Actor John Abraham is set to premiere his geopolitical thriller Tehran on August 14 via ZEE5. Inspired by the 2012 bombing targeting Israeli diplomats in New Delhi, the film follows ACP Rajeev Kumar (played by John) as he becomes entangled in a tense India–Israel–Iran conflict. Directed by Arun Gopalan and produced by Maddock Films, Tehran tackles sensitive international themes and was denied a theatrical release due to political concerns, a decision John called “heartbreaking.”
In a candid conversation with India Today, John addressed the current wave of nationalist films in India, citing Chhaava and The Kashmir Files. While acknowledging their box-office triumphs—Chhaava earning nearly ₹800 crore and The Kashmir Files winning the National Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration—he expressed discomfort with politically polarised storytelling.
“I’m not right or left wing. I’m apolitical,” John said. “When films are made to sway people in a hyper-political environment and such films find an audience, that’s worrying. I’ve never been tempted, and I never will, to make those kinds of films. I choose to stay true to my vision rather than take the commercial route.”
John stressed the importance of balanced censorship and personal responsibility in filmmaking. His stance underlines a commitment to artistic integrity over profit-driven political narratives.
With Tehran, John aims to deliver a gripping, issue-driven thriller that remains grounded in realism—without leaning into partisan agendas