Manoj Bajpayee's 'Last Man in Tower' opens Sept. 11 in India
Manoj Bajpayee's "Last Man in Tower," an adaptation of Aravind Adiga's novel, will open in Indian theaters on September 11, 2026. Rana Daggubati's Spirit Media has unveiled the first teaser for the Ben Rekhi-directed drama, marking the company's debut Hindi feature and the first on-screen pairing of Bajpayee and Boman Irani. Divya Dutta completes the principal cast in the community drama.
Key Takeaways
- "Last Man in Tower" arrives in Indian theaters on Sept. 11 following the debut of its first teaser.
- The film adapts Aravind Adiga's novel and stars Manoj Bajpayee, Boman Irani, and Divya Dutta.
- Spirit Media, founded by Rana Daggubati in 2005, is releasing its first Hindi feature production.
- Ben Rekhi directs from a screenplay by Sooni Taraporevala, with Hindi dialogue by Juhi Chaturvedi.
- The story centers on a retired schoolteacher whose quiet resistance tests his community's compromises.
What Is 'Last Man in Tower' About?
Adapted from Adiga's novel of the same name—the author also wrote Booker-winning "The White Tiger"—the film follows Masterji, a retired schoolteacher. His refusal to go along with those around him places him in direct conflict with his own community.
His act of quiet resistance ripples outward, throwing into relief the choices and compromises of neighbors, including Mrs. Puri, as an offer of change tests what each of them is willing to hold on to. Director Ben Rekhi called it "an urgent story about holding onto community and family through turbulent times."
When Does 'Last Man in Tower' Release in India?
Spirit Media confirmed that "Last Man in Tower" opens in Indian theaters on Sept. 11. The company shared the project's first teaser ahead of the September rollout, giving audiences an early look at the ensemble drama.
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Who Stars in 'Last Man in Tower'?
Manoj Bajpayee leads the principal trio alongside Boman Irani and Divya Dutta, with Sukant Goel also in the cast. Rekhi said witnessing Bajpayee and Irani—"two giants of cinema"—work together for the first time was the most rewarding part of production.
Music is by Govind Vasantha, with cinematography by Rangarajan Ramabadran. Additional producers include Guneet Dogra and Pratiksha Rao. Full details on the release and teaser are available via Variety.
Why Does This Release Matter for Spirit Media?
The September release is a milestone for Spirit Media, the Hyderabad-based company Daggubati founded in 2005. "Last Man in Tower" is the outfit's first Hindi feature production.
Daggubati said the story finds "something universal in the lives of a very specific group of people" and marks Spirit Media's continued effort toward fresh stories for big-screen audiences. Rekhi, whose credits include SXSW Audience Award winner "Waterborne," directs his sixth feature.