John Abraham recently opened up about his recently released spy-thriller, Tehran and said that it featured actors from Iran and Israel for the respective roles. He said that it added a certain authenticity to the film which gave it an international tone.
John said, “One of the most beautiful aspects of shooting Tehran was that the Iranians actually played the Iranians, and the Israelis played the Israelis. That authenticity gave the film a truly international tone. As an actor, it was incredibly enriching to work alongside people who brought their lived culture and language into the story.”
But what left a deeper impression on him were the moments between takes. “During breaks, we’d all sit at one table - sharing food, exchanging stories about our families, laughing, talking about life. These were people from countries that are often seen as being in conflict, yet here we were, just human beings connecting on a deeply personal level. That’s the magic of cinema, it rises above politics and creates space for connection and understanding,” John said.
Directed by Arun Gopalan, Tehran also stars Manushi Chhillar, Neeru Bajwa, and Madhurima Tuli in pivotal roles. The film dives deep into a high-stakes world of espionage, political intrigue, and shifting allegiances as an Indian agent investigates a bombing case in Delhi in 2012 and goes to Iran where his own country abandons him on the mission.
Speaking about his character earlier, John said, “Playing ACP Rajeev Kumar in Tehran has been one of the most intense and layered roles of my career as he is not your conventional patriot. He’s a man constantly torn between duty and conscience, and that moral conflict is what makes this story so compelling. This film isn’t about good versus evil—it’s about navigating the grey.”
The film was released on ZEE5 on August 14. It is also available to stream on Netflix.
John was also seen in another political-thriller, The Diplomat which released in theatres earlier this year.
