Last Man in Tower has arrived in theatres, and critics are calling it a powerful drama about money, dignity, and the cost of progress. The film stars Manoj Bajpayee as a retired schoolteacher who refuses to sell his Mumbai flat. Divya Dutta plays a neighbour who becomes his strongest opponent. Boman Irani plays the builder who wants the building torn down. Directed by Ben Rekhi, the film is based on Aravind Adiga‘s novel of the same name. It released on September 11, 2026.
What the Film Is About
The story takes place in Vishram Cooperative Housing Society, an old building in Mumbai’s Vakola suburb. The residents are mostly middle-class families who have lived there for years. Masterji, played by Manoj Bajpayee, is a widowed retired teacher. He lives alone in a flat full of memories of his late wife. He tutors local children and keeps to himself.
A builder named Dharmen Shah, played by Boman Irani, makes the residents an offer. He wants to buy the building and build a luxury high-rise in its place. The offer is two and a half times the market price. The deal requires every resident to agree. At first, many people say no, including Masterji. But the money is too good for most to refuse. One by one, the neighbours agree to sell. Masterji still says no.
His refusal sets off a chain of events that turns friends into enemies. The same neighbours who once respected him begin to pressure him. They cut off his water and electricity. They vandalise his door. They stop talking to him. His own son, played by Sukant Goel, urges him to take the money. Masterji stands alone.
Manoj Bajpayee Leads a Strong Cast
Manoj Bajpayee plays Masterji with a quiet strength that holds the film together. Critics have praised his performance as the moral centre of the story. The Indian Express review noted that Bajpayee “is the unbending moral centre of the film, a role he gravitates towards with practised ease.” The Times of India called him “the soul of the film” and said he proves once again why he is one of India’s finest actors.
The Hindustan Times review described the film as a “chilling exploration of greed and human nature.” It praised Bajpayee for making Masterji a character the audience can root for, even when he stands alone against everyone else.
Boman Irani plays the builder Dharmen Shah. His character is not a simple villain. The Cinema Express review pointed out that Shah has his own limits, and there is a moment where the audience understands why men like him can afford to draw a line. Irani brings a calm, calculating presence to the role.
Divya Dutta Shines as Mrs Puri
Divya Dutta plays Sangeeta Puri, a mother raising a son with special needs. She is one of the first neighbours to turn against Masterji. She wants the money to secure a better future for her child. Her desperation makes her Masterji’s chief adversary.
The Times of India review called Dutta “a force of nature” as she goes head-to-head with Bajpayee. It said she delivers a “heartbreaking performance” and emerges as an outstanding parallel lead. The Indian Express noted that this is Dutta’s second stand-out role in 2026, after Chiraiyaa. The Hindustan Times said her character is “the peak of how greed takes over one’s sensibilities.”
Dutta’s performance shows a woman who is flawed but also understandable. She is not written as a villain. She is a mother who is scared and tired, and the money offers her a way out. Her choices are painful to watch, and Dutta makes every moment count.
A Story About Greed and Human Nature
The film asks a simple but hard question: what is a home worth? Is it the walls, the memories, or the price someone is willing to pay? The Hindustan Times review opened with these questions and said the film wastes little time in putting them front and centre.
Ben Rekhi directs with a focus on the slow turning of neighbours against each other. The Hindu review called it a “gripping moral battleground.” It noted that the film shows how “peer pressure, fear, and financial temptation can turn ordinary people against dissenting neighbours.” The Indian Express said the film does not villainise the residents who want to sell. It shows why Mrs Puri is so keen to be part of the change, and why Masterji is so resistant.
The film is short, running just 97 minutes. The Times of India said the beauty of the film lies in its ability to show “contradictory viewpoints without declaring one entirely right or wrong.” The characters are layered, flawed, and real.
Critical Reception and Ratings
Reviews for Last Man in Tower have been largely positive. Here is a quick look at what critics said:
- Hindustan Times: 3.5/5 – Called it a “chilling exploration of greed and human nature.”
- Times of India: 4/5 – Said it is “poignant, relevant, and haunting.”
- Cinema Express: 3/5 – Praised the performances but noted some tonal issues.
- The Hindu: Called it a “timely portrait of middle-class desperation.”
- Indian Express: Said Bajpayee is “the unbending moral centre.”
The Wikipedia page for the film notes that it “received positive reviews from the critics.” The film is produced by Rana Daggubati‘s Spirit Media. The screenplay is by Sooni Taraporevala, with dialogues by Juhi Chaturvedi. The music is by Govind Vasantha.
Related:
Release Details and Where to Watch
Last Man in Tower released in Indian theatres on September 11, 2026. It is a Hindi language film with a runtime of 97 minutes. The film has a UA certificate.
For global audiences, the film is currently playing in cinemas across India, the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, and other regions where Indian films are released. Viewers outside India should check their local cinema listings for showtimes. Streaming details have not been announced yet. The film is produced by Spirit Media, the production house founded by Rana Daggubati.
For more reviews and updates on the latest Hindi films, keep reading VvipTimes.
Leave a Reply