"Kafana na Balkanu" – Inspired by the Life of Aca Lukas

This 12-episode project, jointly produced by Telekom Srbija and Hype Production, is based on the book "Ovo sam ja" which chronicles the life and career of this controversial Balkan star. Following its cinematic adaptations through the films "Pokidan" and "Stravicno" the extended storyline now comes to television.

The main character, Pedja Kovac, is introduced at a low point in his life, facing existential struggles. Living with his parents at 30 and playing keyboard in a local rock band, Pedja gets a life-changing opportunity to leave his old ways behind. His talent is recognized by Vanja, a music producer who transforms Pedja into the region's most popular star - a journey that comes with personal and moral consequences. As his career and fame skyrocket, Pedja grapples with his identity, his dreams, and the reality of a life that his former self can no longer keep up with.

"I didn’t want to focus on documenting someone’s life because that can be a delicate endeavor, especially when creating a biographical film about a person who is still alive. It’s not easy to make a series about someone who will be sitting and watching that same project. That’s why the most important thing for me was to separate fiction from reality. We didn’t want to completely copy the personality of Aca Lukas, neither physically nor psychologically. The goal was to focus exclusively on the inner world of the main character. The entertainment industry and fame are entirely secondary here, often more like props than central themes. No matter how appealing they may seem, they never have been, nor will they ever be, the essential nourishment a person needs." explains the director.

In the series, she notes, the inner world of Pedja Kovac is portrayed on a more intimate and profound level.

"This is a story about a man who, when faced with life’s challenges, is forced to make choices and decisions for which he alone must bear the consequences. There is no one who can save him from himself. There is no external solution for the well-being of a person on all levels unless we ourselves demonstrate the willingness and determination to achieve it. This is also a cautionary tale: if we don’t take control of our own lives and mature as individuals, life can be ruthless. Instead of being the creators of our own paths, we risk becoming subject to others’ designs."

Watch the series “Kafana na Balkanu” premiering on January 23, 2025, weekdays at 9:00 PM on Superstar TV.

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