Tehran Movie 2025 Review John Abraham Sets the Screen Ablaze in a Riveting Political Thriller
- Director – Arun Gopalan
- Cast – John Abraham, Manushi Chhillar, Hadi Khajanpour, Neeru Bajwa
- Duration – 118 Minutes
- Platform – Zee5
- Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Introduction
In an industry flooded with formula-driven action thrillers where invincible heroes walk through explosions in slow motion and deliver heavy one-liners before defeating an army single-handedly, Arun Gopalan’s Tehran arrives as a breath of fresh air. Instead of relying on flashy gimmicks, the film presents itself as a gritty, realistic geopolitical thriller with John Abraham at the center, playing one of the most restrained and grounded roles of his career. Tehran Movie 2025
Streaming now on Zee5, Tehran offers not just adrenaline-pumping action sequences but also a sharp commentary on political conflicts, bureaucratic red tape, and the human cost of terrorism.
Plot Summary
The story of Tehran is inspired by true events, particularly the 2012 attack on Israeli diplomats in Delhi, where Iranian radicals attempted to assassinate an Israeli official.
The film begins in Delhi, where a devastating car bombing by an Iranian extremist shakes the city. The attack leaves many injured and takes the life of a young flower-seller girl, someone close to DCP Rajeev Kumar (John Abraham). This personal loss becomes the driving force of Rajeev’s mission. Tehran Movie 2025
Rajeev sees the case not just as another counter-terrorism operation but as a moral calling. As he navigates between bureaucratic hurdles, diplomatic pressures, and intelligence failures, he is forced to make a choice: follow the system’s rigid limitations or go rogue to seek justice.
As the investigation stretches from Delhi to Abu Dhabi and Tehran, Rajeev finds himself abandoned by his own government, hunted by enemies from two nations, and betrayed by the very system he served. But his determination to bring justice, even at the cost of his career and life, forms the emotional core of this film. Tehran Movie 2025
Performances
John Abraham as Rajeev Kumar
John Abraham has long been Bollywood’s action star, but in Tehran, he delivers something more layered. Instead of playing a muscle-flexing superhero, he embodies a vulnerable, emotionally scarred officer who balances grief, duty, and morality. Tehran Movie 2025
His portrayal of Rajeev is one of his career-best performances—restrained, human, and believable. Whether it’s the silent breakdown after losing someone dear or the sheer determination in his eyes during an interrogation scene, John proves that he doesn’t need exaggerated dialogues to leave an impact.
Manushi Chhillar as SI Divya Rana
In her first action-thriller outing, Manushi Chhillar holds her ground. Playing SI Divya Rana, she brings a sense of compassion and teamwork to the narrative. Instead of being a token female presence, her character is a reliable ally, who strengthens Rajeev’s mission. Her growth from a by-the-book officer to a risk-taking partner adds emotional weight to the second half. Tehran Movie 2025
Neeru Bajwa as Sheilaja
Neeru Bajwa plays Sheilaja, a diplomat caught between her duty and conscience. Her performance is subtle yet powerful—her silence often speaks louder than words. With her calm demeanor and sharp presence, she balances the intensity of the action-heavy scenes.
Hadi Khajanpour as Asraf Khan
The true villain of Tehran is Asraf Khan, played brilliantly by Hadi Khajanpour. Unlike stereotypical Bollywood antagonists, his character is deeply unsettling. Consumed by hatred and blinded by ideology, Asraf is terrifying because of his conviction. He feels real, and that’s what makes him unforgettable. Tehran Movie 2025
Direction & Screenplay
Director Arun Gopalan deserves applause for breaking away from typical Bollywood action formulas. Instead of glamourizing war or glorifying nationalism, Tehran portrays the messy reality of international politics. Tehran Movie 2025
The screenplay by Ritesh Shah, Ashish Verma, and Bindni Karia doesn’t paint heroes and villains in black and white. It thrives in the grey areas of morality, where every decision has consequences. The writing highlights India’s role as a middle power, struggling to balance alliances while avoiding becoming a pawn in global conflicts.
