Manoj Bajpayee is set to headline a new Hindi drama as Last Man in Tower prepares to arrive in Indian theaters on September 11. The film’s teaser was released Thursday, offering audiences an early glimpse into a tense story centered on community, personal choices and the pressures that can reshape relationships.
Directed by Los Angeles-based filmmaker Ben Rekhi, the movie is adapted from Aravind Adiga’s acclaimed novel of the same name. The project brings together a prominent creative team and marks the first time Bajpayee and Boman Irani will share the screen in a feature film.
Last Man in Tower revolves around Masterji, a retired teacher whose refusal to go along with a decision favored by members of his community sets off a growing conflict. As residents confront an offer that could dramatically alter their lives, the story examines how financial interests, personal relationships and loyalty to a community can collide.
The screenplay has been written by Sooni Taraporevala, while Juhi Chaturvedi has crafted the Hindi dialogues. Divya Dutta and Sukant Goel are also part of the ensemble, adding further depth to a story driven by competing emotions and perspectives.
Rekhi described the production as a rewarding experience, particularly because it brought together Bajpayee and Irani for their first cinematic collaboration. He also praised Dutta’s contribution and said the film explores the challenge of preserving family and community connections during uncertain and turbulent periods.
The movie represents an important milestone for Spirit Media, the production company established by actor Rana Daggubati. Last Man in Tower is the company’s first Hindi-language feature production, expanding its work into a new segment of Indian cinema.
Daggubati said the story stood out because, despite focusing on a particular group of people, its themes are broadly relatable. The film explores the decisions people make, the relationships they protect and the principles they may be unwilling to compromise.
Rekhi brings an international filmmaking background to the project. His previous work includes Waterborne, which received the Audience Award at SXSW, and Watch List, which earned multiple Filipino Academy Award nominations and won two awards. His documentary short The Breakthrough Group also qualified for the 2026 Academy Awards in the documentary short category.
The film features a musical score by Govind Vasantha and cinematography by Rangarajan Ramabadran. Guneet Dogra and Pratiksha Rao have joined Daggubati as additional producers.
With its acclaimed source material, experienced cast and first-time pairing of two established actors, Last Man in Tower is shaping up as a character-driven drama ahead of its nationwide theatrical release on September 11.
