The controversy surrounding the 'Rs 370 Ki Biryani' joke made during a live show hosted by comedian Pranit More continues to simmer online, igniting widespread outrage across the country. While that incident focused on a problematic audience interaction, another comedian's remarks have now come under scrutiny, adding fuel to the fire.
Madhur Virli's Controversial Joke
Comedian Madhur Virli is facing a severe online backlash for a comment made during one of his stand-up performances. The clip, which has gone viral, has reignited the debate on the boundaries of comedy and whether certain sensitive topics should be handled with care on stage. The internet has labeled his joke as insensitive and offensive.
The clip allegedly shows Virli making a joke about rape, drawing sharp criticism from users who argue that subjects involving violence and trauma should be off-limits for humor. In the video, Virli is heard saying: “10 rape cases hote hain. 9 usmein se aise hote hain jismein sirf rape hota hai. Ek case aisa hota hai jahan pe murder after rape hota hai. Mujhe lagta hai ki woh ek case aisa hota hoga ki just after rape ladka uthta hoga aur ladki bolti hogi, 'Arey! cuddle nahi karoge kya iske baad?' Tab ladka chaku marta hoga.”
Netizens React
His crude comment, delivered in the name of humor, enraged netizens and prompted questions about the true limits of comedy. One user wrote, “Meet Madhur Virli: Since when did rape jokes become normal? If you can’t make people laugh without joking about someone’s worst trauma, maybe comedy isn’t for you. Find an honest job instead of using pain and suffering for cheap laughs. What is even more disgusting is that the audience sitting there is laughing at this cheap comedy and there are likely some girls among them, too.”
Another user added, “Shame on you Madhur Virli! Joking about rape? And the disgusting audience clapping. Humans prove that they’re the worst lot day by day.” A third comment read, “When being cool becomes more important than being sensible. This is disgusting.”
The 'Rs 370 Ki Biryani' Controversy
Before Virli's name entered the conversation, the flames had been ignited by a clip from a live show by comedian Pranit More. The comedian shared a video on Instagram featuring an audience interaction where Himanshu Jangra, a 23-year-old web developer from Gurugram, made an objectionable comment. Jangra claimed he went on a second date with a woman and spent Rs 370 on biryani. After the woman decided to leave, he expressed frustration: “Maine kaha 370 rupay lage hain, main wasool toh karunga.” He implied he expected physical intimacy in return for paying for the meal. He then boasted about persisting with a kiss and physical advances. The audience applauded, and More rewarded him with Rs 5,000.
Following the backlash, both Jangra and More deactivated their Instagram accounts. Reports indicate Jangra was fired from his role at Starvik Design, while More faced a case registered by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell.
Broader Context
Previously, comedian Samay Raina and influencers Ranveer Allahabadia, Ashish Chanchlani, and Apoorva Mukhija faced massive criticism for their comments on sex and sexuality on the show India’s Got Latent. These incidents have sparked a national debate on the boundaries of comedy and the extent to which real-life issues should be incorporated into comedic acts.
