January 21, 2026
The war on Cheburashka: How Russia’s box office smash ignited a conservative revolt
Russia’s domestic box office has a rare smash hit. “Cheburashka 2,” this year’s sequel to the 2023 live-action film adapting Soviet writer Eduard Uspensky’s beloved “animal unknown to science” (as the creature is famously described), has already generated more than five billion rubles ($65.1 million) in ticket sales. The movie is on track to outperform its predecessor, which earned a record 7.1 billion rubles ($92.4 million) during its theatrical run. Despite strong commercial success, the production has provoked outrage from some conservatives. The prominent “Eurasianist” right-wing philosopher Alexander Dugin has led the backlash, and several State Duma deputies now echo his criticisms. Meduza examines the reasons for the controversy.
TL;DR
- "Cheburashka 2" has grossed over five billion rubles at the Russian box office, exceeding its predecessor's initial run.
- Philosopher Alexander Dugin has led a conservative backlash, calling Cheburashka a symbol of "feeblemindedness" and "brainrot" alien to Russian culture.
- State Duma deputies have joined the criticism, labeling the film a "cash grab" and arguing that its production is controlled by those unable to leave Russia.
- Critics like Dugin and Deputy Dmitry Pevtsov suggest the film corrupts children and lacks positive role models, relying on a fictional animal for moral guidance.
- Screenwriter Vyacheslav Zub defends the film, stating the intention was to create a simple family movie promoting kindness and connection, not to convey hidden meanings.
- Some Duma deputies have proposed repealing Article 9 of Russia's culture law, which could allow for greater state intervention and censorship in the film industry.