Cholera Street (Ağır Roman)

Ağır Roman (internationally known as Cholera Street) is a 1997 Turkish film directed by Mustafa Altıoklar, who co-wrote the screenplay with Metin Kaçan. Adapted from Kaçan's bestselling novel of the same name, the film takes its title from a slow Romani dance tune and unfolds in an Istanbul neighborhood nicknamed Cholera Street, where poverty and violence are deeply entwined. Attila Özdemiroğlu composed the score, while lead actress Müjde Ar served as producer.

The story follows the passionate love between the young mechanic Salih and Tina; after the death of the beloved neighborhood tough Arap Sado, Salih takes on the role of protector and is drawn into an escalating conflict with the ruthless Reis. Müjde Ar, Okan Bayülgen and Mustafa Uğurlu head the cast, joined by Burak Sergen, Savaş Dinçel and Küçük İskender. Counted among the most talked-about films of Turkish cinema, it won supporting acting and art direction awards at the Golden Orange Film Festival.