John Abraham transforms his action-hero image in Tehran on ZEE5, mastering Farsi and Hebrew to bring authenticity to his role.
MUMBAI: Bollywood actor John Abraham has stepped into unfamiliar yet rewarding territory with Tehran, the geopolitical action thriller that premiered globally on ZEE5 on 14 August 2025. Best known for his high-octane action films, John has reinvented himself in the role of ACP Rajiv Kumar, a morally conflicted figure caught in the middle of international tensions.
Unlike his usual larger-than-life persona, John’s latest character is layered with hesitation and vulnerability. He explained in interviews that Tehran required him to express the burden of difficult choices through subtle emotions rather than dramatic action sequences. This marked a distinct shift for the actor, who until now was celebrated for unshakable roles in films such as Dhoom and Satyameva Jayate.
What sets Tehran apart is John’s preparation. He committed six months to learning Farsi and Hebrew to portray his role with authenticity. Calling Farsi both “challenging and beautiful,” he believed that speaking in native languages added realism to the story. His dedication reflects a growing seriousness about evolving beyond the conventional Bollywood action mould.
The series also tapped into John’s personal interest in global politics. He shared how he regularly follows international news, which helped him understand the context of Middle Eastern geopolitics that form the backdrop of Tehran. This curiosity gave him the depth to deliver a performance rooted in conviction rather than superficial thrills.
Directed by Arun Gopalan and produced by Maddock Films with Bake My Cake Films, Tehran co-stars Manushi Chhillar and Neeru Bajwa. Written by Ritesh Shah, Ashish P. Verma, and Bindni Karia, the series blends espionage, conflict, and personal struggle, showcasing John Abraham in a new artistic space defined by restraint and realism.
