Ben Rekhi's 'Last Man in Tower' Explores Mumbai's Redevelopment Challenges

In 2026, filmmaker Ben Rekhi presents 'Last Man in Tower,' a poignant exploration of Mumbai's redevelopment challenges. Adapted from Aravind Adiga's novel, the film stars Manoj Bajpayee as Yogesh Mishra, a retired teacher resisting a redevelopment proposal. As tensions rise among neighbors, the film delves into themes of community, loneliness, and the moral dilemmas of urban change. Rekhi, who has lived in Mumbai for four years, draws on his experiences to create a relatable narrative. With a focus on character depth and emotional resonance, 'Last Man in Tower' promises to engage audiences with its timely message.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 4, 2026, 09:12 IST

Ben Rekhi's Cinematic Journey in 2026

In 2026, American filmmaker Ben Rekhi has made significant strides in his career. His documentary, Breaking the Code, which focuses on his father, Indian-American entrepreneur Kanwal Rekhi, was showcased at various film festivals earlier this year. Additionally, his feature film Last Man in Tower is set to hit theaters on September 11.

A Hindi Adaptation of a Powerful Novel

The Hindi film, adapted by Sooni Taraporevala from Aravind Adiga's acclaimed novel, features Manoj Bajpayee in the lead role. Co-produced by Rana Daggubati, it will be released in cinemas on September 11.

Bajpayee portrays Yogesh Mishra, a retired educator who stands against a redevelopment proposal for his long-standing residence in Mumbai. Known as Masterji, he finds himself increasingly isolated in his fight against builder Dharmesh Shah, played by Boman Irani.

Conflict Among Neighbors

Initially, Yogesh receives support from his neighbors, but their allegiance shifts as the story unfolds. His neighbor, Sangeeta Puri, portrayed by Divya Dutta, emerges as a significant opponent. Even Yogesh's son, Gaurav, played by Sukant Goel, turns against his father's principled stance, viewing it as a threat to their way of life.

Rekhi's Connection to Mumbai

Although Rekhi was born and raised in California, he has resided in Mumbai for the past four years. His experiences in the bustling city, particularly its relentless redevelopment, have greatly influenced Last Man in Tower. In an interview, he shared insights about his relationship with Mumbai.

What is your connection to Mumbai?

Having a Punjabi father and an American mother, I have visited India throughout my life, with my first trip to Mumbai in 2008. I now spend a significant part of the year here.

The extent of redevelopment is astonishing; no area remains untouched. This aspect makes the film relatable.

Adiga's novel, written in 2011, was remarkably ahead of its time, accurately predicting the current state of affairs.

The Adaptation Process

How did the project begin?

I met Aravind years ago and expressed my admiration for his work. I was honored when he entrusted me with the adaptation.

Acquiring the rights took nearly a decade, with the first step being to bring Sooni Taraporevala on board, who has become my closest collaborator.

What challenges did you face adapting the novel?

Adapting a 419-page novel into a 97-minute film is no small task. The story is expansive, filled with numerous characters and subplots. The challenge was to distill the essence while adding new layers.

The book portrays a community of neighbors who have shared joys and sorrows, resembling a dysfunctional family.

Maintaining the Novel's Tone

The adaptation focused on preserving the novel's tone. Adiga's writing is both humorous and tragic, reflecting the complexities of the human experience. This balance is challenging to convey on screen.

At every stage, we ensured fidelity to the source material, with Sooni's expertise guiding the process. Her contributions were invaluable.

Juhi Chaturvedi crafted the Hindi dialogue, and the collaboration among Adiga, Sooni, and Juhi was pivotal. The film truly came alive with Manoj Bajpayee's involvement.

Adiga's Role in the Film's Development

Was Aravind Adiga involved in the film's creation?

No, he chose to remain uninvolved, similar to his approach with The White Tiger. He recognized that the book was his domain, while the film belonged to us, allowing us creative freedom.

Exploring the Film's Tone

The film's tone differs from the book, opting for a more measured approach. The darker elements of the novel could confuse viewers, and we aimed to emphasize the dramatic aspects instead.

While the film leans into human drama, it retains the essence of the book's situations.

Themes of Redevelopment and Community

What does Last Man in Tower convey about Mumbai's redevelopment?

Set within a close-knit housing society, the film reflects broader societal issues, highlighting the tension between individual needs and community welfare.

It presents a moral ambiguity, allowing audiences to empathize with both Masterji and Sangeeta. The film encourages self-reflection, making it relatable.

Additionally, it addresses themes of loneliness in a rapidly changing world, emphasizing the importance of community and relationships over material pursuits.

Conversations with Manoj Bajpayee

What discussions did you have with Manoj Bajpayee?

Casting was crucial, as Yogesh is a complex character. Manoj's ability to portray psychological depth was essential.

We discussed whether Masterji is likable and the implications of his stubbornness. His actions have real consequences, especially regarding his relationship with his son.

Manoj's portrayal captures the character's truth, regardless of audience likability.

Divya Dutta's Impactful Performance

Divya Dutta plays a pivotal role, delivering a powerful performance as a mother of a special needs child. Her character's struggles reflect the sacrifices women often make for their families.

Divya's willingness to embrace challenging scenes showcases her bravery and dedication to the story.

Challenges of Filming in Mumbai

What challenges did you face in finding locations?

Ironically, the film's setting requires old-style buildings that are increasingly rare due to redevelopment. We had to search extensively in Mumbai's suburbs to find suitable locations.

It was a challenging process, but we ultimately succeeded.