ZEE5’s Tehran, led by John Abraham, is now available to stream. This Independence Day week was packed with plenty of releases, but despite the odds, Tehran rises and emerges as a compelling geopolitical thriller, with its leading man delivering one of the best performances of his career.
The first reactions to Tehran are mostly positive, with special praise directed at Abraham’s performance. The actor has been applauded for his restrained, intense, and nuanced portrayal of DCP Rajeev Kumar, a character defined more by quiet determination and emotional depth than by over-the-top action heroics.
Moreover, the film is commended for its strong writing and mature approach to a sensitive subject. Instead of relying on jingoism as its main weapon, it focuses on the complexities of international diplomacy and the human cost of conflict.
Tehran’s realistic action sequences have also been met with praise. Director Arun Gopalan’s debut is widely appreciated for its tight pacing, slick execution, and ability to build a tense, brooding atmosphere. The cinematography and background score are also highlighted as key strengths.
The rest of the cast shines as well, particularly Neeru Bajwa as a diplomat and Hadi Khanjanpour as the antagonist. However, some critics have pointed out that a few supporting roles feel underdeveloped due to rushed editing, preventing them from making a lasting impact.
Overall, Tehran has been declared a strong watch for fans of smart, realistic spy thrillers. It is praised for breaking the typical Bollywood spy film mould by focusing on substance over style and delivering a powerful, content-driven narrative. While some feel it could have offered more emotional impact or a simpler plot, its strengths in writing, direction, and acting, particularly from John Abraham, make it a compelling watch.
Here are some of the early reviews for Tehran. Watch it now on ZEE5.