On the eve of India's 79th Independence Day, the Bandra-Worli Sea Link in Mumbai was illuminated with a projection of the poster for John Abraham's new film, "Tehran". This visual spectacle served as a promotional event for the movie, which premiered on ZEE5 on August 14, 2025.
John Abraham, who was present at the event, described the moment as a "proud, unforgettable" one and said that being part of "Tehran" has been a phenomenal journey. He also expressed his gratitude to ZEE5 for providing the film with such a powerful platform and noted that its release over the Independence Day weekend makes it the perfect time for audiences to dive into a story that blends high-stakes action with the spirit of patriotism.
"Tehran" is a geo-political thriller directed by Arun Gopalan and produced by Maddock Films. The film stars John Abraham, alongside Manushi Chhillar, Neeru Bajwa, and Madhurima Tuli. The movie revolves around the global tensions between Israel and Iran and India's entanglement in the conflict as collateral damage.
The film's plot involves DCP Rajeev Kumar, played by John Abraham, a Special Cell officer drawn into a high-stakes investigation following a deadly bombing in Delhi. The bombing, which kills a young flower-selling girl, turns the mission into a personal one for Rajeev. He uncovers a complex web of international espionage involving Iran, Israel, and India, and as political pressures grow, he finds himself isolated and hunted, forcing him to go rogue.
ZEE5 launched a 360° marketing campaign for "Tehran," aligning the film's geopolitical themes with real-world institutions and national sentiment. This included an exclusive screening and Q&A at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS) in New Delhi, where John Abraham interacted with aspiring diplomats.
Critics have generally responded positively to "Tehran." Tushar Joshi from India Today rated the film 4 out of 5 stars, praising its sensitive portrayal of ordinary people caught in the crossfire of war. Lachmi Deb Roy from Firstpost rated the film 3 out of 5 stars, commending its portrayal of the geopolitical tension between Iran and Israel, as well as Abraham's performance, the script, and the cinematography.
Several critics have noted that John Abraham's performance as DCP Rajeev Kumar is among his finest to date, with some calling it his most mature role since "Diplomat". They noted that he delivers a restrained and emotionally charged performance as an officer caught between international politics and personal loss. Neeru Bajwa and Hadi Khanjanpour have also received praise for their supporting roles.
The film is inspired by real events, such as the 2012 attacks on Israeli diplomats. It explores themes of global politics, betrayal, and personal loss.