The first half establishes the characters and the political backdrop patiently, while the second half picks up pace with taut action sequences, chase scenes, and moral dilemmas that keep viewers hooked until the climax.
Technical Aspects
Cinematography
The cinematography by Ievgen Gubrebako and Andre Menezes is stunning. From the chaotic streets of Old Delhi to the sleek skylines of Abu Dhabi and the tension-filled alleys of Tehran, the visuals complement the film’s shifting tones. Each location feels alive and reflective of the narrative’s urgency. Tehran Movie 2025
Music & Background Score
Ketan Sodha’s background score is subtle yet impactful. It never overwhelms the scenes but heightens tension at the right moments. Instead of loud patriotic songs, the film relies on atmospheric soundscapes to immerse viewers into the world of espionage and diplomacy.
Editing
Akshara Prabhakar’s editing keeps the narrative crisp at just 118 minutes. There are no unnecessary subplots or dragged-out emotional monologues. The pace is steady, tightening in the second half as the stakes rise. Tehran Movie 2025
Action Sequences
Unlike many Bollywood thrillers that exaggerate action, Tehran delivers realistic, high-stakes sequences. No slow-motion jumps, no over-the-top heroics—just sharp, grounded action. Each shootout, chase, or fight feels raw and necessary. Tehran Movie 2025
Strengths of Tehran
- Authenticity – Based on real geopolitical events, the film never feels fictionalized for the sake of drama.
- John Abraham’s restrained performance – A refreshing change from his larger-than-life action avatars.
- Taut screenplay – Balanced mix of action, politics, and emotional depth.
- Realistic action – No unnecessary exaggerations, every sequence serves the story.
- International backdrop – Expands beyond Bollywood’s usual local setups to showcase global politics.
Weaknesses of Tehran
- Complex geopolitics – Some viewers may find the political details overwhelming if unfamiliar with India-Iran-Israel relations.
- Limited runtime – At 118 minutes, some subplots (like Rajeev’s personal grief) could have been explored more deeply.
- Supporting cast underutilized – While Neeru Bajwa and Manushi shine, their characters could have had more screen time.
Themes & Symbolism
- Moral Dilemmas – The film explores the cost of doing the “right thing” when the system wants you to look away.
- The Human Cost of Terrorism – Beyond explosions and casualties, the film focuses on personal grief and unresolved trauma.
- India’s Diplomatic Tightrope – Highlights India’s difficult position between two warring nations without glorifying one side.
Comparison with Other Thrillers
Unlike glossy Bollywood thrillers like Ek Tha Tiger or War, Tehran belongs more in the league of Hollywood-style geopolitical thrillers such as Syriana or Body of Lies. It avoids unnecessary melodrama, focusing instead on intelligence operations, bureaucracy, and psychological tension. Tehran Movie 2025
For John Abraham, it’s closer in spirit to his performance in Madras Cafe (2013), another political thriller, but even more restrained and human.
Verdict – Is Tehran Worth Watching?
Absolutely, yes.
Tehran is not just another action thriller—it’s a powerful, realistic exploration of political conflicts, personal grief, and moral courage. With John Abraham delivering one of his finest performances, strong support from Manushi Chhillar and Neeru Bajwa, and a chilling antagonist in Hadi Khajanpour, the film strikes a balance between entertainment and thoughtful storytelling. Tehran Movie 2025
By avoiding clichés and focusing on authenticity, director Arun Gopalan and his team have created one of the best thrillers of 2025.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
- For Action Lovers: Sharp, realistic sequences with no over-the-top heroics.
- For Political Drama Fans: Intelligent script exploring the complexity of geopolitics.
- For John Abraham Fans: A chance to see him in one of his most nuanced roles.
Streaming now on Zee5, Tehran is an absolute must-watch for anyone craving a smart, thrilling, and emotionally gripping film experience.