‘Putin’ a Valentine’s Day present for Russians

OUT on DVD for Valentine’s Day across Russia is a heartwarming drama about a man and a woman who love each other and their country — and who bear an uncanny resemblance to Vladimir Putin and his wife, Lyudmila.

Just when it seemed like the Russian president’s public image had been burnished to a spotless shine by state television, along comes a film that appears to cast the steely former spy in a softer light — as smitten suitor, loving husband and dedicated father.

Producer Anatoly Voropayev coyly claims the lead character in The Kiss is Off the Record is based on a collective image, not the president himself.