I Will Never Do A Movie Like 'The Kashmir Files': John Abraham Opens Up Ahead Of 'Tehran'
Actor John Abraham, who is currently promoting his upcoming film Tehran, has made it clear that he has no interest in venturing into the space of hyper-nationalistic cinema.
In a recent interview, the 52-year-old star addressed the popularity of films such as The Kashmir Files and Chhaava, both of which have been commercial successes but stirred debates over their political undertones.
John, known for his work in geopolitical thrillers and action dramas, shared his perspective candidly. “We need censorship, but how it’s overseen raises questions. I am apolitical—not right or left wing- and I have been responsible for the films I’ve made. What concerns me is that right-wing films find huge audiences. As a filmmaker, you have to decide whether to follow commercial trends or stay true to your vision. I have chosen the latter,” he told India Today.
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When asked if he would ever consider creating films like The Kashmir Files or Chhaava, John was firm in his response. “I haven’t seen Chhaava, but I know people have loved it, as well as The Kashmir Files. However, films made to influence people in a hyper-political environment scare me. To answer, I have never been tempted, and I never will make those kinds of films.”
Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal, tells the story of Sambhaji Maharaj, the Maratha ruler who resisted the Mughal Empire. Despite its box office success, the film has been criticised for historical inaccuracies.
The Kashmir Files, directed by Vivek Agnihotri, depicted the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits. It won the National Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration, but also sparked widespread debate for what many described as its extreme nationalist tone.
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Meanwhile, John is gearing up for the release of Tehran, a political action thriller inspired by the 2012 attack on Israeli diplomats. Directed by Arun Gopalan and produced by Dinesh Vijan, Shobhna Yadav, Vipin Agnihotri, and Sandeep Leyzell, the film also stars Neeru Bajwa and Manushi Chhillar. It started premiering on ZEE5 on August 15, 2025, aligning with India’s Independence Day.
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