Viktor Rakov, who portrayed the Master in Yuri Kara’s film The Master and Margarita, spoke about his views in a conversation with the film’s team. He indicated that he has no intention of watching the latest adaptation of Mikhail Bulgakov’s classic novel. The actor made clear that he is not keen on Mikhail Lokshin’s interpretation of the material and does not plan to see the new version.
It is known that Kara’s film hit theaters a decade after the initial shooting took place. Rakov explained that his anticipation for the project had faded as time moved on, noting that expectations can shift when many years pass. He added a straightforward comparison to explain his stance about such delays in cinema, pointing out that if a project is truly important it should be released in a timely manner. If it comes out a decade later, it risks feeling outdated. He also remarked that his involvement had given him a sense of closure and that being released from the project was, in his view, a positive outcome.
Over the subsequent weekend, Lokshin’s film The Master and Margarita reportedly set a new box office record in Russia and the CIS for the third consecutive time, with receipts approaching 1.5 billion rubles in total according to Kinobusiness.com. The news drew attention not only to the movie’s commercial performance but also to the ongoing conversation about how Bulgakov’s work continues to resonate with modern audiences. [Source: Kinobusiness.com, reported by industry press]
Julia Snigir, who played Margarita in the corresponding adaptation, commented that Bulgakov’s enduring popularity has sparked renewed interest in additional film interpretations of The Master and Margarita. Her remarks align with a broader industry curiosity about how different directors might reimagine the beloved narrative for contemporary viewers. In previous discussions, colleagues in the film world have weighed in with positive assessments of new projects connected to Bulgakov’s universe, highlighting the persistent cultural appeal of the story. [Source notes from press coverage]
Earlier statements from actors and filmmakers involved in the project have underscored a shared enthusiasm for exploring Bulgakov’s themes anew while maintaining reverence for the source material. The ongoing dialogue among cast, crew, and audiences reflects the continued fascination with a novel that has informed cinematic and literary conversations for decades. [Industry commentary]