The JioHotstar South Unbound event in Chennai turned into a star-studded celebration of South India’s most popular reality franchises as prominent Bigg Boss hosts from across the region — Mohanlal, Nagarjuna, and Vijay Sethupathi — came together on one stage. Representing the Malayalam, Telugu, and Tamil versions of the hit show, the trio shared anecdotes, exchanged admiration, and thrilled fans with their camaraderie. The only notable absence was Kannada host Kichcha Sudeep, who could not attend the event.
Vijay Sethupathi, who currently hosts Bigg Boss Tamil, was particularly expressive during the event, showering heartfelt praise on both Mohanlal and Nagarjuna. As he joined Mohanlal on stage, Sethupathi revealed that he has long been a devoted admirer of the Malayalam superstar. He proudly shared that he still has Mohanlal’s autograph framed in his office — a reminder of the admiration he has held for him since his early days as an actor. Calling himself Mohanlal’s “biggest fan,” Sethupathi described the moment as surreal, expressing how fortunate he felt to now share a platform with someone he once idolized from afar.
Sethupathi didn’t stop there. Turning to his fellow host Nagarjuna, he jokingly wondered about the Telugu superstar’s secret to eternal youth. With his characteristic wit, Sethupathi remarked, “I do not know why he does not age. They do so much research about anti-ageing; please take this man along for that.” He went on to add, “He looks handsome right from his hair. He always carries a cool, energetic vibe. Even after I have grandchildren, he would look the same, I think.” His affectionate teasing drew laughter from the audience and showcased the easy rapport between the stars onstage.
Nagarjuna, in turn, used his time on the microphone to honor Mohanlal for his most recent and significant achievement — the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Speaking with admiration, Nagarjuna said, “I want to congratulate Mohanlal for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. The most deserving actor and the most prestigious prize. This award is so pure and so prestigious, and it has come to the most deserving actor who holds his own in Indian cinema. This man can do anything with ease.” His words were met with resounding applause from the audience, reaffirming Mohanlal’s revered status across Indian cinema.
The emotional moment continued as Vijay Sethupathi draped a ceremonial shawl over Mohanlal’s shoulders, calling it his “great opportunity to praise and felicitate the man I admire the most.” The gesture added to the warmth of the evening, highlighting the mutual respect shared among the regional icons who, despite their massive stardom, maintain an enduring sense of camaraderie.
Mohanlal and Nagarjuna, both veterans in their respective industries, have hosted their regional editions of Bigg Boss for seven seasons each. Their longevity reflects the immense trust and love audiences have for them. Meanwhile, Vijay Sethupathi stepped into the role of the Tamil host two seasons ago, taking over from Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan, who helmed Bigg Boss Tamil for seven seasons and was also present at the South Unbound event. The combination of past and present Bigg Boss hosts made for an atmosphere rich with nostalgia, legacy, and celebration.
Beyond the glamour and star interactions, the event also marked a significant announcement for the South Indian entertainment landscape. Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister and actor Udhayanidhi Stalin attended the event alongside key representatives of JioHotstar to unveil a major partnership initiative. The streaming platform announced its ambitious plans to introduce 25 new South Indian titles, spanning multiple languages, genres, and formats. The announcement signals a robust expansion in regional content, reflecting the growing demand and influence of South Indian cinema and storytelling.
In a major boost to the creative economy, JioHotstar also revealed that it would be investing ₹4000 crore into South Indian content over the next five years. The investment aims to fuel new projects, develop talent, support large-scale productions, and strengthen the streaming ecosystem across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada industries. Such a significant financial commitment underscores the platform’s recognition of the South’s unprecedented role in shaping India’s entertainment future — both domestically and globally.
The South Unbound event, therefore, was much more than a promotional gathering. It became a celebration of artistry, mutual admiration, and the powerful cultural footprint of South India’s entertainment industry. With top-tier hosts sharing heartfelt moments and a massive content investment announced, the evening marked a new chapter for regional entertainment — one filled with pride, promise, and unbound potential.
