Tehran Movie Review: Spy Thriller Making Waves in Bollywood

Tehran arrives as a refreshing addition to the Bollywood action thriller genre, stepping away from formula-driven storytelling to present a tense and grounded geo-political drama. 

Directed by Arun Gopalan, the film tackles international espionage with a focus on the political and personal consequences of covert operations. 

With a stellar cast led by John Abraham, Manushi Chhillar, Neeru Bajwa, and Hadi Khajanpour, Tehran delivers a gripping story that moves between India, Israel, and Iran while keeping its human element at the forefront.

Storyline and Political Backdrop

The film opens in 2012 with a bombing incident in Delhi targeting an Israeli diplomat. The attack, carried out by an Iranian radical, sends shockwaves through diplomatic channels and sets off a chain of events spanning multiple countries. 

The narrative immediately frames itself against the backdrop of real-world tensions between Israel and Iran, cleverly intertwining fictional characters with plausible international events.

John Abraham plays Rajeev Kumar, a senior officer in Delhi’s Special Cell, who becomes personally invested in the investigation when a young flower vendor he knew dies in the attack. 

His pursuit of justice takes him across borders, placing him in the crosshairs of multiple intelligence agencies. The script balances political intrigue with action sequences, ensuring that the stakes feel authentic rather than exaggerated.

What makes Tehran stand out is its refusal to oversimplify the politics at play. Instead of painting one side as entirely good or bad, it explores the moral ambiguities of international espionage, the compromises governments make, and the personal costs borne by operatives. 

The story is neither preachy nor needlessly sensationalised, allowing viewers to focus on the emotional and strategic layers of the conflict.

The geopolitical setting is used effectively to raise tension throughout the film, making every decision by the characters feel weighty and consequential. This grounded approach ensures that Tehran maintains its credibility while still offering moments of high drama.

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Performances and Character Depth

John Abraham delivers one of his more restrained and nuanced performances, stepping away from over-the-top heroics. His portrayal of Rajeev Kumar shows a man bound by duty yet driven by personal conviction. 

The character’s quiet intensity is matched by moments of vulnerability, adding depth to his role. This performance stands out as one of his most believable in recent years.

Manushi Chhillar, as SI Divya Rana, makes a confident entry into the action-thriller space. Her character is capable and determined, engaging in chase sequences, shootouts, and combat scenes with convincing physicality. She balances strength with composure, contributing to the film’s grounded tone.

Neeru Bajwa’s role as Sheilaja brings a blend of tactical skill and diplomatic intelligence to the screen. 

She navigates both field operations and high-level negotiations, making her character integral to the narrative. Her performance adds a layer of sophistication to the film’s portrayal of intelligence work.

The standout, however, is Hadi Khajanpour as the antagonist Asraf Khan. His presence commands attention from the moment he appears, embodying a villain who is both ideological and relentless. 

His portrayal ensures that the conflict between hero and adversary feels evenly matched, raising the stakes for every encounter.

Supporting performances are well-calibrated, with each actor contributing to the realism of the film. 

The characters are given backstories and motivations that inform their actions, ensuring they feel like more than just placeholders in the plot. This attention to character detail strengthens the emotional core of the story.

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Cinematic Execution and Technical Strengths

Tehran’s cinematography captures a range of environments, from the crowded streets of Delhi to the barren deserts of Abu Dhabi. 

The colour palette shifts to reflect the mood and location, adding visual variety without distracting from the story. The film’s scale is impressive, but it is always in service of the narrative rather than spectacle for its own sake.

Director Arun Gopalan ensures that the action sequences are integrated naturally into the plot. Each explosion, pursuit, and confrontation is tied to the progression of the story. 

The editing by Akshara Prabhakar maintains momentum, with the pacing tightening as the film approaches its climax. This careful rhythm prevents the story from dragging, even as it tackles complex subject matter.

The score by Ketan Sodha complements the film’s tone, enhancing tension in high-stakes moments and adding emotional weight where needed. The sound design ensures that action scenes have impact without overwhelming quieter dramatic beats.

One of the film’s strengths lies in its ability to balance large-scale political drama with intimate character moments. 

While the stakes involve international diplomacy and espionage, the viewer remains connected to the personal journeys of the main characters. This dual focus makes Tehran more engaging than a purely action-driven film.

The climax builds on the tension established throughout the story, with an unsanctioned mission placing Rajeev in danger from multiple sides. 

The resolution feels earned, avoiding overly convenient solutions while providing closure to the central conflict. The ending reinforces the film’s central themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and moral complexity in the world of espionage.

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Conclusion

Tehran is a rare example of a Bollywood action-thriller that balances geopolitical complexity with compelling character arcs. It delivers strong performances, a well-researched narrative, and technical polish that enhances rather than overshadows the story. 

By grounding its action in real-world tensions, it offers a viewing experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. 

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FAQ

What is Tehran about?

Tehran is a geo-political spy thriller set against tensions between Israel and Iran, following an Indian officer drawn into an international conflict.

Who stars in Tehran?

The film features John Abraham, Manushi Chhillar, Neeru Bajwa, and Hadi Khajanpour in key roles.

What makes Tehran different from other Bollywood thrillers?

Its grounded approach to action, focus on political realism, and well-developed characters set it apart from formula-driven thrillers.

Is Tehran worth watching for action fans?

Yes, it offers well-executed action sequences that serve the story rather than overshadow it.

Where can Tehran be watched?

Tehran is available for streaming worldwide on ZEE5.

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