A Promising Premise Falls Flat

"Tehran," the 2025 Hindi action thriller directed by Arun Gopalan, aims high with its geopolitical narrative inspired by the 2012 attack on Israeli diplomats in Delhi. The film, starring John Abraham and Manushi Chhillar, attempts to weave a tale of espionage, patriotism, and personal loss. However, despite its ambitious setup, "Tehran" stumbles, delivering a spy thriller that feels stuck in the early 2000s, lacking the sharpness and innovation needed to stand out in today’s crowded genre.

The story follows DCP Rajeev Kumar (John Abraham), a Delhi police officer haunted by the death of a young girl in a bomb blast near the Israeli embassy. Driven by guilt and a sense of duty, Rajeev embarks on a covert mission to Tehran, navigating a web of international tensions between India, Iran, and Israel. Manushi Chhillar plays SI Divya Rana, a supporting officer, while Neeru Bajwa portrays a diplomat caught in the political crossfire. The premise, rooted in real-world events, promises a gripping exploration of global politics, but the execution falters.

Strong Performances in a Weak Script

John Abraham delivers a restrained performance, a departure from his usual action-hero persona. His portrayal of Rajeev is grounded, conveying grief and determination through subtle expressions rather than over-the-top heroics. Manushi Chhillar, though limited by minimal screen time, holds her own in action sequences, showing potential as a capable performer in the thriller genre. Neeru Bajwa adds poise as the diplomat Sheilaja, but her role feels underutilized, leaving audiences wanting more depth.

Unfortunately, the script, penned by Ritesh Shah, Ashish P. Verma, and Bindni Karia, fails to match the cast’s efforts. The narrative is bogged down by clichés—predictable plot twists, heavy-handed dialogue, and a reliance on outdated spy tropes. While the film attempts to tackle complex geopolitical issues, it often feels like a surface-level history lesson rather than a nuanced drama. The pacing drags in parts, with lengthy expositions that disrupt the tension, making the 118-minute runtime feel longer than necessary.

Visuals and Action: A Mixed Bag

Visually, "Tehran" shines in moments. Cinematographers Ievgen Gubrebko and Andre Menezes capture Delhi’s chaotic streets and Tehran’s shadowy corners with authenticity. The action sequences, choreographed with precision, are a highlight, offering gritty, realistic confrontations. However, these moments are overshadowed by a dated aesthetic—think shaky camera zooms and slow-motion shots—that feels out of place in a modern thriller. Ketan Sodha’s background score is functional but forgettable, failing to elevate the film’s emotional stakes.

Why "Tehran" Misses the Mark

The film’s biggest flaw is its inability to balance ambition with execution. While it avoids jingoistic clichés, it doesn’t fully commit to its cerebral potential, resulting in a thriller that feels neither thrilling nor insightful. The use of Farsi dialogue adds authenticity but may alienate viewers unprepared for subtitles. For fans of geopolitical dramas, "Tehran" offers glimpses of promise but lacks the polish of films like "Madras Cafe," which Abraham himself starred in.

Final Verdict: A Forgettable Spy Saga

"Tehran" had the potential to be a standout espionage thriller but is weighed down by a formulaic script and outdated execution. Despite strong performances from John Abraham and Manushi Chhillar, the film fails to deliver the intensity or innovation expected from a modern spy drama.

Rating: 2.5/5

Streaming on ZEE5, "Tehran" is a passable watch for die-hard John Abraham fans but falls short for those seeking a fresh take on the genre.

Read Also: Andhera Review: A Gripping Start That Fades in the Finale

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