Rusk Media has initiated the rollout for Season 2 of its fitness reality programme Battleground, beginning with the confirmation that digital creator Abhishek Malhan, also known as Fukra Insaan, will return as a mentor. He will once again lead the Delhi Dominators, the team that won the inaugural season, setting a strong competitive benchmark as the defending champions prepare to return.
The programme continues to attract strong commercial interest, positioning itself as a key platform to engage a youth-driven, fitness-focused audience. Ahead of the premiere, Performax and DaMENSCH have joined as special partners, while Pratikar has come on board as an associate partner, reinforcing the show’s growing appeal among brands targeting this segment.
For the second season, the show is scaling up its format with the introduction of three new regional franchises. The Delhi Dominators will now compete against Mumbai Strikers, Telugu Tigers, and Bhojpuri Bhaukaals. This expanded structure is designed to create sharper regional rivalries and raise the stakes of the competition. While Malhan is the only mentor confirmed so far, the leaders for the new teams are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Mayank Yadav, Co-Founder & CEO, Rusk Media, said, “Battleground has quickly evolved into a high-impact IP that brings together competition, storytelling, and community at scale. As we build Season 2, the focus is on expanding that universe, with stronger teams, deeper engagement, and more opportunities for both audiences and brand partners. Abhishek’s return is a big moment for the show, and we’re excited to reveal what’s coming next.”
Aruna Daryanani, Director, Amazon MX Player, said, “Battleground Season 1 resonated strongly with audiences across the country, scaling rapidly on viewership and building a passionate fan base for the format. The combination of competitive intensity and compelling personalities drove high engagement, making it one of the standout reality shows on the service.”
“With Season 2, we’re expanding the canvas with fresh teams, bigger rivalries, and more immersive brand integrations. Our focus remains on delivering premium, accessible entertainment to viewers across India, completely free, while continuing to evolve formats that deeply connect with today’s audiences” he added.
Abhishek Malhan aka Fukra Insaan, said, “Winning Battleground Season 1 with Delhi Dominators was an incredible experience and coming back as a mentor to defend that title makes it even more exciting. The competition this time is going to be tougher, the teams are stronger, and the energy is on another level. I’m looking forward to pushing my team harder and making this season even bigger.”
Anurag Saboo, co-founder, DaMENSCH, said, “Battleground offers a fresh and engaging way to connect with today’s young audiences who value performance, confidence, and self-expression. The show’s high-energy format and strong cultural relevance make it an exciting platform for us to showcase the brand in a more integrated and meaningful way. We’re looking forward to being part of this journey and engaging with consumers through content that feels authentic and impactful.”
A spokesperson from Performax, shared, “Battleground represents a new wave of fitness culture in India where performance is not just about winning, but about pushing personal limits and showing up consistently. That aligns strongly with what Performax stands for. At Performax, we believe in enabling individuals to go beyond comfort, beyond excuses, and beyond perceived limits. Battleground Season 2 provides the perfect platform to bring this philosophy to life, by engaging with a new generation that sees fitness as both identity and ambition.”
