A new Slovak biopic about 1970s pop singer Karol Duchoň will also portray legendary Czech star Karel Gott, who will be played by played by Czech actor Vojtěch Kotek. The film, titled Duchoň, is directed by Peter Bebjak and slated for theatrical release in Czech cinemas from Aug. 7. A first trailer for the film has been released ahead of its premiere.
Kotek, who recently starred as radio journalist (and future politician) Jiří Dienstbier in Czech Oscar submission Waves, was chosen to depict Gott due to his ability to capture the iconic singer’s public persona.
“Karel Gott played an important role in Duchoň’s life,” director Bebjak told Czech News Agency. “He was someone Duchoň wanted to emulate, someone whose opinion mattered to him. That’s why it was essential for us to cast someone who could bring to the screen his nonchalance, elegance, and grace in communication. Vojta Kotek was the clear choice.”
Slovak actor Vladislav Plevčík stars in the title role of Karol Duchoň, whose powerful voice and brief, turbulent career left a lasting impact on Slovak pop music. Duchoň died in 1985 at the age of 35 after a long battle with alcoholism.
“We really care about presenting a truthful portrait of Karol Duchoň to audiences,” says producer Rastislav Šesták. “He doesn’t need exaggeration or scandal. His life is full of strong emotions and captivating music that can appeal to both older and younger viewers.”
The screenplay, written by Jiří Havelka (The Gardener’s Year) and Róbert Mankovecký, was developed over several years in close cooperation with Duchoň’s family and close collaborators. According to the filmmakers, this allowed them to create a factually accurate portrait that also reveals lesser-known sides of the singer’s life.
“Duchoň’s life is, for me, one big music video,” Bebjak added. “As intense as a Baz Luhrmann film—full of glitter, affect, spectacle, speed, fun, superficial impressions—but also deeply focused and present during each important decision, each hesitation.”
Karol Duchoň began his music career in 1968 with the big beat group The Ice Boys. He later performed duets with Eva Máziková, Marcela Laiferová, and Eva Kostolányiová, among others. In the 1970s, he found success with hits such as V slovenských dolinách, which decades later ranked second in Slovak Television’s best of the century audience poll.
His discography includes albums released by Slovak label Opus and Germany’s RCA Victor, with songs ranging from folk ballads to pop big band numbers. Duchoň’s voice and charisma earned him fans at home and abroad, including recognition at international festivals like Yamaha in Tokyo.
Lead photo: Vladislav Plevčík and Vojtěch Kotek in Duchoň (2025) courtesy DNA Production
