Six Degrees of Celebration

On the eve of the city's New Year, a mosaic of stories unfolds through a chorus of characters whose paths cross in playful, chaotic ways. The film threads together quick vignettes that jump from chance encounters to planned schemes, all under neon lights and fireworks. A washed up celebrity, a love struck clerk, a family with a secret, a pair of pranksters, and a group of friends crowd into apartments, taxis and offices as the countdown approaches. The result is a brisk comedy about luck, desire, and the mad energy of a holiday when everyone hopes for a fresh start. The tone stays light, with fast dialogue and misdirection that keep the mood buoyant. The humor lands in short, bright bursts that keep the energy high.

Released in 2010, the film is directed by a team led by Timur Bekmambetov with collaborators Yaroslav Chevazhevsky Ignas Jonynas Dmitry Kiselev and Alexander Voitinsky. The project draws ideas from Roman Nepomnyashchiy Alexey Fedorov and Givi Shavgulidze, aiming for humor.

Box office performance was solid for a Russian ensemble comedy, grossing about 25 million dollars worldwide against a budget of roughly 5.8 million. The result marked a profitable run and helped solidify the concept of festive ensemble films globally today.

Over time the film became part of Russia's holiday viewing tradition, helped by its recognizable cast. Ivan Urgant and Sergey Svetlakov bring their on screen chemistry to a bustling cityscape, while Vera Brezhneva and other stars anchor multiple threads that mirror festive life across urban Russia for many city dwellers.

Critics offered mixed but largely favorable notes about the film's brisk pace, winking humor, and interwoven vignettes. The stories explore luck, relationships, and the chaos and joy of year end celebrations, delivering light social satire wrapped in holiday warmth, and a sense of communal shared celebration.