Tehran

The movie has wonderful making even comparable to an Hollywood action flick. The actors did justice to their roles as well. But having the movie named Tahran and shooting the action scenes in an blantantly visible English speaking country ruins the authenticity of the movie. Should have been at least shot in an Arabic or Persian speaking region.

An espionage film generally thrives on a competent blend of action, emotion, and skillful storytelling that highlights both the plot and its characters.

Unfortunately, Tehran, while focused on presenting investigative procedures in great detail, misses the mark on the essential elements of an idealistic storytelling. Despite featuring numerous events, none resonate as they should, lacking both visual impact and emotional depth.

It's all dull and uninspiring, which is surprising considering how the brilliant trailer had me expecting the exact opposite.

Tehran starts promisingly with a gripping first 30 minutes that effectively builds tension around the 2012 Israeli diplomat bombing case. John Abraham delivers his usual restrained performance, and the initial setup feels authentic with solid production values and realistic atmosphere.

However, the film quickly derails after the strong opening act. The second half-hour becomes increasingly convoluted with poor pacing and questionable plot developments that strain credibility. What begins as a promising geopolitical thriller deteriorates into typical Bollywood formula filmmaking.

The final act is where Tehran completely falls apart, abandoning any pretense of logic or coherent storytelling. The film resorts to tired Bollywood tropes, over-the-top action sequences that feel disconnected from the serious subject matter, and plot twists that make little sense within the established narrative framework.

While the Iranian actors bring authenticity to their roles and the technical aspects remain decent throughout, the script's inability to maintain its initial promise becomes increasingly frustrating. The film wastes its compelling real-world foundation with lazy writing and formulaic execution that undermines the sensitive subject matter.

Rating: 4/10 - A wasted opportunity that squanders a strong start with poor storytelling choices.

The film is a solid attempt at showcasing the complex world of inter-country intelligence and counter-terrorism operations at the foreign special operations level. It gives viewers a glimpse into the high-stakes environment where strategy, secrecy, and split-second decisions can alter the course of events.

As expected from a John Abraham movie, the story and script are anchored in realism, much like his remarkable performance in Madras Café, which set a very high benchmark. Naturally, that built anticipation for a film that could deliver cinema grounded deeply in real events and nuanced storytelling.

However, while the intent was strong, the execution fell slightly short. The action sequences lacked the rawness of real-life firefights; instead, they were often overshadowed by stylized heroism and cinematic dramatization. This took away some of the authenticity that a film rooted in real-world conflicts deserves.

In short, the movie works well as an engaging thriller, but for those expecting a gritty, true-to-life portrayal of covert operations, it leaves a bit to be desired.

Verdict: Worth watching for the subject and John Abraham's presence, but don't expect the same layered realism of Madras Café.

John Abraham delivers a career-defining performance in "Tehran," a gritty, geopolitical thriller. Based on real events, the film follows a Delhi Special Cell officer on a high-stakes mission to Iran. Abandoned by his own government, he must navigate a treacherous world of international espionage. Critics praise Abraham's nuanced portrayal, where his silent intensity conveys more than words. The film is a smart, tense, and realistic spy drama that foregoes typical action for a deeply layered and thought-provoking story about justice and patriotism.