Tehran is a gripping spy thriller directed by Arun Gopalan and backed by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films. The story featuring John Abraham and Manushi Chhillar is inspired by real events like the 2012 Israeli diplomat attack in Delhi, and explores themes of global politics, betrayal, and personal loss. The month of August is known for its patriotic content, with many nationalistic films and series releasing around Independence Day. Tehran, was released on ZEE5 on August 14, 2025, and has already established itself as one of the major highlights of the week. Here’s what both critics and the audience have to say about the new patriotic drama.
Tehran plot summary
Tehran follows the story of DCP ‘Rajeev Kumar’, played by John Abraham, he is a Special Cell officer who’s drawn into a high-stakes investigation after a deadly bombing in Delhi. The blast kills a young flower-selling girl whom ‘Rajeev’ knew personally, this turn the mission into a deeply personal one for him. Soon, ‘Rajeev’ uncovers a complex web of international espionage involving Iran, Israel, and India. As the political pressures grow and alliances are shifted, he finds himself isolated and hunted, which forces him to go rogue.
Tehran is John Abraham’s finest performance to date
According to critics, John Abraham’s portrayal of DCP ‘Rajeev Kumar’ is layered and haunting. This role is far from his usual action-hero stereotype; here, he is being appreciated for delivering a restrained and emotionally charged performance. As an officer caught between international politics and personal loss, his silent intensity speaks louder than any action-packed sequences ever could. Critics have given the verdict, it is arguably his most mature role since Diplomat.
Manushi Chhillar shines in a short but strong role in Tehran
Though her screen time is limited, Manushi Chhillar makes a lasting impact as SI ‘Divya Rana’. Her presence in a pivotal plot twist helps elevate the tension in the second half of the film. Without relying on heavy dialogue, she still commands attention, proving her acting potential in a serious role. Her role has a limited screentime, but it is being appreciated by the critics for its lasting presence.
Tehran is not your usual spy thriller
Tehran avoids clichés. It’s not just about grand explosions or adrenaline-charged chase scenes between the hero and the antagonist. Instead, the screenplay by Ritesh Shah, Ashish P. Verma, and Bindni Karia leans more into nuance storytelling. The film explores India’s delicate position in global geopolitics. The storyline is more thought-provoking than thrilling, and that’s what sets it apart. It’s not loud or explosive, but viewers will still find themselves clutching their seats.
Tehran’s supporting cast elevates the story
Neeru Bajwa as diplomat, ‘Sheilaja’ and Hadi Khanjanpour as terrorist suspect, ‘Asraf Khan’, add significant gravitas to the film. Critics have appreciated Neeru for showcasing the emotional toll of bureaucratic power struggles but with her elegance and authority. Hadi’s chillingly restrained tone adds a sense of constant threat, making the storyline more intense. As per critics, the ensemble cast ensures that no character feels secondary or flat.
Tehran features stunning visuals and direction
Cinematographers, Ievgen Gubrebko and Andre Menezes have framed Tehran beautifully, contrasting the chaotic vibrancy of Delhi with the cold tension of international politics. Critics have appreciated the smart use of colour, tone, and framing that helps the transition from vibrant to serious within seconds throughout the movie. Editor, Akshara Prabhakar has kept the pace of the movie tight, and Ketan Sodha’s background score builds the necessary suspense without overshadowing the narrative.
Audience reaction towards Tehran
Tehran has received a mixed, yet largely positive response from viewers. Many praise its depth, realism, and John Abraham’s transformation into a more grounded actor. While action buffs may miss the traditional thrills, a user commented, “#Tehran is the perfect spy film…Why was it not released in theatres. The screenplay is the biggest strength of the film,” another one commented, “#Tehran is just no-nonsense one man show.”
Tehran’s final verdict: A patriotic film without the chest-thumping
Tehran is a slow-burn political thriller that doesn’t shout its message but lets it quietly simmer under the surface. If you’re looking for loud heroism or YRF-style spy spectacle, this might not be your pick. But if you want an insightful story into intelligence, restraint, and realism, Tehran is a must-watch this Independence Day weekend.
What do you think about Tehran?
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