What is the Prize Money of Bigg Boss Tamil?

Introduction

What is the Prize Money of Bigg Boss Tamil? The reality TV sensation Bigg Boss Tamil, hosted by Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan, has become a cultural phenomenon in Tamil Nadu since its debut in 2017. Apart from the drama, emotions, tasks, and entertainment, one of the most anticipated moments every season is the reveal of the prize money. Viewers are always curious to know: What is the winner of Bigg Boss Tamil awarded with?

In this comprehensive report, we delve deep into the prize money of Bigg Boss Tamil over the years—how it has changed from Season 1 to Season 7, the factors influencing the prize, any reductions due to luxury budget issues or penalties, and also how runners-up and finalists are rewarded.

What is the Prize Money in Bigg Boss Tamil?

💰 Standard Winning Amount: ₹50 Lakhs

The standard prize money for Bigg Boss Tamil across most seasons has been ₹50,00,000 (50 Lakhs). However, the actual amount received by the winner may vary based on deductions, twists, or penalties incurred during the season.

🪙 Other Prizes Given (Bonus)

Trophy
Gift hampers (from sponsors)
Special gifts like gold coins, cars, or gold vouchers (occasionally)
Job offers, brand endorsements, and film/web series opportunities post-show

Prize Money Over the Seasons (1 to 7)

1. Season 1 (2017) – Winner: Aarav

Host: Kamal Haasan
Prize Money: ₹50 Lakhs
Additional: Winner’s trophy, brand collaborations, TV roles

2. Season 2 (2018) – Winner: Riythvika

Prize Money: ₹50 Lakhs
No reductions reported. She was praised for her genuine personality.
Sponsors also awarded additional brand vouchers.

3. Season 3 (2019) – Winner: Mugen Rao

Prize Money: ₹50 Lakhs (fully awarded)
Significance: First non-Tamil contestant to win Bigg Boss Tamil
Impact: Mugen signed multiple music and film deals post-win

4. Season 4 (2020) – Winner: Aari Arujunan

Prize Money: ₹50 Lakhs
No deductions despite pandemic restrictions
Aari became one of the most beloved winners with a record number of votes

5. Season 5 (2021) – Winner: Raju Jeyamohan

Original Prize: ₹50 Lakhs
Actual Received: ₹50 Lakhs
Twist: A briefcase twist offered ₹12 Lakhs, but Raju refused it and went on to win the full prize

6. Season 6 (2022) – Winner: Azeem

Original Prize: ₹50 Lakhs
Actual Received: ₹50 Lakhs
No reduction occurred
However, this season had controversies about aggression and behavioral concerns

7. Season 7 (2023–2024) – Winner: Vijay Varma

Prize Money: ₹50 Lakhs
Confirmed: Vijay Varma received the full ₹50 Lakhs
Kamal Haasan praised his journey and contribution to maintaining house discipline

Prize Money Deductions – How They Work

While ₹50 Lakhs is the base amount, the final money the winner takes home depends on:

📉 1. Luxury Budget Penalties

If contestants break rules (e.g., sleeping during the day, removing mics, speaking in English), Bigg Boss often penalizes the weekly luxury budget or even reduces prize money. Though rarely enforced on the grand prize, it’s used as a warning.

🧳 2. Cash Box Twists

Some seasons introduced a briefcase or money withdrawal twist:

💼 Example:

A suitcase containing ₹5 to ₹20 Lakhs is offered in the final week.
A finalist can walk out with that money, losing the chance to win the title.
Once someone opts out, the remaining prize pool remains untouched for the winner.

🧾 3. Tax Deductions

The winner receives ₹50 Lakhs gross, but post-income tax deduction (TDS), the take-home amount is around ₹35–38 Lakhs depending on the year.

Runners-Up Rewards – What Do They Get?

