ISTANBUL — The highly anticipated expansion of one of Turkish cinema’s most iconic comedic universes officially made its debut as the launch event for the new series, “Organize İşler: Karun Hazinesi” (Organized Jobs: Treasure of Croesus), took place at the Maximum UNIQ Hall in Istanbul. The premiere brought together the mastermind behind the franchise, Yılmaz Erdoğan, alongside an illustrious ensemble cast, marking a significant milestone in the transition of the beloved film series into a high-production episodic format.
Originally launched as a feature film in 2005, the “Organize İşler” franchise has held a special place in the hearts of Turkish audiences for over two decades. Known for its sharp wit, colorful characters, and its satirical take on the criminal underworld of Istanbul, the franchise is embarking on a brand-new adventure. During the launch event, Yılmaz Erdoğan—who serves as the series’ creator, screenwriter, and lead actor—emphasized that this new chapter is structurally and narratively distinct from its cinematic predecessors, promising a fresh experience for both long-time fans and new viewers alike.
The launch night was a celebration of Turkish television and cinema, drawing a massive crowd of media, industry insiders, and fans. The red carpet saw the arrival of a star-studded cast, including Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ, Ezgi Mola, Uraz Kaygılaroğlu, Rıza Kocaoğlu, Ersin Korkut, Okan Çabalar, Bensu Soral Baş, Atakan Çelik, Sermet Yeşil, Tugay Mercan, Görkem Sevindik, Ekin Türkmen, and the legendary Demet Akbağ. The presence of both veteran actors from the original films and fresh faces joining the franchise highlighted the expansive nature of the new series.
Addressing the press at the event, Yılmaz Erdoğan reflected on the journey of the franchise, which began twenty-one years ago. He noted that the essence of “Organize İşler” has always been its rich tapestry of multi-dimensional, colorful characters. According to Erdoğan, the transition to a series format has allowed him to build a more intricate and expansive narrative, giving these characters more room to breathe and interact in ways that were previously limited by the runtime of a feature film. He assured the audience that while the signature humor and fast-paced energy of the original films remain intact, “Karun Hazinesi” explores entirely new thematic territory.
“I Was Earning My Pocket Money”
Among the night’s most poignant moments were the reflections of acclaimed actress Ezgi Mola, who shared her deep, emotional connection to the “Organize İşler” brand. For Mola, the franchise represents more than just a successful project; it is a milestone that traces the trajectory of her own professional career.
Mola revealed that during the production of the very first “Organize İşler” movie in 2005, she was not just acting in front of the camera, but was also working diligently behind the scenes. "I was working behind the camera back then to earn my pocket money," Mola recalled, describing the hard work and dedication that defined her early years in the industry.
Over the years, Mola has transitioned from a young, aspiring talent helping out on set to one of the most prominent and respected actresses in Turkey. She expressed a profound sense of pride and nostalgia as she looked around at her colleagues during the launch. Mola noted that watching the professional growth and creative development of the younger team members she has worked with over the years has been an incredibly rewarding and proud experience. Her journey from a behind-the-scenes crew member to a leading star of the series encapsulates the collaborative, family-like spirit that has defined Yılmaz Erdoğan’s production ecosystem for decades.
“I Closed My Social Media, I’m Reading Books”
Another major highlight of the evening was the appearance of Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ, who previously captivated audiences with his eccentric and unforgettable performance as the chaotic gang leader "Sarı Saruhan" in the 2019 sequel, “Organize İşler: Sazan Sarmalı”. Tatlıtuğ spoke enthusiastically about returning to the comedic universe created by Erdoğan, noting how refreshing the genre has been for him lately.
In recent years, Tatlıtuğ has primarily taken on heavy, emotionally demanding dramatic roles in highly acclaimed television dramas and films. The actor admitted that returning to comedy was a welcome and therapeutic change of pace. "There is nothing as beautiful as laughing," Tatlıtuğ remarked to reporters, emphasizing the joy of bringing laughter to audiences, especially in challenging times. He praised the writing of the new series, noting that the unique comedic timing of “Organize İşler” is a rare gift for any actor to work with.
Beyond his role in the series, Tatlıtuğ also addressed a topic that has recently sparked curiosity among his fans and the media: his sudden departure from social media platforms. In an era where digital presence is often deemed essential for public figures, his decision to deactivate his accounts had fueled various rumors and speculation.
Tatlıtuğ cleared the air with a simple, down-to-earth explanation, dismissing any dramatic theories. "I just got bored, so I closed it," the actor stated frankly. "There is no dramatic story or hidden meaning behind it. Instead, I went out and bought two dozen books. Now, I am reading books." His candid response highlighted a desire to step back from the constant noise of the digital world and focus on personal enrichment and his craft.
A New Era for a Classic Franchise
The subtitle of the new series, “Karun Hazinesi” (The Treasure of Croesus), hints at a high-stakes narrative. In Turkish culture, the term "Karun" is synonymous with legendary, unimaginable wealth, referring to King Croesus of ancient Lydia. This historical and mythological nod suggests that the swindlers and street-smart characters of the “Organize İşler” universe will find themselves embroiled in a massive, high-stakes heist involving a priceless historical treasure, raising the narrative stakes far beyond the petty street scams of the earlier films.
The transition of the franchise into a series comes at a time when the Turkish entertainment industry is increasingly embracing digital platforms and episodic storytelling to reach global audiences. By bringing together a legendary creative team, a beloved intellectual property, and some of the biggest names in Turkish cinema, “Organize İşler: Karun Hazinesi” is poised to become one of the most talked-about productions of the season.
As the launch event concluded, the excitement among the cast and the attending guests was palpable. With Yılmaz Erdoğan’s sharp pen, a stellar cast delivering both nostalgic and fresh performances, and a narrative scale larger than ever before, the series aims to redefine comedy on the small screen while honoring the legacy of the cinematic masterpieces that paved its way.
