Tehran, directed by Arun Gopalan and streaming on ZEE5, is a political espionage thriller inspired by the 2012 Israeli diplomat car bombing in New Delhi. John Abraham leads as a Special Cell officer pulled into a shadow war between Israel and Iran, with India caught in the middle. The film stands out for its grounded world-building, morally layered narrative, and a performance-driven approach that avoids excessive melodrama.
A Thriller Rooted in Real Events
Unlike many Hindi spy dramas that rely on fictionalized Pakistan-centric narratives, Tehran situates itself in a real geopolitical flashpoint. Set against the backdrop of the 2012 car bombing, the film explores how international conflicts spill over onto Indian soil. Director Arun Gopalan uses this event as a launchpad for a morally complex espionage story that spans Delhi, Abu Dhabi, and Tehran.
The plot follows ACP Rajeev Kumar (John Abraham), who is reluctantly assigned to investigate the bombing. The death of a young bystander connects him personally to the case, transforming his duty into a mission of conscience. What begins as a procedural investigation soon evolves into a high-stakes geopolitical chess game.
Politics, Neutrality, and Moral Ambiguity
One of Tehran’s strongest aspects is its refusal to paint the conflict in black and white. The film acknowledges India’s delicate diplomatic balance between Israel and Iran—Israel being a key defense partner and Iran a vital oil supplier. This layered narrative makes the thriller timely and relevant, especially amid current West Asian tensions.
The writing occasionally falters with convoluted subplots and abrupt pacing shifts, but it largely succeeds in embedding global politics into a gripping story. Instead of indulging in chest-thumping nationalism, the film reflects on the cost of foreign powers using Indian soil to settle scores.
Performances and Direction
John Abraham’s understated screen presence is a perfect fit for ACP Rajeev Kumar—a stoic, world-weary officer whose resolve comes from personal grief rather than loud declarations. His quiet intensity grounds the film.
Supporting performances add depth:
- Neeru Bajwa sheds her bubbly image to convincingly play a RAW officer.
- Manushi Chhillar, though underutilized, contributes to the team dynamic.
- Alyy Khan and Qaushik Mukherjee lend gravitas as officials operating in murky corridors of power.
Arun Gopalan’s direction maintains a measured tone, preferring authenticity over spectacle. The cinematography by Ievgen Gubrebko and Andre Menezes captures Delhi’s dimly lit corners and Tehran’s shadowy networks with equal precision. While action sequences are kept restrained, some late-film choices—such as an oddly scored car chase—dilute the tension.
Human Cost of Espionage
Where Tehran rises above many thrillers is in its attention to the collateral damage of espionage. Innocent deaths are not glossed over; they weigh heavily on the narrative. From the haunting death of a child to the silent grief among spies, the film consistently reminds viewers of the real human cost of covert wars.
This emphasis gives the thriller emotional weight, preventing it from becoming just another stylish spy caper.
Verdict
Tehran is not flawless—it suffers from uneven pacing and a slightly muted climax. Yet, it succeeds as a politically sharp, morally complex, and emotionally resonant espionage drama. For viewers seeking a thriller that blends realism with thoughtfulness rather than bombastic spectacle, it is worth the watch.
Bullseye Rating:★★★½ (3.5/5 stars)
Tehran is a gripping espionage thriller where John Abraham delivers a restrained yet impactful performance. The film smartly tackles India’s diplomatic tightrope between Iran and Israel, offering a morally layered take on spy cinema.
Tehran is available on ZEE5.
