Janissary

"Janissary" (Yanychar, 2022) is a lavish Russian historical and adventure spectacle set at the turn of the 15th to the 16th century. The story follows a free Cossack named Alyokha who, in an attempt to fulfil his father's dying wish, travels to the Ottoman Empire. There he is captured and forced to serve as a janissary, where he encounters court intrigues, a struggle for power and forbidden love.

Ivan Bosiljčić delivered an outstanding performance as the Turkish Sultan Mehmed. He brought this historical figure to life through a specific duality — on one hand a ruthless ruler and military commander dictated by his position, and on the other a man who was at heart a painter and a poet. Alongside Ivan, our actress Milena Radulović also made a strong impression in this lavish production, filmed on locations across Russia and Turkey.