Transforms into Ancient Philosopher Plato

Building a cultural bridge from London to Istanbul, FabUK Production’s latest venture Yemek The Movie highlights a captivating performance by Turkish rock veteran Aykan İlkan. His debut has inspired director Ebru Cengiz Ergen to shape Plato—a central character in the upcoming sequel—around him, preparing to offer İlkan both the lead role and the position of Music Director.

Renowned for his work with legendary bands like Kargo and Şebnem Ferah, drum master Aykan İlkan brings a fictionalized version of himself to life in Yemek The Movie. To preserve authentic human connection, Ergen chose to have actors keep their real names. Appearing across 15 minutes of the feature, İlkan plays a man channeling inner rage into intense physical training while evading mysterious pursuers.

From the Boxing Ring to a Mystical Dinner Table

His narrative arc begins in a boxing gym where he meets time-traveler Ellen (Olga Rohmir). Transported mystically to a dining room, İlkan is forced to face humanity’s collective grief. As Ellen places a hand on his forehead, she whispers a single word—”Plato”—setting the stage for the next chapter in the franchise.

Ergen notes that İlkan’s stage rhythm translated effortlessly to screen presence, silence, and gaze:

“I recognized an aura recalling Tyler Durden—volatile on the outside, yet deeply experienced and fragile underneath. His improvised expressions proved this depth belonged on camera.”

Plato in the Contemporary World

The sequel, Yemek The Movie – Ben Senim (I Am You), presents Plato as a contemporary figure navigating today’s society. The film serves as an ancient philosopher’s elegy for the modern world, examining alienation, technology, and spiritual drifting.

In a key sequence, Plato performs İlkan’s solo track “Sensin”, drawing a crowd into collective hypnosis. Deeply moved by the song’s cinematic potential, Ergen decided to invite İlkan to helm the sequel’s entire musical direction alongside his starring role.

Release Details:

Co-produced by London-based FabUK Production and 24 Kare (Producers: Cem Kaplan, Ali Kaygısız, Ebru Cengiz Ergen), Yemek The Movie premieres on September 3, 2026 at İBB Beyoğlu Cinema in Istanbul, with its nationwide theatrical release across Turkey following on September 11, 2026 via distribution partner Cinemy Academy.