The grand finale of Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7, hosted by Mohanlal, took place on Sunday (November 9), marking the end of a season that distinguished itself through both its content and controversies. Actor and anchor Anumol emerged as the winner, becoming only the second woman to lift the trophy in the show’s history. Alongside the title, she secured a cash prize of Rs 42,55,210.
Notably, for the first time in the show’s run, a commoner, Aneesh, reached the final, finishing as the first runner-up. The event capped a season that was frequently in the headlines for reasons beyond the competition itself.
Bigg Boss Malayalam 7 – A promising edition
Unlike previous editions, this season was notable for its lineup of contestants that included both television personalities and previously unknown faces, providing a wider representation. The list of original housemates featured Renu Sudhi, Appani Sarath, Shaitya Santhosh, Adhila, Noora, Sarika, Ranjeet, Gizele Thakral, Binny Noobin, Rena Fathima, Abhilash, Aryan Kathuria, RJ Bincy, Oneal Sabu, Kalabhavan Sariga, and finalists Shanavas, Akbar, Nevin, Anumol, and Aneesh. The show’s decision to include new personalities shifted the focus from familiar celebrity faces and was seen as a deliberate effort to diversify the cast.
The season was characterised by a series of challenging tasks and unpredictable twists, as the producers introduced new elements to maintain suspense and audience interest. Unlike prior editions, this approach contributed to an environment in which the outcome of each week was difficult to predict, keeping contestants and viewers alike consistently engaged.
How Anumol earned the trophy despite controversies
One of the defining features of this season was the extensive discussion about public relations campaigns outside the house. Accusations arose regarding some contestants, particularly Anumol, allegedly benefiting from coordinated PR efforts aimed at influencing viewers’ opinions and voting patterns. Fan pages reportedly circulated doctored images of Anumol holding the trophy ahead of the finale, amplifying speculation around the impact of these campaigns.
Throughout the season, some housemates and viewers questioned the fairness of these external efforts. Allegations about a “significant PR team working for” Anumol were frequently mentioned inside the house, becoming a recurring topic of debate. This led to broader conversations about the influence of social media and organised support for reality television competitions.
Despite the controversy, Anumol’s progress in the competition was attributed to a combination of her established popularity and active participation. Her tenure inside the house was marked by consistent involvement in daily tasks, emotional reactions to conflicts, and a style that resonated with family audiences. She was often targeted by other contestants for her changing stances and perceived theatrics but maintained a strong presence on the show.
While Anumol secured the victory, not all viewers were satisfied with the outcome. Some expected Aneesh, the first commoner finalist, to win because of his in-game strategies and perceived merit. The sense that he was a “deserving candidate” was echoed by several participants, highlighting differing opinions on what constitutes a worthy winner in public-voted competitions.
The season’s conclusion marked a turning point for Bigg Boss Malayalam, with a shift towards greater diversity and unpredictability. The combination of increased PR activity, inclusion of a commoner finalist, and a challenging competitive environment has prompted discussions about the evolving nature of reality television in the region.
– Ends
