NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Maddock Films, the studio behind hits like Stree and Mimi, has released its latest project Tehran on Netflix worldwide. The geo-political spy thriller stars John Abraham, Manushi Chhillar, Neeru Bajwa, and Madhurima Tuli, and marks the directorial debut of Arun Gopalan.
Inspired by true events, Tehran takes its cue from the 2012 bomb explosion near the Israeli Embassy in Delhi. The story follows a man betrayed by Iran, abandoned by Israel, and deserted by India, set against the backdrop of global diplomacy and covert intelligence wars.
Shot across Glasgow and India, the film stays true to its international setting by weaving together Hindi, English, Farsi, and Hebrew dialogues. The production focused on authenticity, from cultural references to linguistic detail. John Abraham even trained in Hebrew, taking help from former Chelsea Football Club coach Avram Grant to get his pronunciation right.
Abraham, known for politically charged roles in films like Madras Café and The Diplomat, called Tehran one of his career-best performances. “Geo-political thrillers are a genre I deeply believe in, and we poured our hearts into Tehran,” he said. “The incredible response from audiences shows there is a global hunger for bold cinema, films that ignite conversation and connect with people on a real, thought-provoking level.”
Director Arun Gopalan said his vision centered around the theme of trust. “In espionage, trust is the real currency, and it’s often in short supply. Our film tries to show the human cost of that reality, and the quiet dignity of those who still choose to trust despite the risks,” he said.
With its blend of international intrigue, psychological depth, and raw human drama, Tehran adds a new dimension to Indian cinema’s global storytelling. The film is now streaming on Netflix.
