I Object (Film)

“İtirazım Var” is a 2014 Turkish black comedy and crime drama film written and directed by Onur Ünlü. The film draws particular attention for its distinctive narrative style and blending of genres.

Plot

The film’s protagonist, Selman Bulut, is an unusual character who once boxed professionally but now serves as an imam at a small mosque in Istanbul. One day, a murder committed within the mosque disrupts his routine life. Dissatisfied with the police investigation, Selman Hoca attempts to solve the crime using his own methods. In the process, he questions both his faith and his past. Although the film follows the structure of a classic murder mystery, it deepens through religious inquiries, philosophical dialogues, and absurd humor.

Thematic Structure

Belief, Doubt, and Moral Inquiry

One of the film’s central themes is the internal turbulence, doubts, and moral searching experienced by Selman Bulut, the imam protagonist. As a religious figure becomes entangled in a murder investigation, a conflict emerges between dogmatic religious frameworks and individual conscience. Selman Hoca, portrayed as a character who does not view religion as mere ritual but as something to be questioned and challenged, invites viewers to reconsider the personal and social dimensions of faith. While confronting his past and his beliefs, he presents a human portrait that acknowledges his own sinfulness.

Quest for Justice and Systemic Critique

Selman Hoca’s refusal to trust the police investigation and his pursuit of justice through personal means constitutes a subtle critique of the existing justice system and bureaucracy. The film adopts a stance against superficial conformity, distorted economic structures, and the tendency of power to favor the winners. It draws attention to social and economic injustices through references to loan-sharking, the banking system, and the assertion that “wealth beyond need is haram.”

Individual Conscience and Responsibility

In response to the events he encounters, the character listens to the voice of his own conscience rather than conforming to societal expectations or rigid roles. Actions such as his rebellion inside the mosque after his daughter is kidnapped or his pursuit of a suspect to a tavern underscore his sense of personal responsibility and his refusal to fit into conventional molds.

Identity, Existence, and Alienation

Through the character of Selman Bulut—a former boxer, an intellectual with an anthropology background, and a mosque imam—the film interrogates the concept of identity and the individual’s place in society. This character, who embodies multiple identities, engages in an existential struggle as these identities clash and seek reconciliation. As Onur Ünlü notes, Selman’s analytical thinking stems from his interest in chess, his problem-solving skills from boxing, and his dissent against established religious interpretations from his knowledge of anthropology.

Black Comedy and Absurdism

The film narrates a serious subject—murder—through Onur Ünlü’s signature blend of black comedy and absurd elements. Dialogues, situations, and character reactions create a tragicomic atmosphere that both amuses and provokes thought. This style intensifies the exposure of the social and personal distortions being critiqued.

Social Critique and Hypocrisy

The film offers a broad social critique through religious institutions, social relationships, and individual moral stances. Events unfolding around a murder in which everyone is a suspect expose societal hypocrisy, hidden secrets, and lies. It also includes critiques of how what is presented in the name of religion and tradition has drifted far from the essence of the Qur’an, giving rise to a social clerical class.

Confronting the Past

Selman Bulut’s process of solving the murder becomes an internal journey of confronting his own past, mistakes, and choices. This confrontation deepens the character and helps clarify the motivations behind his actions.

Cast

• Serkan Keskin
• Hazal Kaya
• Büşra Pekin
• Öner Erkan
• Osman Sonant
• Serdar Orçin
• Umut Kurt
• Özgür Çevik
• Mustafa Kırantepe
• Tansu Biçer
• Hüseyin Turan
• Ahmet Kaynak
• Erkan Kolçak Köstendil
• Boglarka Csösz
• Güler Ökten
• Turgay Erman

Production and Release Information

Onur Ünlü directed and wrote the screenplay. Serkan Keskin stars in the lead role. The film, which combines crime, drama, and black comedy genres, runs for approximately 110 minutes. “İtirazım Var” was released in Türkiye on 18 April 2014.

Popularity and Awards

“İtirazım Var” received acclaim for its original narrative approach, genre fusion, and Serkan Keskin’s compelling performance. Onur Ünlü’s distinctive cinematic language earned the film positive reviews from critics. The film won several awards, including Best Director at the 33rd Istanbul Film Festival.