Cici

Behind the Scenes of Cici (2022): Berkun Oya’s Long-Awaited Drama

Berkun Oya’s Cici (2022) arrived with high expectations, marking the Turkish director’s return to feature-length storytelling after years in television. Clocking in at a hefty 151 minutes, the drama promised an immersive experience—and the behind-the-scenes buzz suggests Oya didn’t hold back, both creatively and logistically .

A Director’s Vision and the Weight of Anticipation

Oya, known for his layered narratives and intense character studies, had fans waiting for Cici long before its release. In a rare behind-the-scenes clip, the director hinted at the film’s emotional depth, describing it as a project that demanded everything from his cast ^[2]. While the snippet doesn’t reveal specifics, Oya’s reputation for pushing actors to their limits—seen in past works like The Innocents (2016)—suggests Cici was no exception. The film’s runtime alone (over two and a half hours) points to a director unwilling to compromise on his vision, even if it meant testing the audience’s patience ^[1].

The Cast: A Mix of Veterans and Rising Stars

Cici assembles a powerhouse ensemble, blending established names with fresh faces. Ayça Bingöl, a frequent collaborator with Oya, leads the pack alongside Okan Yalabık and Fatih Artman, all of whom have worked with the director before . Their familiarity with Oya’s style likely smoothed the process, but the inclusion of newcomers like Şevval Balkan and Muttalip Müjdeci hints at a deliberate balance—experience meeting raw talent.

Yılmaz Erdoğan, a titan of Turkish cinema, also joins the cast, adding gravitas to the project. His involvement alone would’ve generated headlines, but the lack of on-set interviews or leaked details suggests a tightly controlled production. Unlike blockbusters where stars dominate press tours, Cici’s marketing leaned heavily on trailers and teases, keeping the cast’s dynamics under wraps ^[5][9].

Netflix’s Gamble on a Slow Burn

Cici’s release on Netflix was a strategic move, positioning the film for global audiences. The streaming giant rolled out multiple trailers and clips, including Dutch-subtitled versions, signaling confidence in its international appeal ^[6][7][8]. Yet, the film’s dramatic tone and marathon runtime made it a risk—would viewers commit to a nearly three-hour Turkish drama?

Early reviews (or lack thereof) are telling. Rotten Tomatoes lists the cast but offers no critic or audience scores, leaving Cici’s reception ambiguous ^[3]. A YouTube review labeled it a "Netflix movie," implying it might’ve been overshadowed by the platform’s algorithm-driven releases ^[4]. Without box-office numbers or widespread critical coverage, the film’s impact remains unclear—though its very existence as a Netflix original suggests the streamer saw potential in Oya’s vision.

Unanswered Questions and Rumors

For all its ambition, Cici’s production remains shrouded in mystery. No on-set photos, cast interviews, or behind-the-scenes featurettes have surfaced, unusual for a film of this scale. Rumors swirl about creative tensions—common in Oya’s projects—but nothing is confirmed ^[2]. The director’s hands-on approach, coupled with the film’s lengthy runtime, fuels speculation about last-minute edits or reshoots, though no evidence supports these claims.

One thing is certain: Cici was a passion project for Oya. Whether it resonated with audiences as deeply as his earlier work is still up for debate, but its existence proves the director’s refusal to conform to industry norms.