Global | 1st August 2025 – ZEE5 Global, the world’s leading streaming platform for South Asian content available across 190+ countries, announced the premiere of Maddock Films’ latest offering Tehran—a taut geo-political spy thriller starring John Abraham, Manushi Chhillar, Neeru Bajwa, and Madhurima Tuli. The film will release this Indian Independence Day, 14th August 2025.
Directed by Arun Gopalan, Tehran is a fictionalized story inspired by true events and set against the simmering global tensions between Israel and Iran. It explores the shadowy world of international espionage where one man’s allegiance could shift the balance between loyalty and betrayal. As shown in the trailer, the narrative is inspired by the real-life 2012 bomb explosion near the Israeli Embassy in Delhi, which led to a chain of complex diplomatic consequences. John Abraham plays ACP Rajeev Kumar, who is drawn into a covert operation that spans continents, ideologies, and fractured alliances. As the mission unfolds, the lines between right and wrong begin to blur. The question looms: is Rajeev a silent patriot shaping India’s future from the shadows—or a rogue officer acting on his own terms?
The film features compelling performances not just by John Abraham but also by Neeru Bajwa, Manushi Chhillar, and Madhurima Tuli. Tehran offers more than just a globe-trotting espionage tale—it presents a psychological and political labyrinth that examines international politics, deception, and moral ambiguity.
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Kaveri Das, Business Head – Hindi ZEE5, stated that ZEE5 Global is committed to stories that do more than entertain—they provoke thought and reflect current global realities. She expressed pride in premiering Tehran this Independence Day, calling it a gripping tale of espionage and inner conflict that examines the grey areas between loyalty and betrayal.
Producer Dinesh Vijan emphasized that Tehran brings focus to the human element behind global events. He noted that the film is about a man’s conscience and how one life can influence international relations. It’s a genre rarely explored in Indian cinema, but Maddock Films approached it with the same heart and soul they bring to all their stories.
Director Arun Gopalan described the film as a mirror reflecting a fractured world—filled with shifting loyalties, blurred identities, and the human cost of global politics. He praised the cast, especially John Abraham and Manushi Chhillar, for authentically portraying the high-stakes and emotionally heavy characters in the story.
John Abraham, who plays the lead, shared that Tehran is one of the most intense and layered roles of his career. His character, ACP Rajeev Kumar, is constantly torn between duty and conscience, making the story compelling and real. He expressed pride in being part of a film that dares to explore complex themes and called Tehran India’s first true international film.
Neeru Bajwa added that the film is unlike anything she’s done before. Her character is emotionally strong, morally grounded, and unafraid to stand her ground in a chaotic world. She said it was a proud moment for her to be part of a bold and timely story that challenges viewers to think deeply.
Tehran will premiere exclusively on ZEE5 Global on 14th August 2025.