Last Man in Tower: Manoj Bajpayee, Boman Irani and Divya Dutta’s Drama to Premiere on ZEE5 on November 6

A disagreement over a home becomes a battle between personal conviction and collective interest in Last Man in Tower, the Hindi drama starring Manoj Bajpayee, Boman Irani and Divya Dutta. Directed by Ben Rekhi and produced by Rana Daggubati's Spirit Media, the film is scheduled for its Hindi ZEE5 premiere on November 6, 2026.

Based on Aravind Adiga's novel of the same name, the story unfolds inside a Mumbai housing society where a lucrative redevelopment proposal divides neighbours. At the centre is a retired teacher who refuses to surrender the apartment in which he has spent years of his life, even as the rest of the residents move towards accepting the offer.

Manoj Bajpayee plays a retired teacher who refuses to leave

Bajpayee portrays Yogesh Mishra, popularly known as Masterji. His refusal to vacate his home puts him in direct conflict with residents who see redevelopment as an opportunity for a better future.

The character is not presented as an uncomplicated hero. In comments carried by Bollywood Hungama, Bajpayee said the ambiguity of Yogesh was one of the reasons he accepted the role. The actor was interested in portraying a man who stands firmly by his beliefs while leaving viewers to decide whether his position is right or wrong.

The conflict also has a larger connection to Mumbai's changing landscape. Redevelopment has transformed neighbourhoods across the city, often bringing financial opportunities alongside difficult decisions about leaving familiar homes and communities.

Boman Irani and Divya Dutta bring different sides of the conflict

Boman Irani plays Dharmen Shah, the property developer attempting to move the redevelopment project forward. His character represents the interests behind the proposed transformation of the building.

Divya Dutta plays Sangita Puri, a housewife whose desire to secure a better life for her son, who has special needs, places her at odds with Yogesh.

Dutta has explained that she was drawn to the film because it does not reduce its characters to simple categories of right and wrong. Each resident has personal circumstances, aspirations and reasons for supporting or opposing the proposal.

This gives the central disagreement several layers. For one resident, the apartment represents memories and a lifetime of attachment. For another, redevelopment could mean financial security or a chance to improve family circumstances.

A story adapted from Aravind Adiga's novel

The film is based on Last Man in Tower, the novel by Booker Prize-winning author Aravind Adiga. Its premise offers a setting in which a seemingly ordinary housing-society decision gradually becomes a test of relationships, loyalty and individual values.

Sooni Taraporevala has adapted the novel for the screen, with Juhi Chaturvedi credited for the dialogues. The film is directed by Ben Rekhi.

Rekhi has spoken about the experience of bringing Adiga's book to the screen and highlighted the opportunity to see Bajpayee and Irani work together for the first time in this film. He described the story as one about holding on to community and family during turbulent times.

The ensemble also includes Sukant Goel, Harish Khanna, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Ujjwal Chopra and Swaroopa Ghosh.

When and where to watch Last Man in Tower?

Last Man in Tower is scheduled to premiere in Hindi on ZEE5 on November 6, 2026.

The film's official promotional trailer had earlier announced a September 11, 2026 release. ZEE5's catalogue also lists September 11 as the film's release date. The November 6 announcement therefore refers to the announced Hindi streaming premiere, rather than the film's original release date.

The Celebrity Hour Take

The premise of Last Man in Tower gives it relevance beyond a conventional neighbourhood drama. Redevelopment is often discussed through property values, new buildings and financial offers, but the decision to leave a home can involve years of memories, relationships and a sense of belonging.

The film's strongest dramatic possibility lies in refusing to make the disagreement too simple. Yogesh's attachment to his home and the other residents' hopes for a better future can exist at the same time. With Bajpayee, Irani and Dutta playing characters with different motivations, the story has room to explore the human cost of a decision that might otherwise look like a straightforward property transaction.

Sources & Verification

The article uses the ZEE5 catalogue listing, the official trailer published by Zee Music Company, and the November 3, 2026 announcement and cast comments reported by Bollywood Hungama. The November 6 date is attributed to the Hindi ZEE5 premiere announcement. The September 11 date appears separately in the trailer and ZEE5 catalogue listing.