The 50 Review: Banijay Asia's New Reality Show Promises Strategy, But Old Habits Die Hard

Banijay Asia’s latest captive reality show, The 50, opened its palace doors this Sunday, welcoming not just 50 celebrity contestants but also viewers hungry for a fresh format. From the moment it premiered, comparisons with Bigg Boss were inevitable — yet The 50 makes it clear that it wants to play a slightly different game, even if some contestants are reluctant to move on from familiar reality TV patterns.

Set inside a grand, palace-like location, The 50 locks in 50 celebrities for nearly a month. Unlike most high-octane reality shows, the series focuses on playful, strategic games rather than physically intense challenges. The result is a format that feels nostalgic and light-hearted — childhood games redesigned for prime-time television — making it approachable for a wider audience.

A Game-First Concept With Minimal Physical Risk

In spirit, The 50 sits somewhere between Khatron Ke Khiladi and a social experiment, but without the danger. There are no life-threatening stunts or extreme endurance tests. Instead, the games emphasize teamwork, observation, and mental strategy. This toned-down approach allows contestants of varying ages and backgrounds to participate on equal footing.

The refreshing simplicity of the tasks is one of the show’s biggest strengths. It gives The 50 a distinct identity and opens the door for clever gameplay rather than brute strength or shock value.

Star-Studded Cast Meets Reality TV Regulars

One of The 50’s most talked-about aspects is its diverse lineup. The show brings together well-known television actors such as Karan Patel, Ridhi Dogra, Urvashi Dholakia, and Prince Narula, alongside reality TV regulars like Nikki Tamboli, Rajat Dalal, Bebika Dhurve, and others.

On paper, this mix promises a fascinating clash of personalities, experience levels, and strategic approaches. In practice, however, many contestants appear stuck in a Bigg Boss mindset. Instead of letting the games drive the narrative, several participants jump into loud arguments, forced rivalries, and unnecessary confrontations — clearly aiming to stand out in a crowded cast.

This constant need for drama feels out of place in a format designed to prioritize gameplay. If unchecked, it risks overshadowing the very elements that make The 50 unique.

The Lion: A Hostless Format With a Twist

What truly sets The 50 apart is its bold decision to eliminate the traditional host altogether. Instead, the show introduces a masked authority figure known only as “The Lion.”

The Lion, supported by his army, acts as the ultimate game master — announcing rules, judging performances, and making critical decisions. His concealed identity adds an intriguing layer of mystery and gives the show a slightly international flavor, reminiscent of global game-based reality formats.

This creative choice keeps the focus firmly on the contestants and the games, rather than on a celebrity host’s personality.

A Prize That Belongs to the Fans

Another standout element is the prize structure. The Rs 50 lakh prize money is not for the contestants, but for the fans. This unexpected twist changes the motivation behind gameplay, encouraging strategy and alliances over personal financial gain.

By shifting the reward to the audience, The 50 subtly promotes fair play and long-term thinking — at least in theory.

Final Verdict: Strong Concept, Familiar Baggage

The 50 begins with a visually rich setup, an impressive cast, and a concept that genuinely feels different from standard Indian captive reality shows. Its focus on strategy-driven games and its mysterious hostless format are refreshing additions to the genre.

However, the show’s biggest challenge lies with its contestants. If future episodes can steer participants away from recycled drama and toward smart, game-focused strategies, The 50 has the potential to carve out a distinct identity in India’s crowded reality TV landscape.