While only the winner gets the ₹50 Lakh prize, runners-up often receive:

🥈 Runner-Up (2nd Place)

Sometimes offered ₹5–10 Lakhs as a goodwill gesture or cash prize by sponsors
Guaranteed media exposure, acting projects, social media endorsements

🥉 3rd, 4th, and 5th Place Contestants

Gift hampers from sponsors (electronic gadgets, fashion vouchers, home appliances)
Participation certificate
Appearance fees for all 100+ days in the house

💸 Per Day/Week Salary

Most celebrities receive a per-week payment based on their popularity:

Ranges from ₹1 Lakh/week to ₹5 Lakhs/week
Top stars earn even more (e.g., Oviya, Aari, Raju Jeyamohan)

Brand Sponsorship and Partnerships

Bigg Boss Tamil’s prize money is also funded through brand deals with sponsors like:

Hotstar / Disney+
Tata, Himalaya, CRED, Hello FM, etc.
Gold sponsors occasionally offer gold bars or coins to the winner/finalists

Opportunities Beyond Prize Money

Winning or even participating in Bigg Boss Tamil opens doors beyond the cash prize:

🎥 1. Film and TV Offers

Mugen Rao (Season 3 winner) got music and acting contracts
Aari signed multiple films post-Bigg Boss 4

📱 2. Social Media Fame

Instagram and YouTube deals
Brand influencer campaigns with top fashion and tech brands

🛒 3. Business Launches

Some contestants launch their own products or brands post-show
E.g., beauty, fashion, food, or fitness lines

Comparison with Other Bigg Boss Versions

Language	Prize Money	Host	Notable Winner
Tamil	₹50 Lakhs	Kamal Haasan	Aari, Mugen
Hindi	₹50 Lakhs – ₹1 Crore	Salman Khan	Tejasswi, Munawar
Telugu	₹50 Lakhs	Nagarjuna	Abijeet, Revanth
Kannada	₹50 Lakhs	Kiccha Sudeep	Prashanth, Rakesh
Malayalam	₹50 Lakhs	Mohanlal	Sabumon, Akhil

Bigg Boss Tamil is on par with other top regional versions in terms of cash reward, but it is unique in consistent full payouts and host involvement.

Bigg Boss Prize Money – Audience Reactions

📣 Fans’ View:

Many fans feel ₹50 Lakhs is justified for surviving 100 days in a psychologically intense environment.
Some suggest prize money should increase to ₹75 Lakhs or ₹1 Crore given the show’s rising popularity.

💬 Criticism:

Some seasons saw public backlash when undeserving contestants reached the finale.
Demands were made to split prize money between top 2 players in closely contested finales.

Kamal Haasan’s Take on the Prize

Kamal Haasan has spoken multiple times about the value of honesty and integrity over just money:

“Bigg Boss is not just a game show. It’s a journey of self-realization. The prize is not only the money—but who you become at the end of the journey.”

He often praises contestants who:

Stay true to their values
Don’t compromise for popularity
Win hearts more than votes

Memorable Prize Money Moments in Bigg Boss Tamil

🎯 Season 4 – Aari’s Record-Breaking Votes

Aari received record public votes, creating massive hype around the winner’s prize.
Fans created donation drives to buy the trophy replica for fan clubs!

💼 Season 5 – Briefcase Twist Drama

Niroop was tempted with ₹12 Lakhs but declined
Raju eventually won the full ₹50 Lakhs

💸 Season 6 – Online Campaigns for Azeem

Supporters ran social media campaigns promising Azeem gold rings and more gifts
He donated part of his winnings to a school cause, gaining public praise

How Bigg Boss Tamil Prize Money Is Handled Financially

💼 Financial Terms:

Prize money is non-tax-exempt (treated as income)
Winners receive TDS certificate from Star Vijay
Prize money is wired via official bank transaction, not in cash

📃 Post-Win Obligations:

Some winners sign contracts to appear in Star Vijay events for 6 months post-finale
Appear in “Bigg Boss Kondattam” and New Year specials

Conclusion: The Real Worth of Winning Bigg Boss Tamil

While the ₹50 Lakh prize money is the official reward, the real value of winning Bigg Boss Tamil goes far beyond cash:

Fame, influence, and respect
A powerful fanbase
Career-changing opportunities

The prize reflects not just the days spent inside the house, but the mental strength, emotional intelligence, and social awareness needed to thrive in such a high-pressure game.

For every contestant who walks through the Bigg Boss doors, the ₹50 Lakhs is a dream—and for those who win it, it’s a life-changing achievement.