India, Sept. 23 -- Kenneth Branagh has stepped into unfamiliar territory with his role as a former KGB agent in the Cold War comedy Mayday, using the physically demanding part as an opportunity to train, get fitter and surprise audiences.
From Shakespeare to action
Branagh, 65, is widely known for his work in Shakespearean productions, including Henry V. In Mayday, however, he plays Nikolai Ustinov, a former KGB agent who helps a US pilot stranded in Soviet territory. The character is capable of confronting enemies using unconventional weapons, including a pen.
The film follows Ustinov and Navy pilot Troy Kelly on a dangerous journey toward Moscow, with their contrasting backgrounds forming a central part of the story.
Training for the ...