
Starting January 1, 2026, the family adventure film Cheburashka 2 took the top spot at the Russian box office. Just two days later, it grossed over 1 billion rubles, becoming 2026’s first “billion-ruble” movie. The achievement made history, as it became the 40th film in Russia to surpass 1 billion rubles.
The project is a sequel released after the huge success of the first installment and is also notable for its explosive start in theaters. A year after the previous events, Cheburashka strives to become more independent, defend his own opinions, and pursue freedom. But his mischief and unusual mistakes often lead to new conflicts.
The film’s turning point happens at Sonya’s birthday celebration. By an accidental mistake, Cheburashka ruins the party, after which he secretly runs away to the mountains with Sonya and Grisha. There, the children are in for breathtaking adventures alongside beautiful scenery.
The premiere of Cheburashka 2 has not yet fully captured the attention of the wider public. Film industry experts attribute the expected buzz to the characters’ recognizability and the boost from advertising. This is one of the key factors behind the movie’s success.
Audience reactions are mixed: some viewers praised the film’s emotional richness and its well-delivered educational message. Others criticized the plot as slow and logically weak.
The project is planned to be released for online viewing on major Russian streaming platforms in March–April.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!Users of Меҳмон are not allowed to comment this publication.