Tehran  Movie Review: John Abraham Delivers His Most Realistic Spy Thriller Yet

Director Arun Gopalan’s Tehran, starring John Abraham, isn’t your standard Bollywood action-thriller. Instead of chest-thumping jingoism and over-the-top stunts, the film delivers a meticulously crafted geopolitical drama rooted in real events. It’s tense, grounded, and mature, a clear step forward for the Indian spy thriller genre.

What makes Tehran stand out is its refusal to take the easy route. Instead of spoon-feeding the audience or relying on overblown tropes, it trusts viewers to stay with its layered narrative. The result is a spy thriller that feels somewhat closer to international standards while still carrying an Indian perspective.

Rooted in Reality: The 2012 Diplomat Bombings

The film takes inspiration from the 2012 bomb attacks on Israeli diplomats in Delhi, which were part of a larger, coordinated operation also targeting Georgia and Thailand. Instead of blowing this real-life event into something overly dramatized, Tehran treats it with restraint, weaving fact with fiction in a way that feels unnervingly plausible. By anchoring its story in this lesser-known but globally significant incident, the film immediately sets itself apart from traditional Bollywood spy thrillers that often fall back on the India-Pakistan template.

Here, India is caught in the crossfire, not as a direct combatant but as a third party forced to navigate the complicated chessboard between Israel and Iran. This positioning gives the narrative its edge: it’s not about good vs. evil, but about competing agendas, blurred loyalties, and the thin line between diplomacy and espionage.

The screenplay by Ritesh Shah, Ashish P. Verma, and Bindni Karia stays refreshingly intelligent. It doesn’t rely on characters spelling things out for the audience. Instead, it lets the tension build naturally, forcing viewers to connect the dots. The use of Farsi dialogues with subtitles is a brilliant touch; it not only grounds the story in authenticity but also pulls you deeper into its geopolitical world, reminding you that this isn’t a hero-vs-villain fantasy but a story rooted in messy, lived reality.

The People Behind the Story

John Abraham as Special Officer Rajiv Kumar delivers one of his most restrained and compelling performances to date. Much like his recent turn in Diplomat, this film adds another feather to his cap, but here he goes even further. Instead of relying on the larger-than-life persona he has embodied in mainstream actioners, John strips it all back, playing Rajiv as a man constantly calculating, observing, and questioning the morality of his work. His strength lies in stillness; the silences, the long stares, the hesitation before pulling a trigger or making a call carry more weight than any dramatic speech could.

What stands out is how he embodies the fatigue of a man who knows the system he serves is flawed, yet continues to operate within it. There’s no loud, over-the-top nationalism here, just the quiet frustration of a man who knows the weight of every decision he takes. It’s a layered, inward performance and one of John’s best, proving that with the right script, he can bring depth and intensity without all the noise.

Manushi Chhillar plays Nargis, a character who adds both vulnerability and resilience to the story. Her presence doesn’t feel ornamental; she brings an emotional depth that anchors the film’s more human side, balancing the larger geopolitical drama. Madhurima Tuli and Neeru Bajwa make the most of their smaller roles, offering textured performances that linger longer than expected. Even in limited screen time, they add authenticity to the world.

The supporting cast, including Israeli and Iranian actors, enhances the global sweep of the story. Their dialogues in native languages retained with subtitles, give the film a rare realism for Bollywood spy thrillers. There’s also a sharp cameo from Arshad Warsi, whose brief presence injects both energy and gravitas. Collectively, the ensemble ensures that Tehran never feels like a star vehicle; it feels like a lived-in story shaped by believable characters.

Cinematography & Music

The cinematography by Ievgen Gubrebko and Andre Menezes goes for grit and closeness instead of shiny spectacle. The handheld shots through Tehran’s crowded lanes, dim safehouses, and busy markets make you feel like you’re right there with the characters. The look is intentionally raw, showing the messiness of real espionage instead of polished action. Even the fight scenes are shot in cramped spaces, adding unpredictability and urgency. This style keeps the film tense, immersive, and believable.

The music and sound follow the same subtle approach. Ketan Sodha’s score never takes over; it sits quietly in the background, adding unease without telling you exactly how to feel. Silence often speaks louder, with the hum of a car, a hushed conversation, or footsteps on concrete filling the space. By focusing more on real sounds than heavy background music, the film builds its slow-burning tension naturally. Together, the visuals and sound create an atmosphere that feels authentic and draws you deeper into the geopolitical maze.

Final Thoughts

Tehran (2025) proves that a spy thriller doesn’t need fireworks to make an impact. By choosing subtlety over spectacle and intelligence over hyper-nationalism, the film sets a new benchmark for Bollywood espionage dramas. Yes, it's dense plotting requires close attention. But for viewers tired of hollow action and craving smart, grounded cinema, this is easily one of the most rewarding films of the year.

Tehran proves spy thrillers don’t need chest-thumping patriotism or overblown stunts to hit hard. It’s smart, grounded, and John Abraham is at his absolute best. If Bollywood keeps making thrillers like this, we’re finally talking global standards.”

What did you think — was Tehran a refreshing change or too slow for your taste? Drop your thoughts!

By the way, if you’re into grounded film thoughts, underrated thriller picks, or just plain honest recommendations, I’m over on Instagram: @bingewatch_perspective. That’s where I post quick recaps, hot takes, and those offbeat gems you might’ve missed. 

Oh, and if you haven’t already, check out my review of Rajinikanth’s Coolie here — that one was pure mass energy.

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