With Vladimir Putin soon to leave his post, a movie is to be released whose main character pretty much resembles the Russian President – but the film-makers strongly reject any connections with the country's top politician.

“A Kiss Not for the Press” is a film that has yet to come out, but is already causing a lot of controversy. The film, seven years in the making, will be released on Valentine's Day – two weeks before presidential elections in Russia. 

It tells the story of a man whose life bears many similarities to that of Vladimir Putin.  The character looks like the President, lives in St. Petersburg, and then moves to Moscow, speaks perfect German, has two daughters, and enjoys similar martial arts as the President.

The media has been full of rumours that Vladimir Putin's wife Lyudmila took part in writing the script. The studio says this also is not true.

“It's just the life of a politician. Maybe the only resemblance is that the character speaks German and has reached political heights. I don't think I'd dare portray Putin,” says Andrey Panin, the actor who plays the leading role.

Meanwhile, some were outraged that the creators wouldn't admit the story is about the President. Some film critics say the film-makers are liars.

When asked if they will invite the President to the premiere, they said that it would only be polite to send an invitation.