Kunal Kemmu makes his reality TV hosting debut with Alliance, a new social strategy game show that began streaming on Prime Video on June 26, 2026. The show features 16 celebrity contestants who enter the house in pre-decided pairs, only to have those partnerships shattered within minutes. The format draws inevitable comparisons to Bigg Boss, but the show’s focus on shifting loyalties and strategic gameplay gives it a distinct flavor. However, the first episode reveals a familiar blend of forced rivalries and a subtle undercurrent of nepotism that raises questions about the show’s originality.
A Familiar Format with a Strategic Twist
The show kicks off with host Kunal Kemmu introducing the first twist immediately. Contestants, who arrived in pairs expecting to play alongside their partners, were asked to form four alliances of four members each: Kings, Warriors, Legends, and Hunters. The first betrayal came swiftly when Nikhil Chinapa abandoned his original team to replace Ravi Kishan in the Kings alliance, establishing trust as a temporary concept.
The show’s mechanics draw clear inspiration from other reality formats. The alliance-based gameplay reminds viewers of Ashneer Grover’s Rise and Fall, while the strategic maneuvering echoes The Traitors and Playground. Kunal Kemmu addressed these comparisons in an interview, stating, “You don’t have to be different because you are committed to it. We are following a format, and they chose it because it is different from what exists today.” The show also introduces “The System,” an all-knowing force that watches every move, tracks decisions, and introduces game-changing twists.
Ravi Kishan’s Gameplay and the Nepotism Question
Among the contestants, Ravi Kishan immediately stands out as a dominant personality. His strategic instincts and command over conversations make him one to watch. However, his game strategy introduces an interesting layer of nepotism. He openly declared that his goal isn’t to win Alliance himself but to ensure his daughter, Rivva Kishan, lifts the trophy. While supporting family is understandable, this declaration raises questions about his willingness to sacrifice his own game for his daughter’s benefit. Ironically, Rivva failed to leave much of an impression in the premiere, largely remaining in the background while her father actively strategized.
Forced Rivalries and Manufactured Drama
The first episode wasted no time in serving conflict. Kushal Tandon, who appeared irritated with Vanshaj Singh over age-shaming remarks made on Vanshaj’s previous show, confronted him almost immediately. The heated exchange felt less organic and more like an attempt to generate instant content. Kushal’s aggressive body language and arrogance are reminiscent of his earlier reality TV appearances. Having been evicted from Bigg Boss following a physical altercation, expectations of a calmer version of him remain unfulfilled so far.
To Vanshaj’s credit, he wasn’t intimidated and gave it back, something that clearly didn’t sit well with Kushal. Their rivalry is likely to continue, but after just one episode, it already risks feeling manufactured rather than natural. The pair of Kushal Tandon and Arslan Goni, along with Niti Taylor and Ruhee Dosani, are among the other notable pairs entering the competition.
Kunal Kemmu’s Hosting Debut: A Fresh Approach
Kunal Kemmu brings a different energy to the host’s role compared to the authoritative style of Salman Khan in Bigg Boss. His hosting style is observant, witty, and relaxed rather than commanding. When asked why he chose to host, Kemmu revealed his curiosity about reality TV’s inner workings. “There’s this lifelong question with reality TV: Is this scripted, or isn’t it? At least I’ll know,” he shared in an interview. However, he clarified that the show’s unscripted nature wasn’t a condition for him, stating he approached the project with an open mind. Speaking about the show’s concept, he explained, “Alliances are what you need to survive,” drawing parallels between the show and human existence.
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Contestants to Watch and Early Impressions
Beyond the drama, several contestants have made strong first impressions. Nikhil Chinapa appears to understand the game better than most, having willingly betrayed an alliance on Day 1. Ruhee Dosani brings humor and lightness, making her one of the more entertaining contestants. On social media, early reactions have been positive, with one netizen tweeting, “Really liked the first episode and the overall concept of this reality show.” Another user noted that Vanshaj came across as “immature” while Kushal brought “energy, enthusiasm.”
The show features 16 contestants from diverse backgrounds, including films, television, digital entertainment, gaming, and comedy. With new episodes dropping daily at 12 PM on Prime Video, Alliance has enough drama to keep reality TV fans hooked, but its reliance on familiar tropes prevents it from feeling genuinely fresh.
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