Director Yuri Grymov addressed a controversy surrounding Mikhail Lokshin’s film The Master and Margarita, describing the ongoing debate as a public relations move. He suggested that any mention of the painting embedded in the story tends to boost attention and viewership.
Grymov emphasized that publicity plays a crucial role in film success because cinema is a fleeting commodity. A strong opening weekend can determine a film’s fate, he noted, adding that failure to secure adequate funding early on can shorten a movie’s life in theaters.
According to Grymov, the film’s popularity also hinges on the enduring influence of Mikhail Bulgakov, whose novel provides the source material for the adaptation. The writer’s legacy, in Grymov’s view, helps sustain interest and conversation around the project long after its release.
When The Master and Margarita finally premiered, the reception was mixed. Some critics praised the ambition and daring of the adaptation, while others criticized it for taking liberties with the source material and for promoting controversial ideas. One prominent critic accused the film of endorsing provocative themes that some audiences found troubling.
Around the time of the film’s release, Evgeny Tsyganov, who plays the Master, attended a public event and addressed the reception of the movie. He shared a post featuring a still from a different Bulgakov adaptation, accompanying it with a thought-provoking caption that referenced questions about the abundance of expert opinions on the author. The caption suggested a tension between literary authority and popular interpretation, underscoring the broader cultural conversation sparked by the film.
Historically, The Master and Margarita set new records at the Russian box office, reflecting strong audience interest and a willingness to engage with a high-profile adaptation of a beloved literary classic.