Bigg Boss Malayalam 7 Week 1 Review: Akbar Khan’s ‘Septic Tank’ remark, Non-Stop ‘Pani’, and Nevin’s comic relief

Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7 has completed its first week, and it’s already proving to be a power-packed season. With a perfect mix of drama, entertainment, controversies, and emotions, the season has taken off with a bang. Let’s take a closer look at the highlights of Week 1.The launch episode was nothing short of a spectacle. Mohanlal stole the show, donning a traditional mundu and kurta for the premiere, a first in the show's history. Another major highlight was the reveal of the brand-new Bigg Boss mansion, the first-ever custom-built house for the Malayalam version. Despite numerous leaks online, the visuals of the house remained under wraps, making the surprise reveal worth the wait. Mohanlal’s transformed persona and impactful hosting further elevated the launch.This season welcomed 19 contestants from various walks of life, each bringing something new. Notably, the inclusion of a lesbian couple (Adhila and Noora) is a first in Bigg Boss history. Actor-dancer Abhilash, who has a club foot, earned praise for representing inclusivity. The entry of Gizele Thakral, a former Bigg Boss Hindi contestant, also came as a surprise.Mohanlal revealed the season’s bold new theme — "7nte Pani". Contestants' personal belongings were locked away in the Panippura, and they must now earn them back through tasks. From reversing the usual norms like making the least favourite contestant the captain to assigning punishments like sleep deprivation, the show has successfully broken the monotony of past seasons.The house has already seen some heated moments. Shanavas’s comment on Gizele’s dressing was criticized for being indirectly judgmental. However, he did confront her directly, which added to the drama.The bigger controversy involved Akbar Khan, who referred to Renu Sudhi as a "septic tank". While he later apologized, the issue took a turn when Renu connected the insult to women, single mothers, and divorcees, amplifying its emotional weight.Nevin has quickly become a fan favorite with his quirky behavior and entertaining antics, from stealing a badge to playfully mocking Bigg Boss. While his attempts to bond with everyone could be seen as strategy, his natural charm is undeniable.Other standout performers include Akbar, Aryan, and Binny. Aryan and Akbar performed well in tasks, while Binny impressed with her game sense, especially in the red zone nomination twist involving Shaitya.Aneesh Tharayil, the first male commoner in the show, seems to be recycling past strategies, isolating himself, repeating catchphrases, and trying to spark conflict. His over-the-top tactics are causing more irritation than impact.Despite the hype, Oneal Sabu has been mostly invisible, aside from a bizarre remark calling Rena a “Gen Alpha worm.” Shaitya is stuck in the past, still talking about lipstick and her missing turkey. Abhilash and Sariga, though not very active yet, show potential.Appani Sarath and Shanavas have tried to assert dominance, but their aggressive tones are pushing them in the wrong direction.The weekend episode saw Mohanlal in top form , sharp, candid, and balanced. He rightfully slammed Akbar for his comment and Adhila-Noora for calling Aneesh "shit," while also delivering witty remarks. His hilarious comeback to Gizele — "I’ll get a cow so you can milk it" — was both cheeky and iconic.The most touching moment came from a heartfelt conversation between Adhila and Sariga. Sariga opened up about how her perception of same-sex love changed after witnessing Adhila and Noora’s relationship, a powerful example of how the show impacts not just housemates, but society at large.