Platform: ZEE5
Director: Arun Gopalan
Cast: John Abraham, Manushi Chhillar, Neeru Bajwa, Dinker Sharma, Alyy Khan, Qaushik Mukherjee, Hadi Khanjanpour
⭐ Rating: 2.5/5
A Cop in the Middle of Global Espionage
Tehran, directed by Arun Gopalan, is a Hindi political thriller that tries to balance espionage, action, and real-world geopolitics. Inspired by real events, the film begins in 2012, when Iranian agents carry out bomb attacks on Israeli diplomats in multiple cities, including Delhi.
At the heart of the story is Rajeev (John Abraham), a Special Cell officer from Delhi Police, who is deeply disturbed by the collateral damage—especially the death of innocent Indians. Declaring that India must not remain a playground for international terror, Rajeev embarks on a rogue mission to dismantle the network behind the attacks.
Between Duty and Diplomacy
Rajeev’s actions soon spiral beyond official sanction, drawing disapproval from his bosses (Alyy Khan, Qaushik Mukherjee) and threatening a crucial gas deal between India and Iran. While both governments distance themselves from him, Rajeev finds unexpected support from Mossad, who view his unorthodox methods as an asset.
He is aided by Sheilaja (Neeru Bajwa), a RAW officer, and field partners Divya (Manushi Chhillar) and Vijay (Dinker Sharma), as the mission crosses borders and alliances. Meanwhile, Afsar (Hadi Khanjanpour), an Iranian militant tied to the Palestinian cause, emerges as a key antagonist, bringing the Israel–Iran–Palestine conflict into sharper focus.
Performances
- John Abraham delivers a familiar yet impactful performance, echoing his roles in Batla House and The Diplomat. His quiet intensity and physicality suit the character of a lone-wolf cop.
- Neeru Bajwa and Manushi Chhillar lend presence but are underutilized.
- Alyy Khan and Qaushik Mukherjee stand out as government officials who believe in rules over recklessness.
- Hadi Khanjanpour brings menace to his role, though his motivations are painted with broad strokes.
Strengths of Tehran
- Gritty, fast-paced storytelling with well-mounted action sequences.
- Chunks of Farsi dialogue and authentic locations lend some realism.
- A refreshing attempt to merge Bollywood’s macho-cop archetype with global spy cinema.
Weaknesses
- The script oversimplifies complex geopolitics, often drifting into Rambo-style fantasy.
- Heavy-handed symbolism—such as linking Palestinian banners with militant violence—feels forced and politically problematic.
- The narrative struggles to reconcile India’s diplomatic realities with Rajeev’s personal vendetta.
Verdict
Tehran tries to be an Indian answer to international spy thrillers but ends up being a mix of fact and fantasy. While the action and John Abraham’s screen presence keep the film watchable, its simplistic take on real-world conflicts undermines its ambition.
For fans of high-octane thrillers, Tehran offers entertainment, but for those looking for nuanced commentary on Middle Eastern geopolitics, it might feel lacking.
