The past couple of months have kept ‘Bigg Boss Tamil 8’ fans busy as speculations were flying high as to the contestants. It is well known that Vijay Sethupathi has replaced Kamal Haasan who has hosted the previous seven seasons. The inaugural episode of the reality show was telecast on Sunday evening and the fans reactions on social media clearly indicate that there is renewed interest.
As per the new contestants there were few surprises as almost 75% of the people guessed by Bigg Boss fans have entered the Bigg Boss house. The few have missed out will surely make late entries on wild card. When it was announced that Vijay Sethupathi was going to host this season, many wondered if he would be able to fill the place that Kamal had efficiently held for seven years. The reason is that it is Kamal Haasan’s style to approach issues between rivals with maturity and to handle even social issues without raising criticism from either side.
Harsh criticism was leveled at Kamal only during ‘Bigg Boss Tamil 7’ and it is whispered that it was one of the reasons why the legendary superstar decided to step down. In such a vibrant environment, there was widespread doubts whether Vijay Sethupathi can handle this show based on human psychology, where tempers flew and the dark side of the contestants come to the fore. However Vijay Sethupathi has proved on his debut episode itself that he is excellent in handling people. He has won big with the television viewers as well as a host with his natural approach and grounded speech.
Starting from showing around the house, introducing the contestants, talking to their families and talking to the audience, the Makkal Selvan conducted the 3-hour long show in his own style without any nervousness as he was new to this show. Social media users have pointed out that he has not given any unnecessary examples and time-consuming lectures that the show is used to.
All the contestants from the previous seasons had some hesitation in front of Kamal Haasan due to his larger than life image and his age and experience. But this time the contestants interacted with Vijay Sethupathi very naturally. While talking to producer Ravinder, who became the first contestant, the new host made several observations about his erstwhile commentary on ‘Bigg Boss Tamil’ during the past seasons.
Similarly, Vijay Sethupathi used his down to earth charm when interacting with Sanchana, who played his daughter in the global blockbuster hit ‘Maharaja’. He also had fun with Cook with Komali Sunitha, and TV host Deepak. However the best moment came when veteran actor Ranjith entered the house as contestant. VJS said to Ranjith that he loved his performance as a do-gooder in ‘Bhishmar’ but was disappointed to see his role as a caste obsessed man in the controversial film ‘Goundampalayam’. Vijay Sethupathi questioned Ranjith which was his original face and expressed his curiosity if it will be revealed during the ‘Bigg Boss Tamil 8’ show.
Ranjith’s friend who was sitting in the audience seat, asked Vijay Sethupathi ‘Have you eaten sir?’ adding that thats how the people of Coimbatore inquire with respect. The quick witted Vijay Sethupathi replied that in everybody’s hometown including his own thats how Tamil people show hospitality to visitors. The audience clapped hard for this counter by the busy actor turned host. Similarly serial actor Arnav made a pompous entry claiming that he is manly and tried to speak down on women. Vijay Sethupathi showed him his place by pointing out that there is no difference between men and women when it comes to being courageous. He also warned the serial actor that his big mouth will spoil many good opportunities’. It looks like he might get a lot more content this season.
After sending in other contestants like this, Bigg Boss introduced a new theme called Boys vs Girls as a new venture like never before. In other words, as seen in the movie ‘Samsaram Athu Minsaram’, there was a thick line drawn between the houses and created a new rule of men on one side and women on the other side. He had said that the contestants should decide who is on which side. The first six contestants struggled to come up with the right decision and the decision went to the next runner-up, Sunitha and Ghana Jeffrey. But they also did not decide on this.
Both sides stood firm on their respective sides, considering the difficulties ahead in the coming weeks. In such an environment, both sides talked and the house was divided one way. One of the contestants inside the house, Soundarya Nanjundan, had spoken about the teasing of others about her voice.
Vijay Sethupathi dropped a new bomb by saying that one contestant will be eliminated from ‘Bigg Boss Tamil 8’ in the first 24 hours after all the contestants arrive. It is not known what this new rule is based on, as it has been usual for the elimination to start from week 1 or week 2. Fans are taking to social media to debate how a contestant can be eliminated even before the viewers get to know him or her wll. Probably today’s episode will provide the answer to that.