A stand-up comedy video featuring comedian Madhur Virli has triggered widespread criticism on social media, with many users questioning the use of sexual violence and trauma as material for humour. In the clip, Virli makes jokes referencing rape cases, prompting backlash from viewers who described the content as insensitive and offensive. The comedian’s remarks, particularly a segment involving a reference to cuddling after rape, drew criticism from social media users who argued that experiences involving sexual assault and violence should not be trivialised for entertainment.
The video, taken from Virli’s 2024 stand-up special Love & Latex, has gone viral amid ongoing discussions surrounding controversial remarks made during comedy shows. The viral clip added fuel to the ongoing 37O ki biryani controversy and reignited discussions about the responsibilities of comedians when dealing with sensitive issues and the impact such jokes can have on survivors of sexual violence.
As the clip went viral, many argued that humour involving sexual violence risks normalising harmful attitudes and diminishing the seriousness of crimes that leave lasting psychological and emotional consequences for survivors. Several users expressed concern not only over the joke itself but also over the audiences who were laughing at these silly jokes during the performance.
Following Pranit More, Delhi-based comedian Virli has not publicly responded to the criticism and deactivated his social media accounts.
The backlash against Virli comes as controversy involved comments made during comedian Pranit More’s show, where an audience member’s remarks about spending money on a date. The 370 ki biryani remarks made by Pradeep Jangra in More’s show were criticised by social media users for implying entitlement in return for paying for a meal. Another clip of from the same show attracted criticism over a lady doctr Dr Sejal Pawar’s comments related to cadavers used in medical education, with some viewers describing the remarks as disrespectful towards body donors.