The upcoming season of Bigg Boss Marathi is set to captivate audiences with a house that is far more than just a set. For Season 6, premiering on January 11, 2025, acclaimed production designer and filmmaker Omung Kumar Bhandula has crafted an environment that acts as a living character, meticulously designed to influence psychology and generate compelling drama.
The AI-Powered 45-Day Marvel
In a remarkable feat, Omung Kumar and his team constructed the massive and intricate house in a mere 45 days. He revealed that the process is still evolving, with final touches being added. The designer credited cutting-edge technology for this efficiency, stating, "Thanks to technology and AI-driven planning, AI made the process faster, more fluid, and creatively exhilarating." This use of artificial intelligence in set design marks a significant innovation for Indian reality television.
Theme: Doors, Windows, and the Mind's Maze
The core concept of the Bigg Boss Marathi 6 house revolves around portals and perception. "The theme this season is of doors and windows, lock and key," Omung explained. The set features an astonishing 900 doors and 800 windows, each symbolizing choice, mystery, and transformation. Drawing inspiration from tales like Alice in Wonderland, the doors vary in size, some have locks with wings, and others are dummy entries that only Bigg Boss can open, ensuring constant surprise.
Omung, applying his filmmaker's eye, designed every corner with camera angles and lighting in mind. He described the intentional visual clutter from the outside that gives way to peaceful, detailed artwork when inside, ensuring every frame is visually engaging for the audience.
A Set Engineered for Content and Conflict
Every element is calculated to foster interaction and drama. The garden area, with crooked doors leading to a central treehouse, is designed as a gossip zone. A former gutter space has been transformed into a tiny hidden room, just big enough for a chair, which Omung laughingly predicted would be used for secret liaisons and generate content.
For the first time, bunk beds have been introduced into the house. "The bunk beds are used for the first time and are designed with conflict in mind. There will be fights there. You’ll get content from that," the designer admitted, highlighting the psychological underpinnings of the physical space.
Gold, Gloss, and a Possessive Designer
Aesthetic choices were made for practical television impact. A dominant gold theme was adopted not for extravagance but for visual clarity on camera, replacing a light beige scheme that looked unsatisfactory. Sustainability and cost-effectiveness were also priorities, with old furniture being reused, reupholstered, and repurposed.
Omung Kumar exhibits a deep personal connection to the set, admitting he is "very possessive" about the house and its cleanliness. He emphasized that Marathi contestants have a higher regard for cleanliness compared to some in the Hindi version, which he appreciates. He even shared an anecdote about Salman Khan once having to warn Hindi Bigg Boss contestants to clean up or lose basic amenities.
Practicality wasn't sacrificed for artistry. The design incorporates storage for a 100-day stay, functional bathroom layouts, and usable kitchen spaces. One standout bathroom boasts an industrial aesthetic, designed like a boiler room with pipes and brass elements.
Ultimately, Omung Kumar Bhandula's creation for Bigg Boss Marathi Season 6 transcends being a mere backdrop. "Our set talks," he says. It is a provocateur—watching, tempting, trapping, and revealing the contestants' true selves, promising a season where the house itself is a central player in the unfolding story.
