Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9: Themed “Rana Rangam” (meaning battlefield), turned out to be one of the most dramatic and historic seasons in the show’s history. Premiering on September 7, 2025, and concluding after 105 intense days on December 21, 2025, the season was hosted by the legendary Nagarjuna Akkineni. What made it stand out? A bold mix of celebrities and commoners competing head-to-head, with commoners entering via the pre-show Bigg Boss Agnipariksha.
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9
The grand finale delivered high-voltage drama, celebrity guests, emotional moments, and a shocking twist that fans still talk about. In the end, Kalyan Padala, a 23-year-old former CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) officer from a middle-class family in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, emerged as the winner. He made history as the youngest winner ever in Nagarjuna-hosted seasons and the first non-celebrity (commoner) to lift the trophy.
The Shocking Finale Twist: Demon Pavan’s “Betrayal” Move
The season’s biggest “betrayal” unfolded in the finale itself. With the top finalists — Kalyan Padala, Thanuja Puttaswamy (a popular Telugu TV actress), and Demon Pavan (Uppala Pavan Kumar, a software employee and social media personality) — still in the race for the ₹50 lakh prize, host Nagarjuna introduced a game-changing twist.
Actor Ravi Teja entered the house with a golden briefcase, offering escalating cash deals to tempt the contestants to quit. The offer started at ₹7.5 lakh, rose to ₹10 lakh, and after family consultations, hit ₹15 lakh. This is where the drama peaked: Demon Pavan chose the guaranteed ₹15 lakh and walked out as second runner-up.
Fans called this the ultimate “self-betrayal” or strategic exit — Pavan grabbed the sure money while others risked everything for the trophy and glory. Nagarjuna confirmed that Pavan was next to be evicted anyway, making his decision smart. However, it reduced the winner’s prize from ₹50 lakh to ₹35 lakh (plus a Maruti Suzuki Victoris SUV). Many viewers saw this as the season’s most controversial moment, sparking debates on social media about loyalty, greed, and gameplay. Read more
Pavan later explained emotionally that his family needed the money, Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9, and he knew he wouldn’t win the title. While some praised his realism, others felt it cleared the path for Kalyan’s victory — turning the twist into the “biggest betrayal” of BB Telugu 9.
Kalyan Padala’s Winning Move: Discipline
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9, Kalyan Padala’s path to victory wasn’t flashy — it was built on quiet strength and consistency. A former Indian Army soldier, Kalyan entered through Agnipariksha (the digital pre-show) and public votes, starting slow but gaining momentum with strong task performances, resilience, and an authentic emotional connect.
His one key move that sealed the win? Rejecting every cash temptation and staying true to his disciplined roots. While others wavered under pressure (like Pavan’s exit), Kalyan focused on authenticity, avoiding unnecessary fights, and grinding through every challenge. This earned him massive public support — pre-finale polls showed him leading with over 64% in some fan votes.
In the final public vote, Kalyan beat Thanuja Puttaswamy (first runner-up), Demon Pavan (second runner-up), Emmanuel (fourth), and Sanjjanaa Galrani (fifth). He took home ₹35 lakh cash, the SUV, plus an extra ₹5 lakh from a sponsor for top performance — totaling around ₹40 lakh in rewards.
Kalyan broke down in tears on stage, thanking fans, family, and even Thanuja for her grace. Thanuja, a strong contender known for her emotional depth and personality, congratulated him warmly, showing true sportsmanship.
Why Kalyan’s Win Felt So Historic
This season highlighted commoner vs. celebrity clashes, double-house format, and twists like the briefcase drama. Kalyan’s triumph proved that genuine gameplay, discipline, and public connect can overcome fame. From Agnipariksha underdog to conquering the “ranarangam,” his story inspired millions — showing anyone can rise with belief and hard work.
The “betrayal” twist with Demon Pavan added the spice, but Kalyan’s refusal to take the easy way out was the real game-changer. What a season! Did you support Kalyan or Thanuja? Drop your thoughts below!