Just a day before Independence Day, on August 14, 2025, director Arun Gopalan released a new thriller film, ‘Tehran’. This film is now available for streaming on Zee5. In this film, which runs for approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes, John Abraham appears in a new and serious avatar.
- Film Review: Tehran
- Star Rating: 4/5
- On Screen: 14.08.2025
- Director: Arun Gopalan
- Genre: Thriller Film
Entertainment: Director Arun Gopalan has released his new film 'Tehran' just a day before Independence Day, on August 14. This film is not just a story but a reflection of the power of patriotism and duty. John Abraham is seen in a new and powerful avatar in the film. 'Tehran' awakens a sense of pride and responsibility towards the country in the heart of every viewer.
The story is woven around a bomb blast in Delhi, featuring a tremendous blend of action, suspense, and emotion. Many people are injured in the bomb blast, and a flower-selling girl dies. DCP Rajeev Kumar (John Abraham) takes charge of investigating the case. Iran wants to kill him, Israel has betrayed him, and India's espionage world presents him with a different kind of challenge.
Story and Subject Matter
The film begins with a bomb blast in Delhi, in which many people are injured, and a flower-selling girl dies. DCP Rajeev Kumar, played by John Abraham, a senior officer in the Delhi Police Special Cell, takes charge of the investigation. The story involves espionage, suspense, and action, along with the complexities of international politics.
Rajeev Kumar faces enemies that are not just terrorists; Iran wants to kill him, Israel has betrayed him, and the political boundaries of his own country limit him. The film's core message is that national duty and patriotism are above personal pain.
Personal Pain and National Mission
Rajeev Kumar's story moves from personal pain to a national mission. He considers the death of that innocent girl a personal insult and vows to reach the criminals. However, the path is not easy. When the investigation leads to Iran, diplomatic equations, international relations, and political obstacles arise.
The film takes viewers through a mixture of fast-paced action, diplomatic duels, international diplomacy, and personal conflict. It tells the story of how true sacrifice is often hidden from view, and how important an individual's commitment can be to the nation.
Strength of Writing and Screenplay
The greatest strength of ‘Tehran’ is its intelligent and mature screenplay. The co-screenplay by Ritesh Shah and Ashish Prakash Verma, and the original story by Bindi Karia, make the film focused, stable, and purposeful. This is not a ‘noisy patriotic’ film; rather, it impacts quietly and deeply. The film's rhythm is slow but precise.
There is no excessive dialogue or overdramatic display of emotions. Instead, the story is thought-provoking and emotionally engaging at every turn. The story is even more impactful if viewers have a basic understanding of the geopolitical environment of India, Iran, and Israel.
Key Cast and Performances
John Abraham has delivered a quiet but effective performance in ‘Tehran’. No loud speeches, no reckless shooting; just pain in the eyes, responsibility on the face, and tension in every scene. Manushi Chhillar has played an effective role with limited dialogues, while Neeru Bajwa adds depth to the story with her experience and balanced performance. Hadi Khanjanpour's role as the villain maintains mystery and seriousness in the story.
Arun Gopalan's direction is realistic and devoid of dramatization. War and conflict in the film are fought not only with bullets, but also with decisions, strategies, and silences. The cinematography reflects truth and tension in every frame, from the busy streets of India to the mysterious world of Tehran. Tanishk Bagchi's music and score move in accordance with the film's mood, without forced patriotic songs or emotional backgrounds.
Who Can Watch This Film?
‘Tehran’ is not for all viewers. Understanding it requires attention, patience, and an understanding of geopolitical subjects. Some viewers may feel distant due to Persian dialogues and fact-based scenes. Traditional action lovers should not expect interludes such as bullets, car chases, or explosions; here, the focus is on strategic, silent, and well-thought-out activities.
‘Tehran’ is not just a thriller, but a deep story of patriotism, duty, and personal sacrifice. This film lingers, gives you a chance to think, and then impacts deeply. It is the saga of those who never come into the limelight, but because of whom the nation remains safe.
