With Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12’s last week looming on a cusp, one name continues to rule both online and in the culture of Karnataka: Gilli Nata (Malavalli Nataraj). From a trip filled with the skepticism of plenty to some started to become a “the show of one man,” or “one-man show,” the comedian being the clear leader for the trophy. As his funhouse game set him apart in the house but already, his phenomenal popularity is being met with a tidal wave of career breaks and a social media revolution.
"Devil" Break: A Cinematic Leap
While still inside the house, Gilli Nata has achieved a dream collaboration that most actors spend years chasing. Nata has been officially confirmed that he plays a pivotal role in the upcoming action-thriller 'The Devil', starring Challenging Star Darshan Thoogudeepa. In the trailers and the posters which have only just been dropped, Gilli is in a strange, even serious-looking avatar, completely separate from the comic nature of his usual presentation.
Fans loved hearing that trademark jagged spoken dialogue in the trailer and it hits theaters on December 12, 2026 (or roughly after the end of the finale). His new role, joining with his upcoming films "Super Hit" and "Sarkari Shaale H8" (set for February 2026), is a massive development, going from reality TV star to a mainstream Sandalwood star.
Million, Counting on Social Media in Million
Gilli Nata's growth on Instagram was phenomenal when it came time for a Bigg Boss contestant. Pre-Bigg Boss: ~1.69 Lakh followers. Today: Over 1.3 Million (13 Lakh) followers. The Surge: Gilli hit a peak of 1.75 lakh followers in a day, which earned him a nickname "Banian Raja" for social media.
This digital footprint isn’t merely vanity metrics; it’s gold. Experts estimated Gilli could rack up anywhere between ₹2 Lakh and ₹15 Lakh per brand endorsement or Instagram reel depending on their 1-million-member engaged audience. After the show, he is likely to earn far more from brand deals and public appearances than the prize money won by the actual winner.
The Prize and the Challenge
If Gilli Nata lifts the BBK 12 trophy on January 18, 2026 he’ll take home:
- ₹50 Lakh cash prize (subject to tax/GST).
- A brand new car.
- A weekly salary of around ₹50,000, amounts to around ₹8 Lakh for the entire season.
The real win is, though, already evident. Whereas other contestants’ follower counts have alternated or been flat, provoking discussion of "fake followers," Gilli’s growth has been largely organic. The challenge he faces now is keeping this gaudy "Gilli Craze" alive when the cameras stop rolling and the action on the stage starts.
