🏆 Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 5 Winner Takes on a New Role Ahead of Season 8
Akhil Marar, the winner of Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 5, is returning to the Bigg Boss franchise in a completely new role. Instead of entering the house as a contestant, Akhil Marar will serve as one of the judges of Bigg Boss Agnipareeksha Malayalam, the special reality show created to select commoner contestants for Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 8.
Premiering on 15 August 2026, the 21-day competition will air on Asianet and stream simultaneously on JioHotstar. Contestants will face auditions, personality assessments, and challenging tasks as they compete for a place in the Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 8 house.
📋 Bigg Boss Agnipareeksha Malayalam at a Glance
| 📺 Category | 📌 Details |
|---|---|
| Show | Bigg Boss Agnipareeksha Malayalam |
| Premiere Date | 15 August 2026 |
| Channel | Asianet |
| Streaming | JioHotstar |
| Host | Reneesha Rahiman |
| Judges | Akhil Marar, Riyas Salim, Renjini Haridas |
| Purpose | Selection of Commoner Contestants for Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 8 |
🎭 Judging Panel
The show brings together three well-known personalities from previous Bigg Boss Malayalam seasons.
🏆 Akhil Marar
The Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 5 winner returns as a judge, bringing his experience as both a contestant and champion. Known for his strategic gameplay and leadership qualities, Akhil will evaluate aspiring contestants based on their personality, confidence, communication skills, and performance throughout the competition.
⭐ Riyas Salim
Former Bigg Boss Malayalam contestant Riyas Salim joins the judging panel, offering his perspective on what it takes to succeed inside the Bigg Boss house.
🎤 Renjini Haridas
Popular television presenter and former Bigg Boss Malayalam contestant Renjini Haridas completes the judging panel. Her television experience and understanding of reality show dynamics add another dimension to the selection process.
🎙️ Reneesha Rahiman Hosts the Show
Reneesha Rahiman, who gained popularity through Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 5, hosts the 21-day competition. She will guide contestants through various challenges and elimination rounds as they compete for a chance to become commoner contestants in Season 8.
📺 New on Asianet
Asianet is expanding its afternoon fiction lineup with the Malayalam-dubbed version of the popular Hindi television series Mangal Lakshmi. Titled Oru Kochu Swapnam (ഒരു കൊച്ചു സ്വപ്നം), the serial premieres on Monday, 3 August 2026, and will air every Monday to Friday at 2:00 PM.
As part of its #OGOnamPromo campaign, Asianet has also started unveiling its exciting Onam programming. The festive lineup includes the television premieres of Drishyam 3, Vaazha II: Biopic of a Billion Bros, Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam, and Mollywood Times, promising an entertaining Onam season for viewers.
📅 Telecast Schedule
| 📺 Platform | 🕒 Time |
|---|---|
| Asianet | Monday to Friday – 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM |
| Asianet | Saturday & Sunday – 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM |
| JioHotstar | Simultaneous Streaming |
🔥 Road to Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 8
Unlike previous audition formats, Bigg Boss Agnipareeksha Malayalam gives shortlisted commoners an opportunity to prove themselves on television before entering the main Bigg Boss house.
With Akhil Marar, Riyas Salim, and Renjini Haridas leading the judging panel, viewers can expect detailed evaluations, competitive tasks, and entertaining moments throughout the special pre-season event.
