Everything’s set the stage is set, the lights are dimmed, and the pulse rate of Karnataka is on high alert. The season 12 Bigg Boss Kannada comes after 112 days of frenetic drama, laughter and high frequency work. Although the remaining six finalists are still on the stage, the entire state is busy with one old-style rivalry: the “Entertainer” Gilli Nata going against “Vocal Powerhouse” Ashwini Gowda.
As per host Kichcha Sudeep, this season has broken every record in Indian reality TV history, as of Saturday midnight 37 crore+ votes were collected. It is quite a seven-fold jump from last season's numbers, to put it into perspective.
The Battle For The Top Spot
Although this official announcement will take place tonight at 6:00 PM in Colors Kannada, the buzz around pre-finale indicates a “neck-and-neck contest.”
Bigg Boss Kannada 12: Who do you think will lift the BBK 12 trophy tonight?
— Saptashwa TV (@SaptashwaTV) January 18, 2026
Gilli Nata (The New Frontrunner)
From the comedic “Nalli Moole” event to his witty back-and-forth, Gilli has been the undisputed soul of this season. With around 800 fan clubs and endless support from communities like auto-rickshaw drivers, polls at the moment suggest he’ll be the projected winner, garnering around 62 percent of the total vote share.
Ashwini Gowda (The Challenger)
Ashley: A figure defined as a “don’t care” person, with the gut to speak truth to power. She is one of the most formidable opponents when she has achieved many Kichchana Chappale (applause from Sudeep). Commentators such as Prashanth Sambargi say the fact that while Gilli has the numbers, Ashwini’s devoted activist-fan base could well set off a last-minute ruckus.
Ranking the Finalists: Predictions
Beyond the Top 2, the battle for those same podium spots is just as fierce. These are projected from recent trends and from expert opinions of former contestants to be on the leaderboard:
| Position | Contestant | Why They Stand There |
| Winner | Gilli Nata | Unmatched popularity and consistent entertainment. |
| Runner-Up | Ashwini Gowda | Strong vocal presence and high emotional connect. |
| 3rd Place | Kavya Shaiva | The "Silent Killer" who survived the most nominations. |
| 4th Place | Dhanush Gowda | The taskmaster; first to win the 'Ticket to Finale.' |
| 5th Place | Rakshitha Shetty | The "Chota Packet" who won hearts with her resilience. |
| 6th Place | Mutant Raghu | The powerhouse performer who dominated physical tasks. |
What to Expect Tonight?
The great end is not merely a trophy. The victor will get a ₹50 Lakh cash prize, a luxury apartment and a new car as a gift. As part of the gala, finalists also get to perform high-octane dance numbers and this time they will be getting a back to back with all 24 contestants that started this journey at the end of 2025.
With Sudeep at the ready to offer a hand to the champion, the 37-crore question endures: Will Gilli Nata’s humor win out, or will Ashwini Gowda’s grit set the terms?
