Tehran

Tehran doesn't offer neat resolutions, and that's part of its brilliance. RK's mission is filled with moments where he could give up yet he doesn't. The interplay between political pressure, personal loss, and the unrelenting pursuit of truth is what makes this more than just another spy thriller. The abandonment by his own country feels like the ultimate betrayal, but also the ultimate test of his character. This is a film that stays with you, urging you to think about the hidden costs of national security games.

If you're drawn to realistic, action-oriented thrillers grounded in actual geopolitical events, this film is likely for you.

John Abraham delivers a confident action-heavy performance, though emotional resonance may not be his strongest suit.

The technical craftsmanship - from visuals to music to production design - stands out.

That said, if you expect tight, emotionally complex storytelling or a female lead with substantial narrative weight, the film may underwhelm in those areas .

For viewers who lean toward raw realism, political tension, and strong visual storytelling, "Tehran" offers a solid watch. Just be prepared for its deliberate pacing and a narrative that favors atmosphere over emotional depth.

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.

John Abraham carries Tehran on his shoulders, restrained, intense, and quietly furious. This is not loud macho action; it's a tight geopolitical thriller that trusts mood over mayhem. The plot keeps you steady: a slow-burn investigation that suddenly flips into high-stakes personal justice, and when it hits, it hits hard.

Performance-wise, John surprises, less brawn, more brittle resolve. Supporting cast hold their own, the cinematography captures both grime and glass with equal style, and the score nudges every tense moment without shouting. Pacing is mostly sharp; a couple of mid-film lulls don't spoil the overall payoff.

Who'll like it: fans of smart thrillers, people who prefer grit over spectacle, and anyone who wants John Abraham in a lean, focused avatar.

John Abraham has given a fine performance as DCP Rajeev Kumar after his super acting in " The diplomat". Here in a story based on true events he plays a highly motivated police officer on a self propelled vengeance mission to eliminate a terrorist. This covert and unauthorized mission takes him to Tehran all this even while he is abandoned by his own country.

The movie's narrative has more of intrigue and emotions as compared to action and so the one hour 55 minutes feels like three hours. At some places the movie does drag though most sequences are realistically done and full marks to the director and John.

The director has done a fine job with the script which allows him to project the necessary seriousness required. Also justice has been done in the depiction of the geopolitical tensions. Full marks for the cinematography and background music which greatly enhance the effect of the dramatic scenes. Results of some fine location shooting can be seen. The supporting actors like Maanushi Chhillar, Neeru Bajwa, and others have chipped in with realistic performances which further heighten the drama and the tension of the scenes.