As the curtain prepares to fall on the most intense season of Star Maa’s hit reality show, the question on every fan's lips is: Who will be the Bigg Boss Telugu 9 winner? While social media has been flooded with "leaks" suggesting a historic win for commoner Kalyan Padala, recent voting trends and internal buzz suggest a major upset. Thanuja Puttaswamy is now emerging as the frontrunner to become the first female winner in the history of the Telugu franchise.
The grand finale, hosted by Nagarjuna Akkineni, is scheduled to air on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
A Two-Way Battle: Kalyan vs. Thanuja
The race has narrowed down to a neck-and-neck fight between the "Soldier" and the "Screen Queen."
- The Kalyan Factor: Entering the show via the Agnipariksha round, Kalyan Padala won hearts with his humble "common man" persona and Indian Army background. He has consistently topped unofficial polls. However, a recent head injury sustained during a finale week task has sparked concerns about his presence in the final moments of the show.
- The Thanuja Surge: Thanuja Puttaswamy, famous for her role in Muddha Mandaram, has seen a massive late-season surge. Her transition from "underdog" to a fierce competitor has resonated with neutral audiences. Many believe the "female winner" narrative is playing in her favor, as the Telugu version has never crowned a woman in eight previous seasons.
The Top 5 Finalists
The competition remains stiff among the powerhouse Top 5 who survived 105 days in the house:
- Thanuja Puttaswamy (The strongest female contender)
- Kalyan Padala (The commoner favorite)
- Jabardasth Emmanuel (The comedy king and dark horse)
- Demon Pavan (The task master)
- Sanjjanaa Galrani (The resilient re-entrant)
Prize Money and The "Briefcase" Twist
The winner of Season 9 will walk away with a ₹50 lakh cash prize, a brand-new car, and the prestigious trophy. However, the finale will also feature the traditional "briefcase offer" presented by popular anchor Pradeep. Speculation is rife that Emmanuel or Pavan might take the money and exit the race, leaving the final stage open for the Kalyan-Thanuja showdown.
Where and When to Watch
- Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM IST
- Channel: Star Maa
- Streaming: JioHotstar (24/7 stream and Finale)
While AI-generated photos of Nagarjuna lifting Kalyan's hand have gone viral, Bigg Boss is notorious for last-minute twists. If Thanuja manages to bridge the narrow voting gap, she will make history tonight.
