Cinema reports show that the film “The Flying Ship,” directed by Ilya Uchitel, has once again topped box office charts across Russia and the CIS, pulling in 258 million rubles over the weekend of March 28 to March 31. The data comes from kinobusiness.com and highlights the film’s strong performance as audiences returned to theaters for new, family-friendly programming and a familiar story reimagined for modern screens.
Based on a beloved cartoon from 1979 created by Harry Bardin, this adaptation draws on a classic Russian folk tale to weave its narrative. The cast features Alexander Metelkin as Ivan and Ksenia Traister as Princess Zabava, with Leonid Yarmolnik in the role of the Tsar. The ensemble also includes Fyodor Dobronravov and Anna Ukolova in key supporting parts. Polina Gagarina lends her screen presence to the witch Lady Jane, a character developed specifically for this cinematic take, while Sergei Garmash appears as Vodyanoy, adding a touch of mythic folklore to the proceedings.
In second place on the domestic distribution list is the film Abnormal, directed by Ilya Malanin. It has earned 42 million rubles and tells a story drawn from real events about a frail boy who discovers a remarkable talent for piano with the steady encouragement and care of his stepfather. The film features Natalya Kudryashova, Nadezhda Markina, Elisey Svezhentsev, Illarion Marov, Xu Shiyue, Dmitry Zhirov, Alexander Yatsenko and Denis Davydov in a cast that anchors the emotional arc of the narrative and highlights themes of perseverance, mentorship, and resilience.
Third in the CIS-wide ranking is Godzilla and Kong: A New Empire, directed by Adam Wingard. It amassed 91 million rubles in the period, a figure that underscores strong audience interest in high spectacle cinema despite the fact that the film did not receive a theatrical release in Russia or Belarus. The film’s performance reflects broader trends in the regional market where blockbuster releases continue to draw crowds even when access to certain markets is restricted or delayed.
In other happenings within the window, there was a notable moment involving former actress Yulia Snigir, who shared light-hearted remarks while her husband Evgeny Tsyganov offered playful commentary. This dynamic illustrates how on-screen careers and personal lives often intersect in public conversations around cinema, sometimes shaping audience sentiment and media coverage in subtle ways. The weekend’s box office narrative, marked by high-energy productions and strong ensemble performances, points to a diverse slate that continues to attract family audiences, genre fans, and viewers seeking dramatic storytelling alike.