Tehran
तेहरान
On 13th February 2012, a magnetic bomb exploded, destroying an Israeli embassy vehicle in Delhi. ACP Rajeev Kumar, leading the investigation, suspects more than what meets the eye. Amid political pressure and suspicions of an Iranian connection, he embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth, facing formidable adversaries.
Trailer
Review
In 'Tehran,' director Arun Gopalan crafts a tense geopolitical thriller that plunges viewers into the murky waters of international espionage and political brinkmanship. The film opens with a visceral bang—the 2012 Israeli embassy car bombing in Delhi—and never lets go of its throttle. John Abraham delivers a compelling performance as ACP Rajeev Kumar, a dogged investigator navigating a labyrinth of diplomatic landmines and shadowy operatives. The plot cleverly weaves real-world tensions into its narrative fabric, creating a palpable sense of urgency as Kumar's pursuit leads him toward Tehran's ominous corridors of power. Gopalan's direction shines in action sequences, particularly a gripping nighttime chase through Delhi's streets that showcases crisp cinematography and tight editing. While the film occasionally stumbles with predictable dialogue in secondary characters, its central mystery maintains intrigue. Manushi Chhillar brings emotional weight as a journalist caught in the crossfire, and Hadi Khanjanpour is chillingly effective as a formidable antagonist. The production design authentically captures both Indian and Iranian locales, though some CGI backdrops feel slightly artificial. At 116 minutes, the pacing remains brisk, with political intrigue and action balanced effectively until a slightly rushed final act.
Pros
- ✓John Abraham's intense, physically committed performance anchors the film with credible determination
- ✓Arun Gopalan's taut direction in action sequences, particularly the Delhi chase scene, delivers edge-of-seat thrills
- ✓Authentic production design that convincingly recreates international locales and embassy environments
- ✓The film's timely exploration of India-Iran-Israel geopolitical tensions adds intellectual weight to the thriller framework
Cons
- ✗Secondary characters occasionally suffer from clichéd dialogue that undermines their credibility
- ✗The final act feels somewhat rushed, resolving complex political threads too neatly
- ✗Some visual effects backdrops during Tehran sequences lack the authenticity of location shooting
'Tehran' succeeds as a solid geopolitical action thriller that combines real-world tensions with cinematic spectacle. While it doesn't reinvent the genre, it executes its premise with enough skill and conviction to keep audiences engaged. John Abraham carries the film with his trademark physicality and growing dramatic range, while Arun Gopalan demonstrates promising command of action choreography and pacing. The film's greatest strength lies in its willingness to tackle contemporary international politics without oversimplifying—though deeper character development would have elevated it further. For viewers seeking a thinking person's action film with topical relevance, 'Tehran' delivers satisfying entertainment despite its occasional narrative shortcuts. It's a step forward for Indian geopolitical thrillers, proving the genre can balance spectacle with substance when handled with care and research.
🎯 Who Should Watch
Fans of geopolitical thrillers, John Abraham enthusiasts, viewers interested in India's international relations portrayed in cinema, and audiences who enjoy action films with political context
⭐ Standout Elements
The film's bold engagement with contemporary India-Iran-Israel tensions sets it apart from conventional action thrillers, combined with John Abraham's nuanced performance that balances physicality with investigative determination
🎬 Overall Impact
A must-watch film that delivers on both entertainment and emotional depth.
📽️ This film represents solid filmmaking that deserves your attention.
