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Bigg Boss 9 has officially entered its most intense phase. With the finale approaching, the housemates have begun a fierce battle for the coveted first finalist spot. What usually unfolds as the “Ticket to Finale” week took an unexpected turn when Bigg Boss skipped all build-up and launched directly into the high-stakes competition, instantly raising tensions inside the house.
Tanuja Takes Over: House Erupts Over First Task Selection
The episode began with Bigg Boss asking contestants to decide among themselves who would participate in the first round. But before the group could discuss, Tanuja stepped in and dictated the decision, acting like a “second Bigg Boss”.
- Emmanuel, Kalyan and Demon volunteered.
- Rithu expressed interest slightly later.
- But Tanuja refused to change her fixed list, claiming, “My decision won’t change.”
This triggered a massive clash between Rithu and Tanuja, with Rithu questioning why Tanuja’s ‘opinion’ should matter more than Bigg Boss’ instructions.
Rithu argued: “You were supposed to give us time to think. How can you finalize names on your own?” Tanuja snapped back, accusing Rithu of speaking too late. The argument quickly escalated as both raised their voices, ending only when Ritu forced her way into the lineup.
Task 1: Emmanuel Shines, Rithu Struggles in a Basic Math Challenge
The first qualifying task was surprisingly simple basic arithmetic. While Emmanuel and Kalyan answered smoothly, Rithu completely faltered, giving a string of bizarre answers.
- 13×13 = 13
- 2×2 = 2
- 20÷20 = 40
Bigg Boss playfully teased her, but Emmanuel ultimately secured the win and advanced to the next round. He chose Sanjjanaa as his opponent for the second task.
Task 2: Sanjjanaa’s Strong Start Ends in Painful Disqualification
The next challenge required players to pull a rope attached to a seesaw while tossing balls into a basket without ever letting go of the rope.
Sanjjanaa and Emmanuel were neck-and-neck until, under pressure, Sanjjanaa accidentally dropped the rope, leading to immediate disqualification. The emotional contestant broke down, and Tanuja and Rithu tried to comfort her. Emmanuel won again, putting him miles ahead in the Ticket to Finale race.
Behind the Scenes: Tanuja’s Masterplan to Edge Out Demon
Earlier, Demon expected Bharani to join the first round, but Tanuja secretly convinced Bharani to step back. Her strategy became clear later if the strongest contenders eliminated one another early, she could use Bharani’s support in a later round to advance easily. This set the stage for the ‘Naatu Naatu’ task, one of the most chaotic challenges of the day.
The “Naatu Naatu” Task: Bharani & Tanuja Gang Up on Demon
The task involved planting coloured flowers in mud whoever placed the most by the buzzer won. Participants: Tanuja, Bharani, Demon. Sanchalak: Kalyan (handpicked by Tanuja).
Demon planted his flowers smartly and aggressively defended them, even plucking opponents’ flowers. Seeing this, Tanuja and Bharani teamed up against him, leading to a physical struggle filled with shouting, pushing and heated accusations.
Tanuja repeatedly yelled that Demon was playing “too physically,” while Demon argued: “How else do I defend myself when it’s 2 vs 1?”. By the buzzer:
- Demon had only one flower originally planted.
- Bharani planted after the buzzer.
- Tanuja’s flowers were in place but her hands were still touching them.
Despite Demon pointing this out, Kalyan declared Tanuja the winner, giving her control of another grid.
Image Management Begins: Tanuja Worried About Audience Perception
After the task, Tanuja expressed concern that viewers might think Bharani helped her unfairly. She subtly tried to shape a new narrative, but Bharani insisted: “Your game is your game. I only played mine.” However, viewers clearly saw the 2-vs-1 dynamic. Tanuja then chose Suman Shetty as her next opponent.
Where the Standings Currently Stand
Leading the Race
- Emmanuel – Won two consecutive tasks, currently the strongest contender for the first finalist spot.
Close Behind
- Tanuja – Also won two tasks, riding on aggressive strategy.
Out of the Race
- Sanjjanaa – Eliminated after disqualification.
Still Fighting Alone
- Demon – Continues playing without alliances, despite being targeted.
The house is more divided than ever, and with high emotions, shifting loyalties and back-to-back tasks, the competition is only getting fiercer.