The Hindi spy-action thriller Tehran (2025), directed by Arun Gopalan and produced by Dinesh Vijan, Shobhna Yadav, and Sandeep Leyzell, arrives as a serious, grounded addition to India’s modern espionage cinema. Headlined by John Abraham, with strong supporting performances by Neeru Bajwa and Manushi Chhillar, the film draws inspiration from the real-life 2012 attacks on Israeli diplomats and transforms that tragedy into a layered cinematic narrative of grief, patriotism, and moral ambiguity.
Streaming first on ZEE5 on 14 August 2025 and later on Netflix on 27 August 2025, Tehran finds a natural home on OTT, where its nuanced storytelling and political undertones can be appreciated without the pressure of box-office expectations.
Story & Narrative: When Duty Becomes Personal
At the heart of Tehran is ACP Rajeev Kumar (John Abraham), a Special Cell officer in Delhi whose life changes forever after a bomb blast in 2012 kills a young girl he personally knew. This single incident fuels the emotional core of the film. Unlike typical spy thrillers that prioritize spectacle over substance, Tehran grounds its narrative in Rajeev’s guilt, anger, and unresolved trauma.
As the investigation unfolds, the film expands beyond India’s borders, pulling Rajeev into a dangerous web of international espionage involving India, Iran, and Israel. What begins as a domestic terror probe soon reveals layers of political manipulation, secret alliances, and betrayals. When Rajeev finds himself abandoned by his own system and hunted by Iranian intelligence, the film takes a bold turn—transforming him from a law-abiding officer into a rogue operative driven by conscience rather than command.
The screenplay resists easy answers. Loyalties shift, truth becomes subjective, and the line between right and wrong blurs. This moral complexity is one of Tehran’s biggest strengths and makes it stand apart from formula-driven action films.
Performances: John Abraham in Controlled, Intense Form
John Abraham delivers one of his more restrained and effective performances as ACP Rajeev Kumar. Known for his physical presence, John here relies more on silence, body language, and simmering rage than overt heroics. His portrayal of a man torn between professional duty and personal grief feels authentic and emotionally grounded.
Neeru Bajwa, as Sheilaja, brings quiet strength and intrigue to her role, while Manushi Chhillar’s SI Divya Rana adds freshness and sincerity. Manushi’s performance reflects competence without forced glamour, fitting well into the film’s realistic tone. The supporting cast—including Elnaaz Norouzi, Alyy Khan, and Madhurima Tuli—adds depth to the international setting, making the world of Tehran feel lived-in and believable.
Direction & Cinematography: Realism Over Gloss
Director Arun Gopalan opts for a grounded visual style, avoiding unnecessary slow-motion or exaggerated action beats. The film’s extensive shooting across Tehran, Glasgow, Mumbai, and Delhi enhances its authenticity. The international locations are not mere backdrops; they actively shape the narrative and mood.
The action sequences are sharp, purposeful, and rooted in realism. Rather than over-the-top stunts, Tehran focuses on tension, surveillance, chases, and close-quarter confrontations that keep viewers engaged without breaking believability.
Music & Background Score: Subtle but Effective
The soundtrack, composed by Tanishk Bagchi and Dhruv Ghanekar, complements the film without overpowering it. Songs like “Ishq Bukhaar” and “Yaar Bichhda” reflect emotional undercurrents rather than serving as commercial interruptions. The background score by Ketan Sodha deserves special mention—it heightens suspense and emotional weight, especially during espionage-heavy sequences and moments of isolation faced by the protagonist.
Themes & Impact: A Thoughtful Spy Thriller
What truly elevates Tehran is its thematic ambition. The film explores how global politics often crush individual lives, how intelligence agencies operate in moral grey zones, and how personal loss can redefine one’s sense of patriotism. It doesn’t glorify violence or blind nationalism; instead, it questions systems, decisions, and the human cost behind headlines.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch Tehran?
Absolutely—especially if you appreciate intelligent, realistic thrillers. Tehran may not cater to viewers looking for massy punchlines or exaggerated action, but for those who enjoy layered storytelling, strong performances, and geopolitical intrigue, it is a rewarding watch.
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