By Anil Merani: Karan Veer Mehra’s transition from television to a significant role in Omung Kumar’s upcoming romantic-action drama after winning Bigg Boss 18 in January 2025 underscores the potential of reality shows like Bigg Boss as stepping stones to Bollywood success. The upcoming film will also star Harshvardhan Rane and Sadia Khateeb.
At 42, Mehra’s journey is reminiscent of rare success stories like Shah Rukh Khan, who moved from television’s Fauji to Bollywood stardom with Deewana (1992), and Sushant Singh Rajput, whose fame from Pavitra Rishta propelled him to a film career with Kai Po Che (2013). However, Bigg Boss can be a double-edged sword. While it can significantly increase visibility, it doesn’t guarantee cinematic success due to the unpredictable nature of the film industry and the show’s mixed results.
Inspired by Big Brother, Bigg Boss places contestants in a high-pressure environment, providing immense exposure through its large viewership and 24/7 streaming on platforms like JioCinema. Winners like Mehra, who secured ₹50 lakh and a trophy, gain immediate fame, with fans trending “KVM Is Back” on social media following his victory. This increased visibility often attracts filmmakers, as seen with Sunny Leone, who landed a role in Jism 2 during Bigg Boss 5, and Gauahar Khan, whose win on Bigg Boss 7 led to more prominent roles in films like Ishaqzaade. Mehra’s victory in Bigg Boss and his success on Khatron Ke Khiladi likely made him an appealing choice for Kumar, who is known for successful films like Mary Kom.
However, the show’s impact on careers is inconsistent. Many winners, such as Rahul Roy (Bigg Boss 1) and Vindu Dara Singh (Bigg Boss 3), struggled to maintain successful Bollywood careers thereafter and faded into obscurity. The intense scrutiny of Bigg Boss—featuring 80 cameras and constant public voting—can typecast contestants or showcase behaviours that alienate audiences. For example, Armaan Kohli’s experience in Bigg Boss 7 revived his fame but ultimately backfired due to his erratic behaviour, which led to legal troubles. Additionally, the show’s scripted drama and controversies, often criticized on social media, can overshadow genuine talent, diminishing credibility.
For Mehra, Bigg Boss provided a platform to display his resilience and charm, aligning perfectly with Kumar’s vision for a dynamic lead. However, Bollywood’s unpredictability—where scripts, co-stars, and timing play crucial roles in determining success—means that the outcome of his film remains uncertain. While Bigg Boss can open doors, sustained success relies on a careful mix of talent, strategic choices, and luck, making it a risky yet potentially rewarding journey.
The post From Bigg Boss to Big Screen: Is Karan Veer Mehra’s Film with Omung Kumar a Game-Changer? appeared first on Tellyexpress.
