Manoj Bajpayee calls his Last Man in Tower character Masterji “stubborn and selfish”, raises concerns over the cost of development: “We have gone very far, almost to a point of no return”
With Last Man in Tower premiering on ZEE5 on November 6, Manoj Bajpayee has opened up about the complexities of his character, Masterji, and the larger questions explored in the film. The actor described his character as someone driven by conviction and nostalgia but also burdened by stubbornness and selfishness. He also spoke about the film’s commentary on development, ecological balance and changing human relationships.
Directed by Ben Rekhi, Last Man in Tower is based on Aravind Adiga’s novel of the same name. The film revolves around one man who refuses to give up his home despite pressure from the other residents of his building to agree to a redevelopment deal. Asked whether he viewed Masterji’s resistance as an act of courage, conviction or stubbornness, Bajpayee pointed to the contradictions that make the character difficult to categorise.
“Masterji’s conviction is definitely a mix of courage, conviction and stubbornness. But the complexity of the character lies in the fact that, somewhere, he is asking for understanding from other people, yet he is unable to understand their problems if he doesn’t sign the agreement,” the actor said.
He further explained that Masterji struggles to acknowledge the aspirations of other residents, who see the agreement as an opportunity to improve their families’ lives. Bajpayee added that the character is so caught up in his emotional attachment to the past that he fails to recognise perspectives beyond his own.
“He is stubborn and selfish too, and that makes him a very grey and complex character,” he said.
Manoj Bajpayee on development, greed and changing relationships
Beyond the conflict surrounding the building, the film examines the emotional significance of home and the compromises people make in pursuit of progress. Reflecting on its themes, Bajpayee expressed concern about the environmental and social consequences of development.
“What I want the audience to understand is the price we are paying for so-called development. We have gone very far, almost to a point of no return, in terms of ecological balance, and we are not stopping anywhere. The dream is turning into greed, and relationships are being measured and weighed not on the basis of intimacy but through give and take,” he said.
The actor also observed that personal ambitions are increasingly taking precedence over relationships and environmental concerns. He described this shift as a dangerous point for humanity, adding that the film’s layered writing and morally complex protagonist were among the aspects that attracted him to the project.
Produced by Rana Daggubati’s Spirit Media, Last Man in Tower also features a screenplay by Sooni Taraporevala and dialogues by Juhi Chaturvedi. Following its theatrical release on September 11, 2026, the 97-minute drama is now available to stream on ZEE5.
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