The 50 house tour: Inside the opulent Mahal where architecture meets anarchy and the Lion’s Den awaits

With the huge stage curtains finally being drawn back, India's newest reality phenomenon, The 50, will officially launch on February 1, 2026. In a high-stakes social experiment with 50 celebrities under one roof, this reality show—an adaptation of the hit French format Les Cinquante—is intended to reinvent the genre, taking over the long-standing Bigg Boss slot. The Mahal, a vast and immersive mansion that doubles as a posh residence and a brutal arena for the competitors, is at the epicentre of this tempest.

What is the house of The 50 called?

Featuring a daring fusion of conventional and modern elements, the Mahal is more than just a set; it is an exquisitely created universe. A feeling of timeless power permeates the room thanks to the elaborate chandeliers, sweeping dual staircases, and detailed woodwork. But the house's hierarchy reveals its real character. To serve as a constant reminder to players of the "jungle rule" that controls the game, various animal sculptures and structures are deliberately placed, with the lion image being particularly prominent.

Which are the three distinct zones in The 50 house?

There are three separate areas of the Mahal's design that aim to elicit different emotions:

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The "Danger Zone" and the Courtyard: Here, the threat of elimination takes centre stage. This is the place where life-or-death decisions are made.

The Arena: The epicentre of all the excitement. Here, 50 people will face mental and physical tests that will push them to their limits.

The Main Mahal: This section, with its six elaborate chambers and three sitting spaces, is intended to evoke both tranquillity and turmoil. Amidst the never-ending political manoeuvring, it provides rare moments of calm, like a courtyard swing.

An impressive seat of power, accessible via long, symmetrical staircases, overlooks the entire structure. It is called the Lion's Den. An enigmatic, masked figurehead known only as "The Lion" rules the kingdom from this perch.

What is the rule of The 50?

A game with "no rules" is how The 50 promotes itself, in contrast to more conventional formats. The show's enigmatic host, who goes by "The Lion", orchestrates a game where alliances, social intelligence, and mind games take precedence over the usual public voting process. JioHotstar (OTTplay Premium) will add a new dimension to the season by allowing spectators to back individual participants. If their preferred player makes it through the competition, they might receive a piece of the prize money.

Divya Agarwal, Karan Patel, Urvashi Dholakia, Shiny Doshi, Faisal Shaikh (Mr Faisu), and Monalisa are among the confirmed contestants, who are all veterans of reality shows and digital stars. For almost 50 episodes, these players will be on their own as they try to escape a palace that acts as an adversary in its own right.

When and where can you watch The 50?

The debut of The 50 will take place on February 1 at 9:00 PM on JioHotstar (OTTplay Premium) and 10:30 PM on Colors TV.

The 50 FAQs:

Q: When and where can I watch The 50 in India?

A: The 50 is set to premiere on February 1, 2026. It will stream early on the JioHotstar (OTTplay Premium) at 9:00 PM, followed by a television broadcast on Colors TV at 10:30 PM. The show is expected to run for approximately 50 episodes.

Q: Who is the host of The 50?

A: A mysterious masked figure known as "The Lion" rules the game of The 50 and delivers commands within the Mahal.

Q: Who are the confirmed contestants for The 50?

A: The star-studded lineup in The 50 includes 50 celebrities from television and digital backgrounds. Confirmed names include Karan Patel, Faisal Shaikh (Mr Faisu), Divya Agarwal, Urvashi Dholakia, Shiny Doshi, Ridhi Dogra, and the real-life couple Monalisa and Vikrant Singh Rajpoot.