In his directorial debut, Tehran, filmmaker Arun Gopalan examines the Israel-Iran conflict through a human lens, focusing on the resilience of individuals caught in geopolitical turmoil rather than the politics itself. Released on ZEE5 on August 15, 2025, and recently available on Netflix, the film stars John Abraham as Special Cell Officer Rajeev Kumar, navigating a covert operation sparked by a 2012 bombing targeting an Israeli diplomat in New Delhi.

Gopalan, in an interview with PTI on August 31, 2025, described his initial vision of grand visuals across Tehran, Delhi, and Abu Dhabi but emphasized that the story’s heart lies in the people bearing the conflict’s weight. “It’s not about the countries involved, no one is wrong,” he said, highlighting the film’s focus on human endurance.

The film’s relevance is amplified by recent escalations in Iran-Israel tensions, with direct confrontations across the Middle East in 2025 mirroring its narrative. Gopalan noted the timely release, stating, “The whole world now knows why they’re fighting a war,” eliminating the need to explain the conflict’s context.

Working with Abraham proved collaborative, with the actor contributing ideas, particularly on music, to shape the film. Featuring Manushi Chhillar, Alyy Khan, and Neeru Bajwa, Tehran blends espionage, action, and emotional depth, drawing audiences into a high-stakes chase across borders. Gopalan’s storytelling avoids taking sides, instead spotlighting the personal struggles within global conflicts.

Looking ahead, Gopalan is developing two new projects: Malakal, a thriller set in South Sudan featuring Abraham as one of a group of stranded Indian soldiers, and Tariq, a moving true story about a wrongfully imprisoned man and the officer who fights for his freedom. Unlike Tehran, Tariq leans into emotional storytelling with minimal action, showcasing Gopalan’s versatility.

With Tehran gaining traction for its relevance and human-centric narrative, Gopalan’s debut marks him as a filmmaker adept at weaving personal stories into complex geopolitical landscapes, setting the stage for his upcoming ventures to further explore human resilience in crisis.

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