Bigg Boss Kannada is back, and Season 12 has arrived with a bang. On September 28, the long-running reality show unveiled its latest edition with superstar host Kichcha Sudeep, who appeared in his sharp new Mark look and commanded the center stage. And true to its reputation, the premiere didn’t just roll out contestants—it rolled out spectacle, tradition, and a format-altering surprise.
This year’s launch leaned heavily on Karnataka’s cultural pride. Sudeep’s fiery introduction paid tribute to the state’s artistic heritage, blending Yakshagana, Dollu Kunitha, and the thunderous beats of Kannada Dindima into a stage spectacle that set the tone for the season ahead.
But what truly jolted the audience was the reveal of a brand-new format: Onti (solo) vs. Jenti (duo). For the first time in the Kannada franchise, contestants weren’t just entering the house—they were entering under labels determined live by viewers. If a contestant received more than 75% of the votes, they entered as a solo player. Anything less, and they were forced into a duo. It was high drama from the word go.
The first entrant, Cockroach Sudhi, set the tone when he walked in masked, declaring himself “violent and arrogant” before earning 81% of the public vote to secure his solo berth. Former anchor Jahnavi followed, brimming with confidence as she claimed victory was already hers, backed by 76% audience support. On the flip side, eccentric pairings quickly began to take shape. Dog breeder Satish—who boasted of owning a ₹100-crore dog—landed in a duo with comedian Chandraprabha, while TV actor Kavya Shaiva, known from Kothalavadi, found herself paired with comic Gilli Nataraj, who admitted bluntly that he joined the show for money.
In total, 19 contestants entered the Bigg Boss house, making up one of the most eclectic lineups yet. Familiar TV stars like Manju Bashini, Dhanush Gowda, and Abhishek Srikanth, social media faces like Mallamma, glam names like Rashika Shetty, and folk voices such as Malu Nipanal all joined the fray—each bringing their own drama, charm, and unpredictability.
The Onti (solo) camp now boasts six strong contenders: Cockraoch Sudhi, Jahnavi, Dhanush Gowda, Dhruvant (Charith Balappa), Mallamma, and Ashwini Gowda. Free from partnerships, these players are poised to carve their own paths, relying solely on personality, wit, and endurance.
Meanwhile, the Jenti (duo) camp is a mix of combustible combinations. Locked-in pairs include Gilli Nataraj with Kavya Shaiva, Dog Satish with Chandraprabha, Manju Bashini with Rashika Shetty, Abhishek Srikanth with Ashwini, and Karibasappa with RJ Amit Pawar. On the solo side, contestants like Spandana Somanna, Malu Nipanal, and Rakshitha Shetty add their own spark to the mix.
With this structure, the stage is set for conflict. Solos are free to build strategies unhindered, while duos must navigate egos, trust, and survival as a unit. A weak link could sink an entire pair, ensuring that both camps face equally daunting challenges.
For Sudeep, who sparred with contestants through sharp wit and counter-dialogues during the premiere, this season looks forward to be a high-voltage clash of personalities. Bigg Boss Kannada 12 has redrawn its battle lines, and as the weeks unfold, viewers can expect nothing short of fireworks.
