✅ Tehran (2025) is an Indian Hindi-language spy action thriller that dives into the complex world of geopolitics and espionage. Directed by Arun Gopalan, the film stars John Abraham in a grounded and intense role, delivering a narrative that is both timely and tense. Released on August 14, 2025, on ZEE5, it presents a compelling story inspired by real events, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats with its layered plot and authentic portrayal of a high-stakes covert mission. The film is a departure from conventional spy thrillers, focusing on a more realistic and character-driven approach.
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Tehran
Director: Arun Gopalan
Writers: Ritesh Shah, Ashish Prakash Verma, Bindni Karia
Stars: John Abraham, Neeru Bajwa, Manushi Chhillar
Country: India
Genres: Action, Thriller
Languages: Hindi, Hebrew, Persian, English
Overview: On 13th February 2012, a magnetic bomb exploded, destroying an Israeli embassy vehicle in Delhi. ACP Rajeev Kumar, leading the investigation, suspects more than what meets the eye. Amid political...
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Tehran (2025) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix
Movie Details
- Full Name: Tehran (2025)
- Language: Hindi
- Budget: Not Publicly Disclosed (Estimated to be a high budget for a direct-to-OTT thriller)
- Revenue: N/A (Direct-to-OTT Release)
- Runtime: 115 Minutes (1 Hour 55 Minutes)
- Release Date: August 14, 2025 (on ZEE5)
- Genres: Action, Thriller, Spy
- Cast: John Abraham, Manushi Chhillar, Neeru Bajwa, Madhurima Tuli, Alyy Khan
- Directors: Arun Gopalan
- Screenplay: Ritesh Shah, Ashish P. Verma, Bindni Karia
- Studios & Producers: Maddock Films, Bake My Cake Films (Producers: Dinesh Vijan, Shobhna Yadav, Sandeep Leyzell)
- Voice Cast: Not Applicable
- Animation & Style: Not Applicable
OFFICIAL IMAGES
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Image via Maddock Films / ZEE5 -
Image via Maddock Films / ZEE5 -
Image via Maddock Films / ZEE5
Plot Summary
“Tehran” is a high-stakes spy thriller that follows the journey of Indian special officer Rajeev Kumar (John Abraham), a resolute and highly skilled agent. The film’s narrative begins with a deadly car bomb blast in Delhi in 2012, an incident that is initially dismissed as an isolated act of terror. However, Rajeev’s investigation uncovers a deeper, more complex geopolitical conspiracy linking India, Iran, and Israel. To unravel this intricate web of deception, he is sent on a covert mission to Tehran, a city where every shadow hides a potential threat. As he works to untangle the truth, he finds himself in a precarious position, hunted by Iranian authorities while receiving limited support from his own country. The film is a tense and action-packed cat-and-mouse game where Rajeev must outsmart his adversaries, navigating a world of political intrigue, double-crosses, and high-stakes espionage. The story is a deep dive into the sacrifices and personal costs of serving one’s country in a world where allegiances are constantly tested and the line between patriot and traitor is dangerously thin.
Cast & Crew
The film’s cast is led by John Abraham, who delivers a compelling and understated performance as ACP Rajeev Kumar. Abraham, known for his roles in action films, adopts a more grounded and controlled style here, conveying his character’s intensity and focus through actions rather than dialogue. His portrayal is a major strength, bringing a sense of realism to the high-stakes espionage world. Manushi Chhillar provides a strong supporting presence as SI Divya Rana, a no-nonsense officer whose character adds depth to the narrative. Her performance showcases her growth as an actress in a non-glamorous role. Neeru Bajwa, as Sheilaja, brings an interesting layer to the story with her character’s motivations, which are crucial to the unfolding plot. The film also features a talented ensemble of supporting actors, including Madhurima Tuli and Alyy Khan, who contribute to the authenticity of the geopolitical landscape. Director Arun Gopalan successfully guides his cast to deliver restrained and impactful performances, ensuring that the human element remains at the forefront of this complex thriller.
Critical & Audience Response
“Tehran” received a generally positive reception from critics and audiences, with most reviews commending its unique approach to the spy thriller genre. Critics lauded the film for its realism and grounded tone, which avoids the over-the-top action and melodrama often seen in Bollywood spy films. John Abraham’s restrained and intense performance was widely praised, with many considering it a standout role. The complex, layered narrative and political realism were also highlighted as major positives, appealing to viewers who appreciate a story that demands attention. Some critics, however, found the plot’s density to be occasionally overwhelming, with too many characters and political threads to follow, which could potentially confuse a casual viewer. Audience response on the ZEE5 platform was largely favorable, with viewers appreciating the film’s fast pace, well-choreographed action sequences, and tight screenplay. Despite its direct-to-OTT release, “Tehran” managed to generate significant buzz, solidifying its place as a respectable and engaging addition to the Indian spy thriller genre.
Direction & Cinematography
Director Arun Gopalan makes a strong debut with “Tehran,” showcasing a masterful command of the spy thriller genre. His direction is marked by a non-sensationalized approach, focusing on building tension and suspense through a realistic narrative rather than relying on hyper-stylized action. Gopalan maintains a brisk pace, rarely letting the tension drop, and he skillfully handles the complex plot by keeping the focus on the main character’s mission. The direction is confident and mature, creating an immersive experience. The film’s aesthetic is greatly enhanced by the cinematography, handled by Ievgen Gubrebko and Andre Menezes. Their camera work brings a raw, gritty realism to the visuals, capturing Tehran’s narrow alleys, busy markets, and shadowy corners with an authentic feel. The use of natural light and handheld camera movements during action sequences adds to the sense of urgency and chaos. The cinematography contributes significantly to the film’s overall mood and tone, creating an atmosphere of constant threat and high stakes, which is essential for a spy thriller of this nature.
