Deliha (Film)

Deliha is a 2014 Turkish comedy film directed by Hakan Algül, with a screenplay written by Gupse Özay, who also stars in the lead role. The film is produced by BKM Film and was released nationwide in Türkiye on 14 November 2014.

The film centers on Zeliha, a kind, cheerful, and innocent young woman from the neighborhood. One day, while visiting a fortune teller with her group of friends, she is told she will meet the love of her life. On the same day, a new photography studio opens in the neighborhood, run by the brothers Cemil and Cemal, giving Zeliha’s search for love a concrete target. Believing that Cemil is the man foretold by the fortune teller, Zeliha employs various methods to win his heart. The humorous situations she finds herself in during her romantic journey are portrayed throughout the film with a comedic tone.

^{Scene from Deliha (}IMDb⁾

• Gupse Özay – Zeliha (Deliha)
• Barış Arduç – Cemil
• Cihan Ercan – Cemal
• Zeynep Çamcı – Havva
• Hülya Duyar – Fatma
• Korhan Herduran – Tayyar
• Cenk Durmazel – Fevzi
• Derya Albora – Zeliha’s Mother (Aysel)
• Esin Eden – Grandmother
• Supporting roles are played by Jeyan Mahfi Tözüm, Ali Çelik, Tansu Taşanlar, Deniz Özerman, Bahar Süer, Fulden Akyürek and İnan Ulaş Torun.

The film’s production was handled by Necati Akpınar on behalf of BKM Film. Hakan Algül directed the film, while Gupse Özay wrote the screenplay. Filming took place at various locations in Istanbul and was completed in 2014. The film features several popular young actors of the time, with particular attention drawn to Gupse Özay’s dual role as both screenwriter and lead actress.

Within the framework of a romantic comedy, the film offers a humorous perspective on individuality, belonging, self-efficacy, and the representation of women in society. The protagonist Zeliha is marginalized by society due to her behavior, which deviates from conventional norms of the “suitable woman,” yet the film treats this marginalization as a source of strength. Themes of love and self-fulfillment are explored throughout the narrative using folk humor and everyday language.

The film was released nationwide in Türkiye on 14 November 2014. According to Box Office Türkiye data, it attracted a total audience of 1,596,119 and generated a total revenue of ₺16,808,380.

In 2015, Gupse Özay was named “Best Female Actress of the Year” at the Sadri Alışık Theatre and Cinema Actors Awards.