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The race to become the first finalist of Bigg Boss Season 9 has intensified with two days of gripping and highly physical challenges. Contestants gave everything they had, but the pressure, strategy, and emotions took center stage inside the Bigg Boss house.
Suman Shetty Triumphs in the ‘Barrel Balance Battle’
Bigg Boss kick-started the round with a demanding task titled “Barrel-Balance-Battle.” The rules required two contestants to stand beneath a suspended barrel, gripping the ropes tightly to prevent it from flipping. At every buzzer, the sanchalak had to choose which player’s barrel should be filled with water by the supporters.
- Sanchalak: Sanjjanaa
- Supporters for Tanuja: Kalyan, Rithu, Emmanuel
- Supporters for Suman Shetty: Bharani (later joined by Demon)
Despite water continuously pouring into his barrel, Suman Shetty remained firmly unmoved, astonishing the housemates. Tanuja, who gave a strong fight, eventually lost grip and bowed out of the race. Her exit marked Suman as the clear winner of the round.
Tanuja in Tears; Housemates Rally Around Her
Moments after the task, Tanuja walked away in pain, holding her elbow and visibly upset. Sanjana and Immanuel quickly comforted her, while Bharani explained why he chose to support Suman simply because Suman had no one else to help him.
Still emotional, Tanuja cried again in the kitchen, expressing that she would have won with just a little more support. Demon also attempted to calm her down, but her frustration spilled over: “We didn’t leave home to lose. How can anyone smile after a defeat? I gave my 100%.”
Kalyan Takes the Loss Hard, Blames Task Format
Interestingly, Kalyan appeared even more disappointed than Tanuja herself. He believed that if the task involved endurance or falling-based challenges, she would have undoubtedly won. However, balance and physical resistance against Suman proved too tough.
Later, Tanuja locked herself in the bathroom, breaking down once again. Bharani encouraged Suman, expressing hope that Tanuja would eventually understand his decision.
House Decides Next Contestants; Arguments Break Out
Bigg Boss soon instructed the housemates to pick three contestants for the next challenge. Heated discussions followed: Kalyan argued he and Rithu were alternates from the previous round. Demon opposed the idea, claiming nothing was fixed. Rithu countered Demon’s statements.
Tanuja stepped in with her own formula: “One who played in the morning, one in the evening, and one who hasn’t played.”
But Kalyan challenged her logic, irritating Tanuja, who finally snapped: “Then you all decide yourselves. I won’t vote for anyone.”
Ultimately, the house announced Suman Shetty, Demon, and Kalyan as the next participants.
Power Box Challenge: Demon Outsmarts Kalyan and Suman
The second task, “Power Box,” required contestants to collect and protect the maximum number of blocks inside their boxes. What followed was full-on chaos:
- Kalyan targeted Suman first
- Suman defended himself
- Kalyan then turned toward Demon
- In the scuffle, Demon knocked Suman’s blocks
- Taking advantage, Kalyan snatched blocks from Demon
Despite the messy play, Demon ultimately emerged victorious using sharp timing and strategy. Bigg Boss then asked him to choose his next opponent, and with bold confidence, Demon picked Bharani, seeking revenge for a previous defeat.
Why Demon Chose Bharani Over Rithu
Demon had the option of choosing Rithu, but he avoided picking her perhaps to ensure she didn’t risk elimination. With lingering frustration toward Bharani and Tanuja from the earlier episode, Demon selected Bharani to remove him from the finale race.
Tanuja Coaches Bharani: “Shock Everyone!”
Before the showdown, Tanuja encouraged Bharani to stay strong: “Don’t give up like yesterday. Play fearlessly. They should be shocked by your game.”
Bharani then revealed that Demon had told Tanuja earlier he would go “brutally physical” if the task demanded it, prompting her to warn Bharani to stay alert.
Bridge-Building Task: Bharani Crushes Demon
The next task, “Build the Bridge – Claim the Victory,” tested speed, technique, and clarity.
- Bharani quickly assembled his bridge using the planks
- Demon struggled, complaining that the planks didn’t fit
- Tanuja demonstrated that the planks were indeed fine
- Bharani crossed the bridge, grabbed the bags, and secured a clean victory
Defeated, Demon was eliminated from the first-finalist race.
Six Contestants Still in the Race
With Demon out, the competition continues with:
- Emmanuel
- Bharani
- Suman Shetty
- Kalyan
- Rithu
Next Episode Preview: Colors Task Ahead
In the upcoming episode, Bigg Boss pits Bharani, Rithu, and Kalyan against one another in a colorful new challenge that will further shape the battle for the first finalist position.