The Indian film industry is known for delivering exciting action thrillers, and Tehran is another addition to that list. Directed by Arun Gopalan, the movie features John Abraham in a role that mixes power, emotions, and international politics. Released on 14 August 2025 on Zee5, the movie has already caught attention because of its high-voltage action sequences and gripping storyline. With a talented cast including Manushi Chhillar, Madhurima Tuli, and many international actors, Tehran tries to bring a global spy-thriller experience for Indian audiences. The makers of the 2025 Indian film Tehran, starring John Abraham, have not officially revealed its exact budget.
Before diving into the review, let us not forget that Indian cinema has seen many bold subjects recently. Films like Andaaz 2 brought romance back, while thrillers like The Bengal Files showed political narratives. In that line, Tehran stands as an action-packed entertainer with an international flavor.
Story
The story of Tehran revolves around international conflicts, secret missions, and espionage. John Abraham plays a covert Indian agent who gets involved in a deadly mission linked to Middle Eastern politics. His character is caught in a game of betrayal, where personal emotions collide with national duty.
The plot is filled with unexpected twists. The movie moves between India, Iran, and Europe, creating a realistic world of spies, secret deals, and hidden enemies. Just like Mahavatar Narasimha, which mixed mythology with drama, Tehran blends real politics with fictional storytelling.
Performances
The biggest strength of the movie is John Abraham’s performance. He has already proved his action hero image in films like Attack and Pathaan. In Tehran, he brings both intensity and emotional depth. His fight sequences are believable, and his silent expressions show the burden of duty.
Manushi Chhillar plays a journalist who gets involved in John’s mission. Her role is not just limited to glamour; she has a strong character arc. Madhurima Tuli adds further impact with her performance. The international cast including Allon Sylvain, Adam Karst, and Toby Osmond make the film look authentic.
Similar to how Oh Bhama Ayyo Rama gave space for new performers to shine, Tehran also uses its cast effectively.
Direction
Director Arun Gopalan deserves credit for balancing action with emotion. The movie never feels overstuffed, even though it handles politics, war, and relationships. His vision is clear—make an Indian action thriller with a global scale.
The writing by Ritesh Shah and Ashish P. Verma is sharp, filled with tension. It reminds viewers of big-budget Hollywood thrillers, but still keeps its Indian identity alive. The dialogues are simple yet powerful.
Cinematography and Editing
The cinematography by Ievgen Gubrebko is breathtaking. The locations of Tehran, war-torn zones, and European cities are beautifully shot. Action sequences are captured with clarity, unlike some Bollywood films where shaky camera work spoils the mood.
Editing by the team is crisp. The film does not drag and maintains suspense till the climax. Compared to movies like Uppu Kappurambu, which relied on slow drama, Tehran keeps a fast pace.
Music and Background Score
The background score is another highlight. Intense chase scenes and emotional moments are supported by music that increases the thrill. Songs are few, which is good, because unnecessary tracks could have slowed down the film. This focus on story over songs is similar to The Life of Chuck, which was more about emotions than commercial elements.
Plus Points
- John Abraham’s powerful performance
- Fast-paced screenplay with thrilling moments
- Strong direction and cinematography
- Realistic international setting
- Minimal songs, more focus on action
Minus Points
- Some parts of the plot may feel predictable
- Supporting characters could have had more screen time
- Too much seriousness, very little humor or relief
These drawbacks are minor when compared to the overall impact.
Comparison with Other Thrillers
Indian cinema has recently produced many action thrillers. Movies like Mr & Mrs Bachelor focused on romance and drama, while Vyasanasametham Bandhumithradhikal was about family emotions. Tehran stands apart by diving into international politics and secret missions.
In terms of budget and production scale, it reminds us of Hollywood-inspired storytelling. However, it also carries the patriotic emotion that Indian audiences connect with.
Verdict
Overall, Tehran is a stylish action thriller that successfully entertains. John Abraham once again proves why he is one of the best action stars in India. The movie has its flaws, but its gripping storyline, strong performances, and high-quality visuals make it worth watching.
For viewers who enjoy films like Bun Butter Jam for freshness or Pintu Ki Pappi for comedy, Tehran will offer something totally different—serious action with global appeal.
It is not just an ordinary thriller; it’s a mix of politics, suspense, and emotions that leaves a strong impact. With a sharp script and stylish execution, Tehran proves that Indian OTT films can now stand on an international level.
Final Rating: 3.5/5
0 Comments