Actor Mikhail Porechenkov has announced he will no longer work as a film director, speaking ahead of the release of his new detective comedy series Captain Tuman on Russian streaming service Kion.
The 60-year-old actor told Gazeta.Ru in an interview published on August 21 that he has decided to end his directorial pursuits due to severe stress, heavy responsibility, and low financial returns.
Porechenkov previously co-directed the 2008 action film D-Day alongside Ekaterina Pobedinskaya. He said he believes a director should only step behind the camera when they have something significant to say to humanity, adding that he has not formulated such a message and prefers to focus entirely on acting.
Role in Captain Tuman
The new series Captain Tuman is scheduled to launch on the online cinema platform Kion on August 28. Porechenkov stars as Vitaly Tumansky, a headstrong police captain whom he described as a stern yet touching and tender man who takes decisive action.
Reflecting on his character, Porechenkov said he avoids projecting roles onto his own personality, joking that the only thing he takes is aspirin. He added that modern screen stories need a return to strong traditional male figures who can make decisions and might be slightly uncomfortable.
Porechenkov joked about the physical demands of the shoot, claiming he developed new abilities at age 60 including warming up quickly in cold weather, levitating, diving, flying, and casting a fishing rod further. He noted that regular physical training was essential to handle the intensive running and fight scenes required for the project.
Work with Cast and Crew
The production features actress Zoya Berber alongside actor Azamat and director Sergey Filatov. Porechenkov praised the friendly atmosphere on set, calling the team highly experienced professionals.
Porechenkov shared a personal connection to Berber, noting that her stepfather is a close friend with whom he studied in the past. He said he considers Berber like a daughter to him and was drawn to the project immediately after reading the script.
Addressing his reputation among colleagues, Porechenkov said he always tries to settle matters peacefully unless people behave unreasonably. He added that maintaining simple human decency is the key to working well with fellow actors.
Music and Other Projects
Captain Tuman features songs by the Russian rock group Sektor Gaza on its soundtrack. Porechenkov highlighted the track Lirika, noting that while he is not a dedicated fan of the band, their music provides an effective emotional counterpoint to the drama on screen.
Porechenkov also revealed that he recently completed filming another project focused on Sektor Gaza frontman Yura Khoy. In that project, Porechenkov portrayed band manager Privalov, exploring the tragic life story of the musician.
When asked about his frequent portrayals of characters fighting for justice, Porechenkov joked that he is a scoundrel in real life, making screen roles an opportunity to balance the scales.
Audition Rules and Stage Career
Porechenkov revealed that he stopped attending auditions roughly ten years ago after a couple of unsuccessful attempts. He adheres to a personal rule that attending an audition guarantees a project will fall through.
Instead of auditioning, Porechenkov only agrees to costume fittings after a role has already been confirmed. He said that if directors want to hire him, they should confirm the agreement without asking him to test, remarking that he is not a candy to be sampled.
Beyond film and television, Porechenkov maintains a long-running stage career at the Chekhov Moscow Art Theatre. He encouraged audiences to attend live theatre performances and noted that the venue's artistic director, Konstantin Khabensky, is a personal friend with whom he hopes to collaborate on new productions in the upcoming season.
Acting Philosophy and State Honors
Porechenkov described acting as a combination of divine talent and relentless work. Comparing genius to the ancient Greek hero Heracles, who was half human and half divine, Porechenkov said actors must possess a creative spark while continually honing their skills across genres including drama, comedy, and action.
He compared specialized acting to military and medical professions, stating that an actor who only works in one genre is like a soldier who can only shoot a pistol or a surgeon who can cut but not sew.
Addressing his titles as a People's Artist of the Russian Federation, South Ossetia, and the Donetsk People's Republic, Porechenkov said the recognition imposes a continuous responsibility never to deliver shoddy work or deceive audiences. He noted that the Russian title was particularly meaningful because it primarily recognizes serious achievements in theatre.
Family Life and Marriage
Porechenkov has been married to his wife Olga for 26 years, making them one of the most enduring couples in Russian cinema. He attributed their long marriage to divine providence, advising younger generations to visit church and pray for a partner.
As a father of multiple adult children living in various parts of the world, Porechenkov credited his wife with managing their home life. He said he supports his children with school and personal matters as needed while focusing on his professional obligations.
