Releasing on August 14, Tehran is ZEE5 Global’s upcoming high-stakes drama from Maddock Films, directed by Arun Gopalan. Starring John Abraham in the lead alongside Manushi Chhillar, Neeru Bajwa, and an ensemble cast, the film will stream across 190+ countries on ZEE5 Global, the world’s leading streaming platform for South Asian content. Moving away from conventional action spectacles, Tehran offers a grounded, layered portrayal of conflict, both personal and political.
The film follows ACP Rajiv Kumar, played by John Abraham, as he’s drawn into a mission where loyalties shift and nothing is as it seems. Sharing the screen with Manushi Chhillar and Neeru Bajwa, John makes this role his own in more ways than one. In recent interviews, John Abraham has spoken about drawing on his Iranian heritage through his mother for the role. He recalled growing up hearing snatches of Farsi at home, and for Tehran, taking the extra step of learning both Farsi and Hebrew over several months to lend ACP Rajiv Kumar a cultural and linguistic authenticity that feels lived-in.
John’s portrayal of ACP Rajiv Kumar captures a man navigating the razor’s edge between duty and doubt while operating in a high-pressure, high-stakes environment. The story places him at the centre of unfolding geopolitical tensions, forcing him to make choices that test both his training and his personal convictions. His ability to inhabit the role with precision makes it stand out from his previous work.
Manushi Chhillar steps in as S.I. Divya Rana, a determined and resourceful young officer whose commitment to the mission adds drive and intensity to the story. Neeru Bajwa’s Sheilaja is a formidable presence, layered, grounded, and compelling, whose involvement deepens the emotional and narrative stakes. Together, the cast creates a tight, engaging ensemble that pulls viewers into Tehran’s world from the very first frame.
With its sharp writing, credible world-building, and an ensemble cast delivering standout performances, Tehran is set to be one of the most anticipated titles on ZEE5 Global this year. Streaming in over 190 countries, the film brings together action, drama, and cultural nuance in a way that ensures it will resonate with audiences both in India and across the diaspora.