Dajana Čuljak on her new series: 'Marina and I are similar in that we love sarcasm and talk fast'

Actress Dajana Čuljak is captivating audiences as Marina Kapov in the new Croatian series "IQ 160," a role that presents a unique blend of challenge and personal connection for the actress. Following her well-received performance as Paula in "Sjene prošlosti," Čuljak's portrayal of Marina has already garnered significant praise on social media.

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Sarcasm is generally my defense mechanism, so I found myself there with Marina, and it was very fun.

Marina Kapov is depicted as a cleaner at a Zagreb police station and a single mother of three. Unbeknownst to her colleagues, Marina possesses an extraordinary IQ of 160. Her exceptional intellect comes to the fore when she unexpectedly solves a complex crime that had stumped experienced investigators, leading to her recruitment as a police consultant.

Čuljak described playing Marina as a significant challenge, yet she found common ground with the character. "Sarcasm is generally my defense mechanism, so I found myself there with Marina, and it was very fun," she shared. She also noted their shared trait of speaking quickly, finding these similarities helpful in building the character.

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When I read the script, I couldn't wait to jump into her (pink) shoes.

When asked what drew her to the role, Čuljak cited Marina's "speed, intelligence, and ability to crack jokes off the cuff." She eagerly embraced the opportunity to step into Marina's "pink shoes." Čuljak found inspiration for Marina's character by drawing from various sources, including personal experiences, conversations with the director and cast, and observations from films and series. She particularly incorporated her mother's energy and her own childhood memories, aiming to portray a mother who is energetic, eccentric, fast, and strong.

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From my mother, I carried over that energy of solving a hundred things in one day, while also wanting to connect with her children in a way that she is like a friend they can always confide in, who won't judge them but will be their protector and biggest fan.

Čuljak believes the series' appeal lies in its unique combination of crime investigation, comedy, and family drama, suggesting it offers something fresh for the Croatian audience and marks a step forward for the domestic industry in producing more modern series.

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I think the combination of crime investigations, comedy, and family story could be what attracts our viewers.