Muslum

Müslüm Gürses grows up in a crowded, hard scrabble neighborhood where music becomes both shelter and salvation. The film traces his early hurts and stubborn drive, showing how a raw voice and a fearless presence push him from obscurity toward fame. In a country where poverty and social barriers still bite, he uses song to tell a life of loss, longing and small victories. The portrait blends intimate moments with public triumphs, revealing a man who channels grief into art that speaks to millions. Known as Baba, his name becomes a cultural touchstone as audiences respond to the honesty in his performances. The drama uses intimate camera work and close family portraits. Audiences leave with the songs humming in memory.

Released in 2018, the biopic is directed by Ketche and Can Ulkay. It centers Müslüm Gürses life as its spine, tracing a difficult upbringing, a rapid ascent in music, and the personal costs of fame, all shaped by his voice.

The film grossed about 14.7 million dollars worldwide on a budget of 4.4 million, marking a strong financial showing for a Turkish biopic and underscoring its appeal beyond national borders across cultures and continents, including audiences in regions and beyond.

Culturally, Müslüm resonated with longtime fans and curious newcomers, reigniting interest in Müslüm Gürses's catalog and the era he helped define. The film sparked conversations about authenticity in Turkish pop music, memory and class, and it produced memorable performances that kept the singer's songs alive in public discourse for many.

Reception among critics highlighted strong performances, especially the lead, and a candid look at poverty, ambition, and the price of fame. The film argues that musical expression can be a lifeline, offering a bridge between sorrow and communal celebration that endures beyond the screen and invites reflection on fame's costs.