John Abraham`s latest film, Tehran, has been released exclusively on ZEE5. The film that also stars Manushi Chhillar draws inspiration from the 2012 bombing near the Israeli Embassy in Delhi—an incident that pulled India into a larger diplomatic storm.
The film uses this as a springboard for a taut ‘what if’ scenario, weaving fiction with plausibility in a way that keeps you guessing what’s fact and what’s imagined.
John on Tehran shooting experience
In the film directed by Arun Gopalan, people from Iran and Israel are cast in apt roles. Talking about shooting with them, shares, “It was great shooting with Israelis and Iranians, and the most beautiful thing about this film was that the Iranians actually played the Iranians, and the Israelis actually played the Israelis. During breaks and lunch, we would all sit together, eat, talk, and smile about life, and that’s the beauty of filmmaking – it brings people together.”
For the film, John also learned the language, Farsi. For the actor, it wasn`t as difficult to learn the language as he was familiar with it because of his family. “Learning Farsi was challenging. I learnt it over six months but what’s more important is that my grandfather came from Iran, so my mom would occasionally speak to me in this language. I was familiar with it, but not completely. Of course, all credit goes to my teacher and to everyone around me for helping me get it right”.
Tehran takes over Bandra-Worli sea link
On the eve of its ZEE5 premiere, the Mumbai landmark lit up with the film’s striking poster — an arresting sight that stopped commuters and onlookers in their tracks, phones in hand to capture the spectacle. The rare projection seamlessly merged the patriotic fervour of Independence Day week with the pulse-pounding energy of a high-stakes espionage thriller. As the Sea Link lit up against Mumbai’s night sky, it offered a moment where national pride met cinematic spectacle — an experience that felt both celebratory and immersive. John Abraham, who was present to witness the larger-than-life unveiling, described it as “a proud, unforgettable moment”, adding that being a part of Tehran has been a phenomenal journey.
John Abraham remarked, “Being part of has been a phenomenal journey. Going by my film choices over the years, it’s obvious that I have an ongoing love affair with the country — a connection that finds its way into almost everything I do on screen. My fascination with geo-politics made this story an instant draw for me. Interacting with the brilliant minds at Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service was both inspiring and humbling and watching the film’s poster light up the Bandra Worli Sea Link was a proud, unforgettable moment. I’m thankful to ZEE5 for giving Tehran such a powerful platform, and 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”.