Tehran

Tehran starts promisingly with a gripping first 30 minutes that effectively builds tension around the 2012 Israeli diplomat bombing case. John Abraham delivers his usual restrained performance, and the initial setup feels authentic with solid production values and realistic atmosphere.

However, the film quickly derails after the strong opening act. The second half-hour becomes increasingly convoluted with poor pacing and questionable plot developments that strain credibility. What begins as a promising geopolitical thriller deteriorates into typical Bollywood formula filmmaking.

The final act is where Tehran completely falls apart, abandoning any pretense of logic or coherent storytelling. The film resorts to tired Bollywood tropes, over-the-top action sequences that feel disconnected from the serious subject matter, and plot twists that make little sense within the established narrative framework.

While the Iranian actors bring authenticity to their roles and the technical aspects remain decent throughout, the script's inability to maintain its initial promise becomes increasingly frustrating. The film wastes its compelling real-world foundation with lazy writing and formulaic execution that undermines the sensitive subject matter.

Rating: 4/10 - A wasted opportunity that squanders a strong start with poor storytelling choices.

I think the movie was well thought out. The various challenges faced by the team investigating the assassinations could have been better presented.

One misguided notion the director went with was to consider the state of Georgia of the United States of America same as the country Georgia in eastern Europe where the original incident happened in Feb 2012. I am taking away a star due to this.

Tehran doesn't offer neat resolutions, and that's part of its brilliance. RK's mission is filled with moments where he could give up yet he doesn't. The interplay between political pressure, personal loss, and the unrelenting pursuit of truth is what makes this more than just another spy thriller. The abandonment by his own country feels like the ultimate betrayal, but also the ultimate test of his character. This is a film that stays with you, urging you to think about the hidden costs of national security games.

This story is based on a true-life incident involving an Indian police officer who goes to great lengths to avenge the death of a child. It delves into the complexities of global politics, showcasing how various state-level actors prioritize their own interests despite the odds stacked against them. While the story is undoubtedly inspiring, the screenplay could have been more well-crafted, making it predictable at times. However, the action sequences are visually appealing and believable, which adds to the overall viewing experience. If you're free in the evening after your work, I would recommend giving this movie a watch.

The film is a solid attempt at showcasing the complex world of inter-country intelligence and counter-terrorism operations at the foreign special operations level. It gives viewers a glimpse into the high-stakes environment where strategy, secrecy, and split-second decisions can alter the course of events.

As expected from a John Abraham movie, the story and script are anchored in realism, much like his remarkable performance in Madras Café, which set a very high benchmark. Naturally, that built anticipation for a film that could deliver cinema grounded deeply in real events and nuanced storytelling.

However, while the intent was strong, the execution fell slightly short. The action sequences lacked the rawness of real-life firefights; instead, they were often overshadowed by stylized heroism and cinematic dramatization. This took away some of the authenticity that a film rooted in real-world conflicts deserves.

In short, the movie works well as an engaging thriller, but for those expecting a gritty, true-to-life portrayal of covert operations, it leaves a bit to be desired.

Verdict: Worth watching for the subject and John Abraham's presence, but don't expect the same layered realism of Madras Café.