“Tehran” Movie Review – A Smart, Gritty Thriller with Heart

If you're searching for more than loud action and predictable patriotism, Tehran is your pick. This thriller, dropping on ZEE5 on August 14, 2025, takes its roots from a real-life terror incident and wraps it in a tightly wound narrative that doesn’t shy away from gray areas or moral complexity. WikipediaIndiatimesNews Release India

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Plot That Packs a Punch—Without Losing You in Jargon

The story opens with a haunting bombing near the Israeli embassy in Delhi—a tragic event that makes the case personal for DCP Rajeev Kumar, played by John Abraham. When the victim is someone he once bought flowers from, the investigation becomes a mission of the heart. As he pursues answers, he finds himself isolated and vulnerable—with Iran tracking him and India turning suspicious. The Times of IndiaABP LiveWikipedia

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Why It Feels Real (In a Thrilling Way)?

• Performance Over Parade: This is John Abraham, unlike you’ve seen before—restrained, intense, and emotionally layered. A far cry from his usual loud, brooding roles. FirstpostFilmiBeat

• Smart & Steady Direction: Director Arun Gopalan crafts a narrative that's crisp, grounded, and gripping—no excessive dramatics, just poignant realism. ABP LiveFilmiBeat

• Scenes That Stay with You: The visuals are raw and authentic—from Delhi's crowded streets to the eerie calm of Tehran. Cinematographers Ievgen Gubrebko and Andre Menezes bring every frame to life. FilmiBeatIndia Tribune - Chicago -

• Smart, Not Simplistic: The plot doesn't spoon-feed you patriotism. It's nuanced, politically aware, and offers a sobering peek behind the veil of global diplomacy. FirstpostMensXP

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What Might Feel Heavy?

Not everything clicks perfectly. Some viewers find the screenplay a bit dense early on, and the busy plot occasionally muddies emotional impact. Supporting characters, despite solid performances, could feel underdeveloped to some. The Times of IndiaMoneycontrolMensXP

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Why It’s Still Worth Watching?

• Grounded Action: Every gunfire, every chase, serves the story—not just spectacle. The Times of IndiaIndia Tribune - Chicago -

• Human Stakes: It's not about borderlines—it’s about grief, duty, and the messy space where they meet. ABP LiveFirstpost

• You Can Feel It: The film smells, breathes, and pulses with urgency. If you're into espionage with empathy, this one will hold your attention till the last frame. FilmiBeatABP Live.     You can also check out other blogs at:https://www.newsrotah.online/

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** Quick Takeaways**

What Works	What Could Be Sharper
Nuanced central performance by John Abraham	A dense plot may feel heavy early on
Stark, realistic cinematography and action	Some emotional threads feel underexplored
A rare Bollywood thriller that trusts its audience’s intelligence	Requires attention—it's not popcorn fare