Before it even airs, The 50 has found itself at the centre of significant discourse. In a newly-released promo clip for the series, Bigg Boss 18’s finalist Rajat Dalal physically confronts contestant Digvijay Singh Rathee during an activity on the show, causing other contestants to react with shock and disbelief. The promo has been widely viewed and is now being discussed with concern rather than curiosity based on the social media reaction to date (over 1 million views across multiple platforms).
Fans of reality programming in India are very familiar with heated debates, witty comebacks and competitors playing mind games—however, actual physical confronting each other crosses a line—therefore this promotional clip has created a lot of discussion regarding the responsibility of the contestants and whether or not they provoke others as well as how unscripted productions deal with physical altercations due to the extreme amount of pressure present in this type of programming.
Inside the promo: how the task spirals out of control
The confrontation unfolds during an arena-style task, a core feature of The 50. Digvijay Singh Rathee questions Rajat Dalal’s earlier silence when other contestants allegedly used abusive language, calling out what he describes as double standards. The remark appears to strike a nerve.
In the promo footage, Rajat reacts aggressively, moving toward Digvijay, shoving him and, in a split second that has since been replayed endlessly online, appearing to slap him. Gasps from other contestants are audible, with several stepping in to separate the two before the situation escalates further. Digvijay is later seen backing away, visibly shaken, while the task grinds to a halt.
The rawness of the moment is what stands out. There is no dramatic background score or slow-motion edit—just a sudden rupture that leaves the room frozen.
A rivalry that predates The 50
For many viewers, the clash did not come out of nowhere. Rajat Dalal and Digvijay Singh Rathee bring their own histories into the show.
Rajat rose to national prominence as a finalist on Bigg Boss 18, building a strong and vocal fanbase. His time on the show established him as fiercely competitive and unfiltered, traits that continue to define his public image. Digvijay, on the other hand, enters The 50 with significant digital influence, particularly on YouTube, where his commentary-driven content has earned him a loyal following.
Their past online spats, fuelled by fandom clashes and indirect jibes, had already set the stage for tension. The 50’s format, which places contestants in direct physical and strategic competition, appears to have amplified those unresolved issues rather than diffusing them.
Why The 50 format intensifies conflict
Unlike traditional house-based reality shows, The 50 is built around arena-style tasks involving a large cast of celebrities competing simultaneously. With 50 participants sharing screen time, visibility itself becomes a currency. Loud confrontations and bold moves often translate into attention, both on-screen and online.
The promo also hints at other flashpoints. Another clip teases a verbal showdown between television actors Karan Patel and Siddharth Bharadwaj, with language that suggests threats rather than banter. Nikki Tamboli is shown in a separate heated exchange, adding to the sense that the show’s competitive structure pushes tempers to the edge.
This design may make for gripping television, but it also raises questions about whether such formats inadvertently reward extreme behaviour.
How viewers are reacting online
Social media response has been swift and polarised. Hashtags related to The 50 began trending soon after the promo dropped, with fan pages, reaction videos and frame-by-frame analyses flooding platforms. While some viewers have labelled the moment “pure reality TV,” others have called it unacceptable, arguing that provocation does not justify physical violence.
Fan communities aligned with Rajat have defended him, suggesting he was pushed too far during the task. Supporters of Digvijay, meanwhile, point to his largely verbal approach and the visible shock on his face after the incident. The divide highlights how celebrity fandoms can shape narratives long before a full episode provides context.
How Indian reality TV has handled such moments before
Indian reality television has encountered similar incidents in the past. On long-running formats like Bigg Boss, physical altercations have typically resulted in warnings, temporary removal, or even eviction, depending on severity. Over time, these shows have developed internal rulebooks that clearly prohibit physical violence.
OTT platforms, while often perceived as more flexible, are still bound by content guidelines and advertiser expectations. Disclaimers, parental controls and post-episode clarifications have become standard tools to manage viewer concerns. How The 50 addresses this incident within the show will be closely watched.
The commercial and creative stakes for the platform
From a business perspective, the promo has undeniably succeeded in driving attention. App downloads and search interest around the show have spiked since the clip went viral. For streaming platforms, early buzz often translates into trial subscriptions.
Creatively, however, the challenge lies in sustaining interest without alienating audiences who expect responsible storytelling. Viewers today are more vocal and organised than ever, quick to call out content they feel crosses ethical lines.
What to watch for when Episode 1 airs
When the premiere episode drops on Sunday, it will provide fuller context: what led up to the confrontation, how long it lasted, and how the show’s authority figures responded. Editing choices will also matter. Whether the incident is framed as a warning sign or merely another dramatic beat will influence how audiences judge the series as a whole.
For Rajat Dalal, this marks a critical moment in his post–Bigg Boss trajectory. For Digvijay Singh Rathee, it shapes his first major impression on mainstream television. And for The 50, it sets the tone for a season that promises intensity—but now carries heightened scrutiny.
