Actor Milos Bikovic began his career in his home country of Serbia, before finding huge success in Russia. He’s currently starring in the spy thriller ‘Red Silk’, a joint production between Russia and China that marks a new collaboration between the countries’ film industries. The movie is set on the Trans-Siberian Express in the 1920s, where a young Red Army soldier and a former Tsarist agent have to team up to uncover a common enemy. Milos has previously starred in major films and TV shows and worked with Hollywood legend Johnny Depp, who he directed in animated TV series ‘Puffins Impossible’. Last year he starred in the film ‘The Challenge’, which made history in world cinema, as parts of the film were shot in space. We asked him about working on “cinematic spectacle” ‘Red Silk’, and why he thinks audiences of all nationalities will enjoy the film’s exciting twists and turns.

‘Red Silk’ is a collaboration between two major cinematographic industries; tell us a bit more about it.

“Both the Russian and Chinese film industries are large and lucrative, so this project was a massive undertaking. I think the audience will love the excitement of being taken back 100 years to remote Siberia, on the road between Russia and China. And I’m thrilled that the movie is going to be treated in Chinese cinemas as a domestic movie. That’s a big deal.”

What was it like working with Chinese actors?

“It was a great honour to be cast in an international production. I’ve always been attracted to period movie roles, and it was inspiring to partner with Chinese actors. This film is so authentic: it has elements of a spy thriller, an intense dramatic plot, and great action scenes that only experienced directors can create. Preparing for the project took a very long time, because of the character development, and also due to the physically demanding action and fighting scenes. I had to speak both Chinese and French, which was challenging, since I’ve never worked in the Chinese language before. It reminded me of my early days in Russia when I couldn’t speak a word of the language, and now I am fluent as if it was my mother tongue. Acting constantly offers opportunities to gain knowledge and work with new people and cultures.”

Do you think European audiences will enjoy and appreciate ‘Red Silk’? 

“I truly hope so, because ‘Red Silk’ is a cinematic spectacle. It’s a universal spy thriller, but its unique theme and the collaboration between two major film industries makes it distinct and authentic. It uses a global movie language that is easily understood by all audiences, so I think it will resonate strongly with European and maybe even American audiences.” 

Last year, you played the lead role in ‘The Challenge’, parts of which were shot in space! What was that like? 

“‘The Challenge’ made history because of the remarkable fact that parts of the film were shot in space. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to film in space myself, I underwent the same rigorous preparations as the actors who did, including on a falling airplane that created a ‘no gravity’ feeling. I also spent time in a centrifuge, which can take you up to 9G. The director Klim Shipenko is an extraordinary artist and every time I work with him I know we’re crafting cinematic art that will leave a lasting impact.”

‘Red Silk’ will premiere in Russia on 20 February, followed by a European release later in the year

Featured photo: Milos Bikovic, Red Silk Official Press Release Photos