The race to the grand finale just got intense! Day 86 of Bigg Boss Telugu 9 witnessed explosive drama as the coveted Ticket to Finale tasks kicked off, with contestant Thanuja at the center of heated confrontations and strategic gameplay. Hosted by Nagarjuna Akkineni on Star Maa, this episode proved that the final stretch of Season 9 will be anything but predictable.
As contestants battle for their spot in the finale, Thanuja’s bold moves and argumentative approach created waves throughout the house. Her strategic decisions and relentless debates sparked chaos, emotional breakdowns, and fierce competition among the remaining housemates, keeping audiences glued to their screens.
Bigg Boss Telugu 9 Episode Highlights at a Glance

| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Episode | Day 86 (Episode 87) |
| Date | December 2, 2025 |
| Network | Star Maa |
| Host | Nagarjuna Akkineni |
| Key Task | Ticket to Finale Race |
| Central Figure | Thanuja Puttaswamy |
| Streaming | JioHotstar |
Thanuja’s Strategic Gameplay Creates Tension
The Ticket to Finale race began with intense strategic maneuvering that quickly transformed into one of the season’s most chaotic episodes. When Bigg Boss instructed housemates to select three players for the first round, Thanuja immediately suggested Pavan, Kalyan, and Emmanuel—the three strongest competitors. This calculated move aimed to group tough opponents together, potentially clearing her path in later rounds.
However, fellow contestant Rithu disrupted these plans by insisting on participating, leading to a heated shouting match between the two women. The confrontation became intensely personal before Pavan agreed to swap places with Rithu, diffusing the immediate tension but leaving underlying conflicts unresolved.

Multiple Tasks Test Different Skills
The first challenge tested mathematical abilities rather than physical strength. Contestants had to identify equations matching answers provided by Bigg Boss. Rithu struggled significantly, even claiming that 20 divided by 20 equals 40, while Emmanuel dominated with speed and accuracy, securing his first victory.
Round two featured a rope-balance game with balls, where Emmanuel selected Sanjana as his opponent. Despite initially performing well, Sanjana mistakenly violated a rule, costing her the round and leading to an emotional breakdown. Emmanuel continued his winning streak, proving himself a formidable competitor in the finale race.
Nagarjuna Addresses Thanuja’s Controversial Behavior
During the weekend episode, host Nagarjuna directly confronted Thanuja about questioning Bigg Boss’s authority during a recent brand promotional task. Her outburst towards sanchalak Divya, accusing her of changing rules mid-task, crossed boundaries that even host Nagarjuna couldn’t ignore. The incident highlighted how pressure brings out aggressive tendencies in contestants vying for finale spots.
For reality TV enthusiasts following Bigg Boss Telugu 9, Thanuja’s journey represents the fine line between strategic gameplay and overstepping boundaries. Her strong performance in tasks has earned her consistent public support, with predictions suggesting she could be a potential winner. However, her confrontational approach may impact jury and audience perception as the finale approaches.
With only a few weeks remaining before the grand finale, every task, argument, and alliance matters. The Ticket to Finale race promises more drama, unexpected twists, and fierce competition as contestants give their all for a shot at the title. Watch Bigg Boss Telugu 9 on Star Maa and streaming platform JioHotstar to catch all the action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened with Thanuja on Bigg Boss Telugu 9 Day 86?
On Day 86, Thanuja created significant controversy during the Ticket to Finale tasks by strategically nominating strong competitors and engaging in heated arguments with Rithu. She also faced criticism from host Nagarjuna for questioning Bigg Boss’s authority during a previous task, where she accused the sanchalak of changing rules unfairly.
Who is leading the Ticket to Finale race in Bigg Boss Telugu 9?
Emmanuel emerged as a strong contender by winning the first two rounds of the Ticket to Finale tasks, demonstrating both mental acuity in the math challenge and physical skill in the rope-balance game. However, with multiple rounds remaining, the competition stays wide open among contestants including Thanuja, Kalyan, Pavan, Sanjana, and others.


