Three New Characters Join Undercover Heart! Andrei Coman, Romeo Vișca and Cristian Balint Take on Suspense-Filled, Action-Packed Roles on Antena 1
The storyline of the original series Undercover Heart becomes increasingly intense with the arrival of three new characters, portrayed by actors Cristian Balint, Andrei Coman and Romeo Vișca. Rechinu’, Buldogu’ and Hiena promise to bring even more tension, unpredictability and danger to the world of the series. Members of a criminal organization involved in shady businesses and dangerous connections, the terrorists, as viewers will soon discover, will play an important role in the development of the storyline, and their arrival will make things even more complicated. As the project unfolds, some of the biggest names in Romanian cinema will join the terrorist group featured in the original series.
With over 20 years of experience in theatre, film and television, actor and director Cristian Balint has built a diverse artistic career, both in Romania and through international projects. A graduate of the “I.L. Caragiale” National University of Theatre and Film, he has appeared in productions such as Youth Without Youth, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, It’s Only the End of the World, directed by Radu Afrim, and the American series The Blacklist. In 2012, he was selected for the “10 for Film” programme, organized as part of the Transilvania International Film Festival. Beyond his artistic work, he is the creator of the CIMPANZEN concept and the founder of ACTORANIMA, projects through which he explores the connection between acting, emotions, instincts and personal development.
In the original series Undercover Heart, Cristi plays Rechinu’, a controversial and dangerous character who has attracted the attention of the Agency. He is the one who rented a warehouse from Mircea Barbu (Cătălin Gheorghe) for a far from legitimate business: the preparation and export of explosive materials and substances, needed to manufacture bombs, to other territories. An influential figure, Rechinu’ has powerful connections and contacts at the highest levels, becoming a key player in the development of the business operations run by the two families – Coman and Barbu.
“As for my character, I can say that he is ruthless, professional and extremely calculating, although at times he gives the opposite impression. He is unpredictable. Rechinu’ is a man with many layers, someone you never quite know how to approach, and that is precisely what makes him so dangerous. An enigma,” reveals Cristian Balint, who also adds: “I had previously worked with Ms. Ruxandra Ion on Aniela and Doctors of Mothers, so when I decided I wanted to return to acting after a period when I had focused on music, I felt the need to share this with her. I was absolutely delighted to find out that this role had been written especially for me.”
Alongside Rechinu’, the terrorist group will also include Buldogu’ (Andrei Coman) and Hiena (Romeo Vișca), the men responsible for handling all of Rechinu’s dirty business.
A graduate of the “I.L. Caragiale” National University of Theatre and Film, Andrei Coman has made a name for himself through film roles in productions such as Transilvanian Ninja, Luca and Courage, as well as in Antena 1's original series Lia – My Husband’s Wife and Love with a Lavender Scent. A nonconformist at heart, passionate about motorcycles and a creator of distinctive jewellery, Andrei Coman is a deeply sensitive person, despite his physical appearance and the role he portrays.
“Buldogu’ has been involved in the series’ storyline long before what initially meets the eye. He is much more than a terrorist fascinated by bombs and explosions, missions carried out to the very end and merciless executions,” Andrei reveals, adding: “What I have in common with my character is my passion for motorcycles, my belief in family and friends, and my commitment to doing what is right, sometimes to an almost absurd degree. And probably other things that I will discover along the way. But that is precisely the appeal of playing a villain: having the freedom to explore forbidden emotions.”
A graduate of the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles and The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, Romeo Vișca completed an extensive practical training programme at Universal Studios and Warner Bros., and defended his graduation project at Warner Bros. Known to fans of Romanian television series for his roles in Lia – My Husband’s Wife and Adela, the actor is based in London and travelled especially to Romania to join Undercover Heart, where he will portray Hiena.
“Hiena is one of those characters that gives you a great deal of room to explore. He is the youngest member of the trio of bad guys in the series, which allowed me to give him a playful side, sometimes even a surprising one. Beyond this appearance, however, Hiena is extremely good at what he does – but I would rather let the audience discover exactly what that means for themselves. He is a cerebral character, especially in critical moments. He observes, listens, analyses and only then takes action. Unlike the others, he has the ability to keep his emotions under control when the situation calls for it. Perhaps most importantly, he is deeply loyal to the people he considers his family. He would do anything for them and, if necessary, risk his life without a second thought. I believe it is precisely this combination of humour, intelligence, loyalty and his dark side that makes him such an interesting character,” Romeo reveals, adding: “I have had the pleasure of working with Ruxandra Ion and the team before, so being invited to be part of such an ambitious project was a real joy for me. I believe Undercover Heart brings something truly special, and I can’t wait for the audience to discover its story and characters.”
The creator of the original series, Ruxandra Ion, also shares her thoughts: “We are living in an extremely uncertain global political climate, with so much happening both in Europe and in Romania. It was only natural for the turmoil of the world we live in to find its way into our storyline. That is how this narrative arc came about, built around a terrorist group preparing dangerous operations in several countries across Europe and beyond its borders. It may sound like something straight out of a movie, but unfortunately, such threats are by no means unfamiliar to our reality. This is an area we have never explored before, and we needed actors who could give these characters not only strength but also credibility. Romeo and Andrei have shown extraordinary versatility, while Cristi Balint has created a character who is firmly rooted in the storyline, immediately sparks curiosity and makes you wonder just how far a person can go down the path of evil and, above all, what could drive them there.”
Further details about the cast, storyline, characters and premiere date of the series will be announced in the coming period.
