3 Things You Can Expect From Bigg Boss Tamil Season 2

After a rousing Season 1, which was a huge success among television viewers in Tamil Nadu, the second season of Bigg Boss Tamil kicked off with a grand launch event on June 17. Model and aspiring actor Aarav became a household name after winning Season 1, while contestants like Oviya, Snehan, Harish Kalyan, Raiza and Ganesh Venkatram also saw their popularity levels spike.

A POLITICAL FLAVOUR

Kamal Haasan, who made quite a splash as last season's host, has returned for Season 2.  Viewers are sure to remember his sly political statements and inimitable style, along with the way he carried himself in Season 1. His manner of dealing with each participant and the tricky situations that arose made him a fan favourite. The kurum padam (short films) that he played to expose certain participants at crucial junctures became a rage. The actor also coined memorable new terms like 'Maruthuva mutham' (medical kiss). This year, as we know, Kamal has taken the plunge into politics and one can expect him to up the ante through direct political conversations with crores of potential voters watching the show. "I can't make it my podium entirely but yes, I will use this platform to lift the weight gently off my shoulders," Kamal recently told Chennai Times.

A MORE OPULENT SET

The Bigg Boss house, which Kamal took the viewers on a tour of, seems to be grander this time around.

AN ECLECTIC MIX OF CONTESTANTS

At the show's launch, contestants entered one by one; most of them performing to dance numbers. Yashika Anand of Iruttu Arayil Muruttu Kuthu fame was the first. This teen actress' proactive use of social media, particularly Instagram, has made her popular among the youth. Veteran stunt man and actor Ponnambalam, whose selection came as a surprise, was the next to enter.

Young actor Mahat Raghavendra (Mankatha and Jilla fame) was the third contestant. Known to be a close associate of STR, he spoke about their friendship onstage, before entering the house. Comedian Daniel Annie Pope (who played the comedic 'Romba Sumaar Moonji Kumara' in Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara) was then introduced as the fourth housemate.

Vaishnavi then entered the house, followed by actress Janani Iyer. Despite her talent and range, Janani hasn't made it big in Kollywood yet. Acknowledging this, she said she was optimistic about the prospect of Bigg Boss helping her entertainment career. Voice expert Ananth Vaidyanathan and noted playback singer Ramya NSK (sporting a funky hair colour) were the next to enter. Kamal and Ramya's performance of 'Ninaivo Oru Paravai' was one of the little highlights of the launch.

Comedian Sendrayan (Polladhavan), young actress Riythvika (Madras, Kabali) and veteran actress Mumtaj followed. Mumtaj shared a few fangirl moments with Kamal before entering the house. Actor Bhalajie ('Dhaadi' Bhalajie) and his former spouse Nithya were next in line. Given their history, the dynamics between them should make for an interesting watch. Onstage, Nithya told Kamal that she was a member of his party 'Makkal Needhi Maiam'. Next, actress Mamathi Chari entered the house.

Young actor Shariq Hassan (the son of actors Riyaz Khan and Uma Riyaz), who made his debut in Pencil and actress Aishwarya Dutta (Tamizhukku En Ondrai Azhuthavum, Sathriyan) were the final two contestants. In a surprise move, the most popular contestant from the first season, Oviya, was introduced as a guest contestant for this season. She is expected to assume the role of a mentor to this year's contestants.

WHAT NEXT?

The rollercoaster ride has begun. For the next 100 days, viewers will be glued to their TV sets every night from 9 pm. With 60 cameras watching every move of these 16 contestants, we wonder who will survive and ultimately emerge victorious. Nallavar Yaar? Kettavar Yaar?