'Tehran' Thriller Explores Collateral Damage of Geopolitical Conflict

As of August 14, 2025, John Abraham's latest film 'Tehran' has been garnering critical acclaim for its nuanced exploration of the human impact of geopolitical tensions. The movie, set against the backdrop of the Iran-Israel conflict, follows DCP Rajeev Kumar, a Delhi police officer played by Abraham, who gets involved in a complicated case after a bomb blast targeting an Israeli diplomat kills an innocent flower-seller.

The screenplay, written by Bindni Karia and co-authored by Ritesh Shah and Ashish Prakash Verma, is the film's strongest asset. It sensitively examines how ordinary people become collateral damage in someone else's war, a theme that sets 'Tehran' apart from many thrillers in the genre. Director Arun Gopalan has drawn solid performances from the cast, including Neeru Bajwa and Manushi Chhillar in supporting roles.

However, it is John Abraham's powerful portrayal of the conflicted DCP Rajeev Kumar that truly anchors the film. His character is deeply disturbed by the incident and decides to put his own life at risk to uncover the truth, leading to a gripping and tense narrative. The antagonist, Asraf Khan, played by the brilliant Hadi Khajanpour, is a sharply etched, menacing character that adds to the film's intensity.

'Tehran' is a standout geopolitical thriller that avoids exploitation of its premise and instead focuses on the human cost of conflict. With its strong screenplay, solid performances, and impressive visual treatment, the film is a testament to the power of storytelling in exploring complex global issues.