As it is known, films in Turkey are generally divided into two categories: commercial films and arthouse films. However, there is actually an intermediate form between them: mainstream films. These films have a certain aesthetic concern while also reaching a significant audience. We can say that Çağan Irmak successfully achieved this, as seen in films like “My Father and My Son“, “My Grandfather’s People“, and “Whisper If I Forget“.

“Champion” can also be considered as one of the most successful mainstream films in recent Turkish cinema. Based on a true story, the film garnered the attention of over 2.5 million viewers in cinemas and revolves around the racehorse Bold Pilot, jockey Halis Karataş, and his wife Begüm Atman, forming a triangle of relationships.

The movie begins with a quote from Özdemir Atman, the President of the Turkish Jockey Club at the time: “Losing is the sibling of winning.” In fact, this line summarizes the essence of the movie.

Halis, after local races in Sivas, seeks to pave his own path and goes to Istanbul, despite being rejected by his father. After getting into an argument with the horse owners he works with, someone hands him a business card. That person is Özdemir Atman. Halis visits his farm and meets Bold Pilot, who has been following their car throughout the journey. Thus, their companionship begins, but the horse proves to be quite stubborn, making it challenging to race him. Halis notices someone applying ointment to the horse’s knee, and that person turns out to be Begüm, the daughter of President Özdemir Atman. Halis becomes infatuated with the girl and eventually buys a movie ticket for her. He waits for Begüm in front of the cinema, but she doesn’t show up. He fails to understand why she didn’t come and why she avoids him. Later, he learns that Begüm is suffering from cancer. Unfortunately, her previous illness has resurfaced. She initially refuses to undergo treatment. However, Halis, also known as Boldi, and Begüm engage in a battle where Halis dedicates himself to her with both his love and perseverance. With the strong desire of her family, she eventually agrees to receive treatment. Halis delivers the Polaroid photos he takes to Begüm, ensuring they reach her, and he becomes her anchor in both love and struggle. While going through the challenging treatment process of chemotherapy and radiation, Boldi’s injury resurfaces, and he refuses anyone else to apply ointment. The scene where Begüm leaves the hospital and comes to apply ointment is truly touching.

Especially the scenes where Boldi insists on taking his place in the starting gate during the International Bosphorus Race, which Begüm watches at the racetrack, and the silence that envelops the entire racetrack, demonstrate the director’s skill and the success of the movie.

Compared to recent biographical movies, it can be said that the movie avoids excessive agitation. Likewise, the horse racing scenes filmed at the racetrack, especially the famous Gazi Race scene, are probably unlike any other scenes ever filmed in Turkish cinema..

With the excellent performances of Ekin Koç, Farah Zeynep Abdullah, and Fikret Kuşkan, “Champion” stands out as one of the successful examples of mainstream movies in recent Turkish cinema and truly deserves to be watched.