MOSCOW - Russia blames bureaucracy, not censorship, for a decision to stop a Hollywood film about a fictional story of US soldiers rescuing Russia's president from a Kremlin coup.
The thriller "Killer Hunter" was due to be shown in cinemas in Russia on Nov. 1, but was canceled, prompting Kremlin critics to say censure prevented his offer because his story undermined the image of Russian President Vladimir Putin's strongman.
Russia banned last year's black death comedy "The Death of Stalin" after officials said portraying a conflict in the Kremlin following the death of the Soviet leader showed disrespect for victims of Stalin's purges.
Russian media quoted the Culture Ministry as saying that "Hunter Keller" did not get approval because a copy of the film was not presented to the archive of Russian films in a timely manner.
The ministry's press office did not respond to calls for comment.
The story of the film deals with a plot during which the Russian defense minister to hold the president hostage.
The film stars Gerard Butler and Gary Oldman.