Roadies Rebirth has made a confident start. The first episode of Roadies Season 21 brought back the energy fans love, with tough auditions, sharp gang leaders and a brand-new auction twist that changes how the game is played from day one. It is not perfect, but it is easily one of the more exciting Roadies openers in recent years.
Here is our review of the opening episode, from the new rules and the auction to the moment everyone is talking about, Bani J’s arm-wrestling face-off.
Roadies Rebirth Episode 1 Review: Quick Verdict
| Show | Roadies Rebirth (Season 21) |
| Episode | Episode 1 |
| Where to watch | MTV, Netflix and JioHotstar |
| Best moment | Bani J’s arm-wrestling win against a contestant from Bengal |
| Standout gang leaders | Neha Dhupia and Bani J |
| Our rating | 4 out of 5 |
What Is New in Roadies Rebirth?
The biggest change this season is the format. The six gang leaders are no longer running six separate gangs. Instead, they are split into two teams, the OGs (Nikhil Chinapa, Neha Dhupia and Prince Narula) and the NewGs (Abhishek Malhan, Bani J and Baseer Ali). The two sides share contestants and strategies, so every decision becomes a team battle.
The second big change is the auction. Contestants who impress in the auditions are not simply picked. The gang leaders bid for them, and the highest bidder wins the contestant. This makes the auditions feel like a draft, where every leader has to think about value, not just talent.
The auditions for this season were held across Delhi, Chandigarh, Pune and Kolkata, which gives the line-up a nice mix of contestants from different parts of the country.
The Auction: Big Bids and a Smart Steal
The auction is the real hook of Roadies Rebirth. The first few contestants drew heavy bids, which led to a lively debate among fans. Some viewers felt the early picks, including a strong female arm-wrestler and a funny, confident contestant, were valued a little too high for what they showed. But that is exactly what makes the format fun. Leaders are betting on potential, and only the journey will show who got it right.
The pick of the day was Neha Dhupia’s signing of Karishma. She brings physical strength, a strong personal backstory and prior experience of reality TV, which makes her an all-round contestant. Many fans called it the steal of the auction, and it is easy to see why.
Best Moment: Bani J’s Arm-Wrestling Showdown
The highlight of the episode came when a contestant from Bengal challenged Bani J to an arm-wrestling match. It was a bold move, and the contestant gave it everything. But Bani J, one of the fittest faces in Roadies history, won the bout and reminded everyone why she commands respect in the room.
It was a perfect Roadies moment. It was physical, dramatic and full of attitude, and it set the tone for what Bani J is likely to bring this season.
Gang Leaders: Who Impressed in Episode 1?
Team OGs
Neha Dhupia was the boss of the episode. Her sharp questions, quick decisions and the Karishma signing showed she means business. Prince Narula played with the confidence fans know from past seasons, while Nikhil Chinapa stayed calm and quiet, picking his moments like a silent assassin. His experience will matter once the tasks begin.
Team NewGs
Bani J came out strong, with real leader vibes from the very first episode. She was vocal and fearless, and she is already shaping up to be the most talked-about gang leader of the season. Abhishek Malhan impressed with his maturity. He handled a tricky audition calmly and showed that he plans to play with his mind, something his fans have seen in his earlier reality show appearances. Baseer Ali was quieter on day one, but as a former Roadies winner, he is expected to step up once the game heats up.
The Auditions: Strong Messages From the Leaders
The auditions had their share of heated moments. In one audition, a contestant faced tough questions over remarks about women and their clothing, and the gang leaders made it clear that such views have no place on the show. It was a strong stand, and it showed the leaders care about more than just physical strength.
Another talking point was Allen’s audition. Despite facing a lot of criticism in the room, he stayed calm and composed, and Abhishek Malhan appreciated how he handled it. Rannvijay Singha summed it up well, telling him that Roadies is not the place for a reset and that he needs to prove himself in the outside world.
What Fans Are Saying
- Most viewers enjoyed the episode and are excited about the OGs vs NewGs rivalry.
- Bani J’s leader vibes have won over many fans already.
- Some longtime fans miss the bigger contestant pool and lighter fun of the older seasons.
- A few viewers feel the contestants are still finding their feet, and expect the real test to start with the tasks.
- Many expect Bani J to be at the centre of the biggest fights this season.
Final Verdict
Roadies Rebirth Episode 1 does what a first episode should do. It introduces a fresh format, builds rivalries early and gives fans plenty to talk about. The auction adds a smart new layer, Neha Dhupia and Bani J are already in top form, and the OGs vs NewGs battle has real potential. If the tasks match the energy of the auditions, Season 21 could be one of the best Roadies seasons in years.
New to the season? Read our full guide to Roadies Season 21 gang leaders, host and where to watch.