Rana Daggubati says meaningful cinema must be given due space
Rana Daggubati believes films driven by strong stories should continue to coexist with large-scale commercial spectacles.
Through his production and distribution venture Spirit Media, Rana has supported projects including ‘All We Imagine as Light’, ‘Sabar Bonda’ and ‘Shape of Momo’. His upcoming project ‘Last Man in Tower’ represents another significant step, as it marks his banner’s first Hindi production.
Speaking about his approach to filmmaking, Rana said that unconventional and story-focused cinema remains an important part of his company’s vision.
He acknowledged that theatrical business had faced difficulties in recent years but believes audiences are gradually returning to theatres. According to him, viewers may spend time consuming short-form content, but there remains a desire for substantial stories that can be experienced collectively on the big screen.
Rana explained that ‘Last Man in Tower’ explores issues that are increasingly relevant to modern cities. The film looks at what happens when rapid development forces people to choose between emotional attachments and the promise of a better future.
Directed by Ben Rekhi, the film explores the tension between capitalism and community while also examining complicated human relationships. Manoj Bajpayee and Divya Dutta portray characters who cannot easily be classified as either completely good or bad.
Manoj revealed that he read Aravind Adiga’s novel, on which the film is based, after agreeing to be part of the project. He described the characters as morally complex, with each person having their own motivations and perspective.
Divya Dutta, who plays Mrs Puri, said she was attracted to the character’s combination of vulnerability, ambition, protectiveness and affection. She also praised Manoj’s performance and recalled how their creative interactions during filming often happened spontaneously.
The two actors also spoke about their memories of Mumbai and how dramatically the city has changed over the years. They recalled a time when neighbourhoods felt more closely connected and residents knew more about the people living around them.
Divya also spoke about the response to her recent OTT series ‘Chiraiya’, which dealt with difficult social themes and received both appreciation and criticism. She said the most important aspect for her was that the project encouraged people to discuss experiences they might otherwise find difficult to share.
According to Divya, ‘Last Man in Tower’ similarly focuses on human connection and the importance of community. She believes the film can remind audiences of the compassion and sense of togetherness that can sometimes get lost in the rush of modern city life.