Music & Background Score
The music of “Tehran” is a crucial element in creating the film’s tense atmosphere. While the soundtrack features a song composed by Tanishk Bagchi, the true hero of the film’s audio is Ketan Sodha’s background score. Sodha’s score is a taut, relentless companion to the narrative, skillfully building suspense and amplifying the emotional weight of each scene. It never overpowers the dialogue or the action but instead complements it, serving as a subtle yet effective layer of tension. The score uses a mix of ambient sounds, electronic beats, and traditional elements to create a unique sonic landscape that feels both modern and rooted in the film’s setting. The music plays a vital role in keeping the audience on the edge of their seats during the high-stakes chases and covert operations. The songs, while limited, are well-placed to provide a brief respite from the narrative’s intensity before plunging the viewer back into the thrilling world of espionage.
Visuals & Special Effects
The visuals in “Tehran” prioritize realism and a grounded aesthetic over elaborate special effects. The film’s strength lies in its authentic production design and location shooting, which was extensively done in Glasgow, Mumbai, and Delhi to represent various locations. The visual palette is gritty and a little desaturated, which enhances the film’s serious and intense tone. When visual effects are used, they are subtle and serve to make the action sequences and stunts look more believable and impactful. The film’s action is choreographed to feel raw and realistic, with gunfights and chases being well-staged and devoid of the typical “massy” feel of commercial action films. This grounded approach to visuals and effects is a refreshing change, ensuring that the film’s focus remains on the compelling narrative and strong performances rather than on CGI-driven spectacle. The visuals contribute to the immersive nature of the film, making the audience feel like they are a part of the perilous covert mission.
Editing & Screenplay
The editing of “Tehran,” handled by Akshara Prabhakar, is precise and effective, ensuring that the film’s complex narrative maintains a tight pace. The editor skillfully weaves together multiple plot threads, keeping the story coherent and engaging despite its geopolitical intricacies. The cuts are sharp, particularly during the action sequences and tense moments, which helps in building and sustaining suspense. The screenplay, written by Ritesh Shah, Ashish P. Verma, and Bindni Karia, is the film’s strongest asset. It is a well-researched and layered script that is inspired by real events, which adds a layer of authenticity. The writers avoid spoon-feeding information to the audience, instead crafting a narrative that requires close attention, making it satisfying for fans of intelligent thrillers. The dialogues are impactful and to the point, and the character motivations are well-defined. While the plot’s density can sometimes be a lot to take in, the screenplay largely succeeds in creating a compelling and intricate story of patriotism, deception, and moral ambiguity, ensuring that “Tehran” is a more thoughtful thriller.
Positives / What Works
“Tehran” excels due to its grounded and realistic approach to the spy thriller genre, a refreshing change from typical Bollywood films. John Abraham’s restrained and intense performance is a standout, anchoring the film with his strong screen presence. The tight and layered screenplay, inspired by real-life events, is highly engaging and rewards attentive viewing. The film’s atmospheric cinematography and well-choreographed, realistic action sequences contribute to a raw and immersive experience. The compelling background score by Ketan Sodha skillfully builds tension and complements the narrative’s high stakes. Overall, the film’s authenticity, from its visuals to its character motivations, is its greatest strength, making it a powerful and impactful watch for fans of geopolitical thrillers.
Negatives / What Doesn’t Work
While “Tehran” is a strong film, it does have a few minor weaknesses. The sheer density of its plot, with numerous characters and political nuances, can be a little difficult for some viewers to follow. The non-linear storytelling, while a clever choice, may cause some confusion. Some reviews noted that the film’s emotional impact is somewhat muted, as its focus on geopolitical details can sometimes overshadow the personal stakes of the characters. The background music, while effective, can be repetitive in certain instances. Additionally, because it is a direct-to-OTT release, it lacks the large-scale theatrical buzz and marketing that a big-budget film might have, which could limit its reach to a broader audience. These points, however, are minor and do not detract significantly from the film’s overall quality.
Final Verdict / Conclusion
“Tehran” is a compelling and thought-provoking spy thriller that delivers on its promise of a grounded and realistic espionage story. John Abraham’s solid performance as a no-nonsense agent is a highlight, supported by a strong screenplay that is both intelligent and intricate. Director Arun Gopalan’s vision for a gritty and authentic thriller shines through, backed by excellent cinematography and an effective background score. While the film’s layered narrative demands attention, it rewards the viewer with a satisfying and intense cinematic experience. It is a solid addition to the genre and a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a smart and well-executed political thriller that avoids conventional tropes. “Tehran” is a reminder that a film’s strength lies in its story and performances, and it is a commendable effort in Indian cinema.
Movie Rating
| Rating Category | Score (Out of 5 Stars) |
| Plot & Storyline | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Acting & Performances | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Direction & Cinematography | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Music & Background Score | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall Entertainment Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Average Score | 3.6 / 5 |
OFFICIAL TRAILER
FAQs
Who is the director of "Tehran (2025)"?
The film is directed by Arun Gopalan.
Who are the main stars in "Tehran (2025)"?
The main stars are John Abraham, Manushi Chhillar, and Neeru Bajwa.
