Released on Independence Day on ZEE5 Global, Tehran has drawn attention for its balance of action, emotion and patriotism, with John Abraham leading the cast as ACP Rajeev Kumar. Playing his wife Vandana is Madhurima Tuli, whose performance, though limited in screen time, has been widely appreciated for its emotional weight and quiet strength.
Directed by Arun Gopalan, Tehran is produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films. The film also stars Manushi Chhillar, Neeru Bajwa, Alyy Khan and others in pivotal roles. Set against the backdrop of international espionage and internal conflict, the narrative explores how personal sacrifices and silent strength often speak louder than action.
Tuli recently spoke to Connected to India’s Sudipto Maity about her role in Tehran, how it came to her, and what it means at this stage of her career.
“For me, Tehran stands right at the top,” she said when asked where the film ranks personally and professionally. “I thoroughly enjoyed playing Vandana. The film came out after three years, but it has turned out so well. The audience is loving it, and the appreciation I’ve received for the character has been beautiful.”
On how the role came her way, Tuli shared that it was a mix of timing and persistence. “I was doing a few music videos here and there when my managers got a call. They had shared my pictures with several production houses, and suddenly Maddock Films reached out. They wanted to consider me for this role. I read the scenes, loved them, and said yes immediately. Then for two weeks, there was no response, so I thought it wasn’t happening. But one day I got a call saying I’d been selected. Later I found out they had liked me in Baby, and were looking for a similar energy for this character.”
Despite not being a central character, Vandana’s role leaves a mark. When asked what made it connect with viewers, Tuli explained, “I went in with an open mind. When Arun sir, our director, narrated Vandana’s character, he described her as an independent woman who could be anything she wanted — but she chose to stand by her family. She’s strong, courageous, but also afraid. That fear never shows, because she suppresses it to support her husband. She understands the danger his job involves. That emotional balance is what I focused on.”
She added that the relatability of Vandana’s emotions may be what struck a chord with viewers. “I think every Indian, in some way, goes through internal turmoil. Whether it’s fear for the country, or personal anxieties during uncertain times—we learn to hide those emotions and keep going. That’s what Vandana represents.”
Tuli is no stranger to this genre. She played a key role in Baby (2015), also a thriller with patriotic themes. Reflecting on her connection with such films, she said, “I’m a very patriotic person, so I feel grateful to be part of stories like these. In Baby, I played a housewife — simple, vulnerable. In Tehran, Vandana is independent and composed, but lives with constant fear. It’s been years since I got to play such a layered role, so I was truly excited to take it on.”
When asked which film she holds closer to her heart — Baby or Tehran — Tuli paused before answering, “That’s a tough one. Baby came early in my career and marked a beautiful beginning. I got a lot of love for that role. And now with Tehran, I’m getting the same kind of love again. Both characters — Anjali Singh Rajput in Baby and Vandana in Tehran —are very close to my heart in different ways.”
Looking ahead, Tuli has a few projects lined up. “I’m doing an Amazon web film titled 1.40, alongside Sanjay Kapoor sir and Arbaaz Khan sir. I’m really excited about that one. I also have a musical short film called Bekhabar, which is for my own music channel. It’s something different and very close to me.”
With Tehran continuing to receive praise for its nuanced storytelling and restrained performances, Madhurima Tuli’s portrayal of Vandana stands out as a reminder that even supporting roles — when grounded in truth — can leave a lasting impression.
