John Abraham’s Tehran: A Gritty Spy Thriller That Balances Realism and Restraint

The latest espionage drama Tehran, starring John Abraham, has dropped on ZEE5, bringing with it a blend of geopolitical tension, covert missions, and personal stakes. It’s not just another spy flick—this one takes its time, focusing less on high-octane stunts and more on the silent, dangerous dance of diplomacy and espionage.

A Mission Born Out of Personal Loss

The story follows DCP Rajeev Kumar, a seasoned intelligence officer, who finds his life abruptly entangled in a complex web of international conflict after a bomb blast in Delhi claims the life of a young girl he had met moments earlier. This is no routine assignment; for Kumar, the case is personal. The blast becomes the catalyst for a mission that stretches far beyond India’s borders, pulling him into a high-stakes game involving some of the world’s most volatile regions.

From Delhi to Tehran—The Stakes Only Rise

As Kumar digs deeper, he discovers that the incident is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. His journey takes him to Tehran, where political alliances are fragile, and trust is a rare commodity. Every step forward demands navigating murky waters—dealing with foreign operatives, decoding intelligence, and making choices that could have massive geopolitical consequences. Joining him in this dangerous pursuit are SI Divya, played by Manushi Chhillar, and RAW handler Shailaja, portrayed by Neeru Bajwa. Both characters, while not always in the spotlight, contribute significantly to the emotional and strategic weight of the mission.

Realism Over Melodrama

Director Arun Gopalan’s approach to Tehran is rooted in authenticity. Rather than flooding the screen with overblown action set pieces, the film maintains a steady, tense pace. The writing team—Bindni Karia, Ritesh Shah, and Ashish Prakash Verma—crafts a script that feels grounded in real-world espionage, complete with multilingual dialogues and culturally nuanced moments. There’s an emphasis on the mechanics of spycraft, which makes the film feel more like an insider’s view of covert operations than a flashy blockbuster.

Emotion Held at Arm’s Length

While the film’s execution is tight, some viewers might find that its emotional impact doesn’t fully match its political intensity. The initial tragedy—the death of the young girl—could have been a deeper emotional anchor. However, the narrative often shifts its focus to the operational details and diplomatic maneuvering, leaving some of the personal grief unexplored. There are scenes designed to resonate emotionally—such as depictions of cultural tensions and symbolic acts of violence—but they don’t always land with the intended weight.

Performances That Keep the Film Grounded

John Abraham delivers one of his most restrained performances in recent years. Instead of leaning into exaggerated heroics, he plays Kumar as a man driven by duty and quiet determination. His stoic presence works well in a role where the smallest expression or movement can signal a turning point. Hadi Khanjanpour, as the antagonist, is equally compelling, giving his character a sharp blend of menace and charisma. Neeru Bajwa and Manushi Chhillar lend credibility to their roles, offering moments of humanity amid the tense political backdrop.

A Thriller That Chooses Subtlety

Tehran is not designed for viewers looking for constant explosions or high-speed chases. It’s for those who appreciate the slow burn of a spy story—one that values careful planning, calculated risks, and the quiet moments between action beats. The film’s greatest strength lies in how it captures the lonely, often morally ambiguous nature of espionage, showing the toll it takes on those who operate in the shadows.

Final Verdict

This is a film that thrives on its attention to detail and refusal to compromise its realistic tone. While it may not tug at the heartstrings as strongly as its setup promises, it delivers an engrossing and well-crafted espionage narrative. For viewers who enjoy intelligence dramas rooted in real-world stakes rather than over-the-top heroics, Tehran offers a gripping, thoughtful watch.