'Vysotsky' breaks Russian B.O. record

MOSCOW -- A film about Russia's reaction to Bob Dylan, the singer-songwriter-thesp Vladimir Vysotsky, has already established accurate documentation $20 million within the initial few days inside the territory."Vysotsky -- Fortunately I am Alive," the initial feature film in regards to the local star, who died of heart failure aged 42 in 1980, might be the very best Russian box office opener of year. The biopic has already established as much since its 12 ,. 1 release since the top grossing local-language movie in the previous 12 several days, Timur Bekmambetov's comedy "Yolki," did within the theatrical run -- $22.8 million in Russia and neighboring former Soviet states.Produced along with Sony's Russian partnership, Monumental Pictures, the film was released across Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan on 1,400 screens and at the same time in the limited 19-screen release Germany, where it made Euro 126,000 ($167,000).Producer Anatoly Maksimov told Variety: "The film has polarized its audience by getting an ecstatic reaction from some and disgust from others."The film, that takes up a sacred cow of recent Russian culture, has become mixed reviews, with one critic dubbing the level of smoothness on-screen "a spook person."Vladimir Putin, Russia's pm, mentioned: "I have run into the film 'Vysotsky,' and it is actually a great film. If only to convey again my gratitude for the stars, producers and director."A close film may also be breaking box office records in Serbia. Questionable gay-designed "The Parade" has already established greater than $millions of since its release lately, being areas top grossing local pic. Srdjan Dragojevic's black comedy, about having less gay rights inside the infamously homophobic Balkans condition, was co-produced by Mike Downey of London's Film and Music Entertainment. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com