Tehran

Wow, what a cinematic gem... if your idea of fun is two hours of mostly Farsi dialogue with disappearing subtitles, a plot that clearly got lost, and pacing slower than molasses. I didn't learn anything, didn't enjoy anything, and would happily give negative stars if I could. Time well wasted! 0000000.

Iran wants to kill you. Israel has deserted you, and your very own country, India, has given up on you. John Abraham's latest offering, Tehran, has him playing one of the most complex and riveting characters in his several-decade-long filmography. Over the last few years, John has organically steered towards geopolitical stories and characters that aren't just another spy or part of a covert agency.

In 'Tehran', John's character, Rajeev Kumar, gets involved in a very complicated case when a bomb blast in Delhi targeting an Israeli diplomat kills an innocent flower-seller. The incident disturbs Rajeev Kumar to such an extent that he decides to put his life at stake to get to the bottom of the matter.

Set against the backdrop of the Iran-Israel conflict, the film examines how ordinary people become collateral damage in someone else's war. Unlike many thrillers in the genre, 'Tehran' doesn't exploit the premise; instead, it sensitively shows every possible facet of the price one has to pay to wage a war.

The screenplay by Bindni Karia, co-written with Ritesh Shah and Ashish Prakash Verma, is the film's strongest asset. Dialogues peppered with Farsi lend authenticity, while director Arun Gopalan draws solid performances from his cast. Neeru Bajwa and Manushi Chhillar make their mark in supporting roles. But, 'Tehran' works because of the conviction that John puts into his role. One of his finest performances till date, the film is a testament that, with a good script and a visionary director, all an actor needs to do is just surrender and keep faith.

A standout is Hadi Khajanpour as antagonist Asraf Khan, who is an absolutely brilliant find. He is not just menacing for the sake of it, but also a sharply etched, powerful character.

The way the film has been shot visually is also impressive. From the dusty lanes of Delhi to Abu Dhabi, the camerawork is brilliant. The action sequences feel very organic and real, with combat scenes that are gritty and extremely tense.

Tehran is a masterclass on how to deliver Deshbhakti without lehraa-oing Tiranga or chanting Jai Hind on the Independence Day! It celebrates the unsung heroes, who are mostly abandoned by their countries for being on missions that are either off-paper or not approved at all!

Whenever John Abraham is an alone man on a mission, he comes out with a brilliant result-be it Madras Cafe or Tehran. With its intelligent script, the film becomes an absolute must-watch for anyone who appreciates quality storytelling and has the patience to research on international relationships and politics before diving into the film.

This beautifully crafted thriller-arguably fitting right into the spy-thriller genre-is based on true events, and I'm genuinely shocked it never saw a theatrical release. From start to finish, it's a cut above for its impeccable cinematography, hauntingly effective music, immersive background score, authentic language use, and above all, the sheer brilliance of its performances.

Frankly, I would take this any day over WAR or any over-the-top YRF "spy universe" spectacle. This film's storytelling is grounded, its tension masterfully built, and its realism makes it far more gripping than the formulaic blockbusters we often get.

It truly deserved the grandeur and audience reach that only a theatrical release can offer. I can't understand why Maddock Films stayed away from giving it that platform-it's a missed opportunity for cinema lovers everywhere.

Movie Review: Tehran streaming on Zee5 !!

Based on true events and set against the backdrop of the attack on the Israel embassy in New Delhi in 2012, Tehran tells the story of a tough gritty police officer ACP Rajeev Kumar ( John Abraham) who travels all the way to Iran to execute an audacious assassination of the perpetrators who have caused India to become collateral damage in the covert Iran- Israel war !!

However he finds himself with no allies as India, on the verge of signing an important gas deal with Iran deserts him. Indian diplomats find themselves in hot soup as India has friendly ties with both countries involved. With everything going against him ,will Rajeev Kumar get his man and prove to the world that India is no pushover and cannot be trifled with !!

This is John Abrahams film all the way as he bashes up baddies right from the word go ... His forte and comfort zone.. just brilliant. Apart from some awesome action scenes, emotional scenes depicting his trauma , anguish and turmoil at seeing an innocent girl and partner die and yet having to move ahead and execute his plans have been showcased very well.

The four ladies in the film Madhurima Tulli who plays his wife , Manushree Chillar as his partner( didnt like her hairstyle though🙁) , Neeru Bajwa as a RA&W officer and Elnaaz Nourozi have small but meaningful roles in the film. Also the antagonist, Iranian actor Hadi Khanjanpour as Afshar Hosseini has done an excellent job and his performance is second only to John Abraham's!! Aly khan looks smart and handsome as Johns superior who works within the system to help him.

Fast paced narrative, a gripping plot , great direction along with slick editing & action make this film an enjoyable watch !! Drives home a strong message too !!

Go for it guys !! Going with 3.5/5 for this one .

Happy Independence day to everyone.. adios 😊!!

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The movie Tehran, "tries" to be an exciting thriller, but it mostly misses the mark. The story twists real events into something unconvincing, the plot relies on too many convenient coincidences and stereotypes and the acting falls flat, John Abraham handles the action mediocre, shows little emotion, and the rest of the cast barely gets a chance to shine. In the end, it's all style over substance, using real events as decoration rather than telling a gripping story and truth.