John Abraham Interview: “I Want Honest Stories More Than Commercial Hits” – A Special Conversation on ‘Tehran’

Actor John Abraham, who has carved a niche for himself with intense films like Madras Cafe, Parmanu, and Batla House, is now back with a brave and thought-provoking subject in his new film Tehran. In a recent interview with a media house, John opened up about the film’s inspiration from real events, the experience of learning Persian and Hebrew, the decision behind an OTT release, and the complexities of his character. Let’s find out what he had to say...

What real incident is Tehran based on, and what international aspects does it highlight?

Tehran is a spy-thriller drama inspired by a true incident. The story revolves around the 2012 bomb blast targeting an Israeli diplomat in Delhi and the international developments that followed. The film explores the geopolitics, espionage, and conflicts involving countries like India, Iran, Israel, and Russia. It’s not just the story of a mission—it reveals the harsh truths of the real world.

What kind of preparation did you do for this film, and how challenging was this role for you?

For this role, I learned Persian and Hebrew for six months to bring complete authenticity to the character. Personally, it was very special for me because my mother is Iranian. This story connects deeply with my roots—my heritage and culture. This wasn’t just an acting challenge; the role was emotionally very close to my heart.

Why is the film releasing on OTT and not in theatres?

Look, this film uses multiple foreign languages—Persian, Hebrew—and connecting with audiences in a theatrical setting through subtitles can be difficult. Also, considering the film deals with a sensitive and complex international subject, there were some risks involved with a theatrical release. So we felt an OTT platform—especially Zee5—would allow this film to reach a wider and more suitable audience.

Is Tehran a patriotic film? Or does it offer something more?

I wouldn’t call it just a patriotic film. Yes, patriotism is a part of it, but the story also deals with humanity, espionage, duty, and the dilemma of making the right decisions for one’s country. My character isn’t your typical ‘ideal’ patriot—he questions, reflects, and evolves over time. That’s what makes this film beautiful—it shows truth, not just slogans.

You’ve often chosen films with strong social and political themes like Madras Cafe and Parmanu. Do you value a film’s honesty and message more than its commercial success?

I’ve always wanted my films to say something different. Be it Madras Cafe or Parmanu, I’ve chosen stories that make people think. For me, the honesty of a film is more important than its commercial success. If a film is made truthfully, I’m not afraid of failure.

Making a spy-based film is a major challenge, with the need to balance story, suspense, and emotion. What inspired you to choose this subject?

For me, being a spy represents the most selfless form of service to the nation. It’s not just about a mission—it’s about a life of sacrifice, without identity, without fame, without recognition. My character doesn’t show overt patriotism, but rather raises the kinds of questions a true patriot must ask. That’s what makes it special.

Your recent film, Saiyaara, has received immense success. How do you feel about that?

I’m genuinely very happy about the tremendous success of Saiyaara. Even though I didn’t work with Mohit Suri this time, the love the film received from audiences gave me great satisfaction. It has created a special place in people’s hearts—that means a lot to me. I’ve also had the chance to work with Aditya Chopra in the blockbuster Dhoom, which was another memorable experience. I feel proud that my journey has included such diversity and beautiful memories.

Tehran features John Abraham along with Manushi Chhillar, Neeru Bajwa, and Madhurima Tuli. The film is produced by Maddock Films and directed by Arun Gopalan. The screenplay is written by Ritesh Shah and Ashish P. Verma. The film will release on Zee5 on August 14, 2025.

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