Tehran Movie Review: John Abraham’s Must-Watch Spy Thriller

The Indian OTT space has seen yet another high-profile launch with Tehran, a Hindi-language spy thriller starring John Abraham and Manushi Chhillar. Released on ZEE5 on August 14, 2025, the film debuts as audiences are consuming more scrupulous action stories that are embedded in complex geo-political realities.

Tehran is set against an international spy thriller and links suspense, action, and emotional depth. With its release on India’s Independence Day weekend, the film provides relevance, tapping into viewers’ national sentiment and to sincere entertainment.

Key Movie Facts You Should Know

• Release Date: August 14, 2025

• Platform: ZEE5

• Director: Arun Gopalan

• Producer: Dinesh Vijan (Maddock Films)

• Genre: Action, Spy Thriller

This section gives a quick snapshot for viewers who want the essentials upfront.

When Duty Becomes Personal: The Story of Tehran

Tehran opens with the bombing in Delhi that kills a little girl. DCP Rajeev Kumar (John Abraham) is heartbroken but determined to find the perpetrators and track them down. His path ultimately leads him to Tehran, Iran where he will navigate a treacherous labyrinth of intelligence, espionage, globalization, international relationship-based politics and covert missions.

The film centers around the thin line between duty, patriotism and personal loss. Rajeev Kumar's story highlights the risks and loss faced by anyone who works in the shadows and defends or preserves national security.

What makes the story compelling:

• Intricate, interlinking global intelligence coordination and covert missions
• Moral dilemmas that place a good person in a morally unfavourable positions/actions
• Tense sequences that will leave the viewer on the edge of their seat

Electrifying Performances Power the Thrill

John Abraham acts as a dedicated but emotionally-repressed officer, anchoring the film with a level of intensity and sensitivity that makes it possible for the film itself to have a pulse. Manushi Chhillar provides solid support, adding dimension in a supporting role and creating chemistry that fuels the film's energy and logic. 

Director Arun Gopalan strikes an incredible balance in the film, heightening explosiveness and action paired with quiet emotional moments that keep the audience's attention and investment. The cinematography deftly captures the madness of car chases and shootouts, while also putting the heightened stakes of espionage in quieter moments, which are equally as tense.

 

 

 

 

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Behind the Scenes: Production That Feels Real

• Cinematography: Puts the viewer in the geography of Tehran, the chaos of the investigations
• Editing: Satisfies and flows with suspense and energy through the action
• Sound & Score: Heightens the suspense and adds to the dramatic action overall

The film displays the sophistication of modern Indian OTT content, with attention to detail in filming locations and set design, and realistic spy operations.

Critics Weigh In: What Reviewers Are Saying

Tehran has been positively reviewed for its thrills and performances:

• Firstpost - "Biting, gripping and sharp," praising John Abraham's performance
• Filmibeat - 3.5/5 - "A tense. immersive thriller that ensures viewers stick around."
• OTTPlay - Points out the use of the familiar formulas of spy thrillers yet still successfully entertains the audience. 

They also appreciated the blend between entertainment and a sophisticated take on international espionage.

Why This Spy Thriller Is Worth Your Time

Although Tehran has thrilling, action, action, action scenes, it provokes the audience to think about the personal costs of people in the world of espionage. Fallible human nature gets in the way but provides intensity in the film's investigative sequences and keeps the viewer completely invested in the film's action.

Key takeaways for the audience: What you will love: 

• Thrilling combination of action, intelligence & emotion 
• Released on Independence Day gives more a little at a sentiment and patriotic connotation
• Relevant both for crowds of international spy thriller fans and non-target audiences

Final Verdict: Must-See on This Independence Day

Tehran gives the audience a film that has suspense, intrigue, drama, and emotion. Strong performances, an easy-to-follow plot that flows well, and underlying themes of patriotism and clandestine action makes it the top OTT release.

If you are looking for a film with intrigue and emotional stakes that has some fast-paced action and thrills, Tehran is a film that lingers in your mind long after it is over. 

Source(Image / Thumbnail): movietalkies.com