The 50 arrives as a rare attempt to break away from India’s predictable reality TV formulas and for the most part, it succeeds. Premiering on February 1, the show blends strategy, stamina, and social politics into an unpredictable survival game that feels fresh, ambitious, and occasionally overwhelming.
Concept & Format
Fifty well-known faces from TV actors and influencers to reality show regulars are locked together for 50 days. The twist? The prize money of ₹50 lakh is meant for the audience, not the contestants. This altruistic angle instantly differentiates the show and adds a moral layer to every decision made inside the house.
Eliminations don’t follow a fixed pattern. There’s no comfort of weekly routines or predictable voting. Survival depends on physical tasks, alliances, and adaptability. Presiding over it all is ‘The Lion’, a masked authority figure who replaces the traditional host. The move works, adding mystery and removing overt bias.
Scale & Production
Shot inside a lavish, castle-like setup on Mumbai’s Madh Island, the visual scale is impressive. The 50 Mahal boasts expansive living spaces and a massive arena for challenges. Interestingly, there’s no kitchen, meals are provided, keeping the focus firmly on gameplay rather than household drama.
Premiere Highlights
- Ten captains were announced early on, including Karan Patel, Urvashi Dholakia, Prince Narula, Nikki Tamboli, and Shiv Thakare, immediately establishing power structures.
- A surprise appearance by Himesh Reshammiya, who introduced the first task with a musical twist, set the tone for unpredictability.
- Drama erupted quickly, notably during a heated clash between Karan Patel and Siddharth Bharadwaj, proving tempers won’t stay in check for long.
- Urvashi Dholakia’s emotional perseverance during a physically taxing task stood out as a genuine, human moment.
- Vansajh Singh’s elimination, based on social disengagement, underlined how crucial relationships are in this game.
Social Game & Strategy
From early gossip to calculated observations, alliances and prejudices surfaced fast. Nikki Tamboli’s remarks about daily soap actors, strategic speculation around Shiv Thakare, and Maxtern’s real-life controversy discussed with Prince Narula added layers beyond scripted drama.
What Works
- Highly unpredictable elimination system
- Physically demanding, engaging tasks
- Diverse cast with built-in friction
- Strong production quality
- No host interference, letting personalities take center stage
What Doesn’t
- 50 contestants is a lot. The premiere feels crowded
- Limited time to emotionally invest in individuals
- Fewer organic interactions due to lack of daily-life tasks
Final Verdict
The 50 may be chaotic, but that’s also its biggest strength. While the scale can feel overwhelming, the show brings a much-needed shake-up to Indian reality TV. With its unconventional format, strong visuals, and strategic depth, it offers something genuinely different.
Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
If you enjoy mind games, physical challenges, and shifting alliances and are tired of recycled formats The 50 is well worth adding to your watchlist. It’s messy, ambitious, and unpredictable and that’s exactly what makes it fun.
