Roadies Rebirth is back with a bang, delivering everything a premiere episode demands—fresh energy and new twists, old friendships, new alliances, and exciting contestants—with zero tolerance for problematic mindsets. Since the first episode, the show has raised the bar.
Marking the franchise’s historic 21st season, the show premiered on October 16, 2026, and is currently airing on MTV India and streaming on JioHotstar and Netflix, produced by Banijay Asia and MTV India.
The Brand New Format: OGs vs. NewGs
Instead of multiple individual crews fighting separately, the game has been divided into just two mega-camps driven by six distinct Gang Leaders:
The OGs: Featuring reality royalty Prince Narula, Neha Dhupia, and Nikhil Chinapa.
The NewGs: Fronted by digital sensation Abhishek Malhan (Fukra Insaan), Bani J, and Baseer Ali
Tying the entire “Rebirth” theme together is the triumphant return of the ultimate OG, Rannvijay Singha, reassuming his throne as the undisputed host.
Bids, Steals, and Chaotic Auctions
The auction—this time, it’s easy: the contestants who impress in the auditions aren’t simply picked. The gang leaders bid for them and sometimes even argue to put ‘Mohar’ of their name within their team, turning things chaotic and interesting.
Adding to the chaos is the brand-new “Secret Steal” button. If a camp leader bids excessively high on a prospect, an opposing leader can secretly trigger a steal—allowing them to snatch the coveted contestant away without spending a single token. Neha Dhupia perfectly weaponized this mechanic in the premiere, smoothly poaching Karishma right out from under Abhishek Malhan’s nose.
The Heated Moment
The premiere kicked off on a highly promising note, successfully locking in its first three versatile Roadies. However, the energy quickly shifted into a high-stakes, heated moment when two male contestants arrived with deeply problematic, misogynistic viewpoints specifically curated to chase internet clout. Both Rannvijay and the panel called them out, sending a clear message that Roadies rewards genuine grit over toxic shock value.
Major Highlights
Bani J proving her veteran status by winning an impromptu wrestling match against a massive professional arm wrestler.
Prince Narula’s priceless reaction upon seeing Karishma—his former connection from Splitsvilla 8—walk through the audition doors, triggering a wave of lighthearted teasing from the panel.
Verdict
Overall, Roadies Rebirth makes an electrifying comeback, packing a punch of a fresh format, intriguing contestants, and an intense dose of adventure. The show strikes the right balance between drama, competition, and raw energy, keeping the spirit of Roadies alive while adding a renewed edge that makes this season an engaging watch.
Our Editorial Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
