Tehran Movie Review: John Abraham’s Explosive Take on Patriotism Without Stereotypes
John Abraham returns with a power-packed performance in Tehran, an action thriller that thanks to Maddock Films, feels refreshingly bold in Indian cinema.
Cast: John Abraham, Maanushi Chhillar, Neeru Bajwa, Hadi Khanjanpour
Director: Arun Gopalan
Language: Hindi (with Farsi sequences)
Platform: Zee5
Runtime: 1h 50m
Tehran The Storyline
The film wastes no time in setting the stage. John Abraham plays DCP Rajiv Kumar, a decorated Delhi Police officer, tasked with investigating a bomb blast near the Israeli Embassy in Delhi. The blast kills a young girl—just minutes after Rajiv had bought flowers from her. That single moment turns his mission personal.
His pursuit for justice takes him to Tehran, a place he cannot openly step into because of India’s delicate diplomatic ties with Iran. What follows is an unrelenting chase, where politics and personal loss intertwine, leaving Rajiv stranded between hostile powers.
Tehran Script and Screenplay
The screenplay by Bindi Karia, Ritesh Shah, and Ashish Prakash Verma is taut, keeping the narrative sharp and focused. Unlike typical spy thrillers that lean heavily on style and over-the-top patriotism, Tehran chooses intelligence and realism. The story is firmly rooted in geopolitics, and the film demands viewers to keep up with the India-Iran-Israel dynamic.
Tehran Performances
John Abraham delivers one of his most raw and layered performances. He is not an invincible hero but a man consumed by purpose, driven by loss, and shaped by political betrayals. Maanushi Chhillar surprises with her presence in action sequences, making a strong impact despite limited dialogues. Neeru Bajwa as Shilaja adds depth to the film, while Hadi Khanjanpour and the supporting cast ensure authenticity.
Tehran Direction and Music
Arun Gopalan crafts a gripping environment where every scene carries weight. The film moves at a brisk pace, never allowing the tension to drop. Tanishk Bagchi’s music complements the mood without overwhelming it, and the action choreography feels grounded and purposeful, not flashy.
Tehran Strengths and Weaknesses
The film’s biggest strength lies in its writing and atmospheric realism. It doesn’t shout patriotism, yet every frame resonates with sacrifice and loyalty. The only drawback is that some audiences may find the geopolitical context and Farsi dialogues slightly difficult to follow, though subtitles ease the way.
Tehran Final Verdict
Tehran is not a flag-waving spectacle but a smartly crafted thriller that pays tribute to the unsung heroes who operate in the shadows. John Abraham once again proves that when he picks the right script, the results are outstanding. If you appreciate intelligent storytelling and political thrillers, this one is a must-watch.
