ greatly from imagination.
— The annotation for the project describes the hero as a 27-year-old, attractive, lazy guy. Was it easy to inhabit such a role? Are there commonalities with Artem, or are the two completely different?
He gradually built his understanding of the character during auditions, rereading the script, and seeking his distinctive traits. It was an intense yet exhilarating process rather than a difficulty. There are common threads with Artem, though the actor notes he no longer lives in a toy-filled room like his character. The growth arc, however, is a shared point between them.
— The creators call the series “She’s So Cool” a road movie about friendship stronger than prejudice. What does this project signify to you?
The actor implies that the question itself hints at the answer. He shares a parallel view on the story — friendship, love, and the changes men undergo as they search for a shared language among four friends. It’s a story about people, told with honesty and openness.
— Before filming began, did you know your on-set colleagues? How did the team come together, and what personal challenges did you face during shooting?
He did not know the cast beforehand. They met during casting and quickly found common ground, so there were no major issues on set. In one trailer, the actor and Leva Zulkarnaev shared light-hearted moments, swapping poems during breaks. There were, of course, disagreements and differing opinions, but only as part of the creative process. Dialogue, he believes, is essential in cinema, guiding the crew to the best solution for each scene. They often managed to capture the series with a truthful sense of life.
— After Kapelnik, a broad audience remembered him, and critics praised the stark, worn faces of the cast. One critic even suggested a Bodrov-like presence in the lead. How does he feel about that comparison?
He brushes off the pressure with a lighthearted laugh, hoping his forgotten face remains engaging. He considers the comparison flattering but notes it’s ultimately just a resemblance. If such cult figures recur, it reflects a public appetite for memorable heroes, and he would rather be seen as a hero for our time than a direct analogue.
— Did the Bodrov comparison make him proud, or is it not his kind of hero?
Sergei Bodrov holds significance for him, as he watched Brother and Sisters at a formative age and has revisited those films many times. The likeness is appreciated, but he views it as a similarity rather than a claim to the role. He believes audiences still crave cult figures and hopes future roles capture a hero fit for today.
— How did Kapelnik alter his life, both career-wise and personally?
Life did not change in terms of daily realities, but more opportunities arrived, which brought happiness and energy to keep working.
— Lensky, in the screen adaptation of Onegin by Sarik Andreasyan, required a careful preparation. How did he approach the transformation into a literary icon?
Preparation involved starting from the source: rereading Eugene Onegin, absorbing comments, and engaging in analysis with a historical consultant. It was a creative and somewhat chaotic process at home. The challenge lay in mastering riding a horse and mounting the saddle in a short period, which brought its own humor to the journey.
— Which classics, Russian or otherwise, would he like to see brought to life on the big screen?
He does not pin down specific future roles. The focus remains on making characters feel real within complex, diverse plots. He approaches each project with honesty and openness, trusting time and the future to reveal new possibilities.
— What kinds of films interest him as an actor, and which Russian directors would he like to collaborate with?
If fate brings people together, he would love to work with Yuri Bykov, Fyodor Bondarchuk, and Anna Melikyan. On the acting side, Konstantin Khabensky and Yura Borisov are at the top of the list. The idea of collaborating with these talents excites him a great deal, provided the chance arises.
— Is he a widely sought-after actor today? Can he turn down roles, and if so, why?
He suspects public perception lingers, but he remains grateful for ongoing work. Rejections happen when the material feels incompatible with him, a normal part of a busy career.
— Which films shaped him during childhood, and which works influence him now? Are there any favorites he still revisits?
His father had a vast film library spanning genres, from action to melodrama. He recalls favorites like Mad Max, The Notebook, and Artificial Intelligence, timeless picks he rediscovered repeatedly. Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill left a lasting impression, as did Spirited Away and the entire Harry Potter series. He loves film and makes time to watch both new releases and classics.
— How does he stay informed about cinema news, and which recent films or TV shows caught his eye?
There are so many titles released that keeping track is tough. He subscribes to multiple platforms and recently revisited Night Watch, watching it with fresh curiosity as if it were new again.
— Does he watch his own films and series?
He prefers not to dwell on his own work, keeping a respectful distance.
— From where does he draw inspiration, given his experience with auditions and filming? How does he aim to leave the audience with a complete narrative?
Having lived through the project’s different stages, he understands what resonates with audiences and where things fall short. He strives to craft endings that feel whole and allow viewers to interpret the story anew, with a sense of completion.
— How self-critical is he, and whose opinions matter most to him?
He describes himself as skeptical, rarely fully satisfied with any single scene. He doesn’t chase perfection but commits to doing what he loves with honesty and responsibility. The influence of others remains personal and private, a degree of intimacy kept to himself.
— What advice would he offer to young actors entering the industry today?
Patience, effort, and hope are his core messages. Doors opening into the profession can be challenging, but everyone keeps moving toward them. He feels unqualified to offer definitive guidance, still feeling young and eager to learn more about what lies ahead.
— Beyond acting, he pursues illustration and maintains a blog where he calls himself a pain artist. Is it a joke about infinity, and where does his drawing inspiration come from?
He isn’t sure if the label is a joke or not. The name surfaced naturally, and he seeks inspiration from life and the web. He rarely posts these days, working to discover his evolving artistic style, a journey not yet complete.
— What are his current dreams as an actor and as a person?
He believes humanity is tied to inner qualities that demand ongoing work and a commitment to staying authentic. He refuses to reveal every dream, choosing to guard some until the right moment. When the time comes, he will share; for now, he keeps his ambitions private and respectful of their preparation.