'Rise and Fall' review: A circus of rulers and workers that entertains without soaring high

Rise and Fall

Rating - *** (3/5)

Confirmed Contestants of ‘Rise and Fall’: Arjun Bijlani, Dhanashree Verma, Kiku Sharda, Kubbra Sait, Aditya Narayan, Anaya Bangar, Sangeeta Phogat, Nayandeep Rakshit, Pawan Singh Bali, Arbaaz Patel, Aarush Bhola, Aahana Kumra, Akriti Negi, Noorin Sha

It may be too early to deliver a final verdict, but Rise and Fall is not a show that can be brushed aside. Premiered on September 6, 2025, with Ashneer Grover at the helm, the reality experiment throws 16 celebrity contestants into a world split by comfort and scarcity. The privileged occupy a penthouse while the rest struggle in a basement, battling to shift their standing. The concept feels familiar yet comes with a distinct charge, thanks in part to Grover’s unfiltered style steering the narrative.

The Host: Ashneer Grover

Ashneer Grover carries over the frankness that made him stand out on Shark Tank India. Known for quick, cutting remarks, he brings the same tone to Rise & Fall. His role goes beyond that of a conventional presenter he acts as a catalyst, ensuring the competition never drifts into routine. The show streams daily at noon on Amazon MX Player and airs at 10:30 PM on Sony Entertainment Television, with Grover anchoring the clashes and strategies that unfold.

What’s the Format

Adapted from a British reality series, the structure is straightforward. Sixteen celebrities are divided into two categories: Rulers in the penthouse and Workers in the basement. Each episode features four players, with the lower group trying to replace someone at the top. The possibility of rapid power shifts gives the game its edge. By placing contestants in environments that highlight contrast, the show constantly pressures them to scheme, adapt, and fight for position.

The Cast

The line-up blends television stars, influencers, comedians, and performers. Arjun Bijlani, Kubbra Sait, Kiku Sharda, Dhanashree Verma, Aditya Narayan, Aahana Kumra, Pawan Singh, Arbaz Patel, Aarush Bhola, and Nayandeep Rakshit are among those in the mix. The variety ensures clashing temperaments, with actors aiming for spotlight, athletes for grit, and digital names for reach. That mix of motives keeps the dynamics unpredictable.

First Episode: Early Signals

The debut wasted no time setting sparks. Reports point to Arbaz Patel and Aarush Bhola getting into a heated exchange, while Noorin Sha and Akriti Negi also clashed over differences. These early confrontations underline how quickly pressure builds when resources and status are on the line. Instead of easing viewers in, the show opened with tension, signaling that volatility will drive the narrative forward.

Why It Works for Indian Audiences

Indian reality viewers are already familiar with hierarchies and shifting alliances through shows like Bigg Boss. Rise & Fall sharpens that framework by making privilege tangible luxury above and austerity below and then giving those at the bottom a direct path to overturn the hierarchy. This balance of spectacle and unpredictability holds clear appeal.

Grover’s image also resonates beyond business circles. His no-nonsense presence injects authenticity into the format, making every interaction feel weightier. Unlike personality-driven shows that rely on romance or gossip, this one leans into ambition and calculation, blending strategy with emotion in ways that reflect larger social dynamics.

Context and Positioning

Reality TV in India has explored multiple shades: relationship arcs, survival challenges, celebrity gossip. Rise & Fall chooses to position itself differently as a pressure test of privilege, ambition, and betrayal. By stripping away frills and focusing on power exchange, it frames each episode as a study of negotiation and rivalry. The environment itself becomes the stage for shifting loyalties and calculated risks, giving it the feel of a social experiment rather than a routine entertainment product.

Rise & Fall isn’t trying to be Bigg Boss, and that works in its favor. It avoids overproduction, focuses on sharp contrasts, and builds intensity from its very first episode. With a diverse cast and Grover driving the pace, the show positions itself as more than passive entertainment—it’s a constant test of wit, endurance, and adaptability. For Indian viewers seeking something direct and uncompromising, it offers a format that’s difficult to ignore.