OLD CLIP SPARKS FRESH OUTRAGEThe controversy erupted after social media users began sharing a clip from one of Virli's older stand-up performances.
One user who shared the clip wrote, "Meet Madhur Virli.
"Shame on you Madhur Virli!
Another said, "Please take cognizance of this insensitive joke made on rape victims by this low life Madhur Virli."
The latest backlash has once again raised questions about what audiences consider acceptable in stand-up comedy, particularly when jokes touch on subjects such as sexual violence, consent and trauma.
As outrage over the viral 'Rs 370 Biryani' controversy refuses to die down, another stand-up comedian has found himself at the centre of a social media storm. Comedian Madhur Virli is facing widespread criticism after an old performance clip resurfaced online, with users accusing him of making light of sexual violence and questioning the boundaries of comedy.
The backlash comes days after comedian Pranit More and audience member Himanshu Jangra faced severe criticism over remarks made during a stand-up show that triggered a national debate on misogyny, entitlement and accountability.
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Madhur Virli has since deactivated his Instagram account, even as criticism continues to mount across social media platforms.
OLD CLIP SPARKS FRESH OUTRAGE
The controversy erupted after social media users began sharing a clip from one of Virli's older stand-up performances. The video allegedly features a joke referencing rape, prompting strong reactions from users who argued that subjects involving violence and trauma should not be treated as material for humour.
One user who shared the clip 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."
The post quickly gained traction, with many users expressing shock and anger over both the joke and the audience's reaction.
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 pic.twitter.com/ZxZ9c3vJwm— Sachya (@sachya2002) June 12, 2026
'SHAME ON YOU'
Several social media users condemned the comedian and demanded action.
"Shame on you Madhur Virli! Joking about rape? And the disgusting audience clapping. Humans prove that they're the worst lot day by day," one user wrote.
Another said, "Please take cognizance of this insensitive joke made on rape victims by this low life Madhur Virli."
A third user commented, "What? This isn't comedy, it's desensitization masked as art. They mock the most horrific acts, call it edgy, and sell it as freedom of expression."
"When being cool becomes more important than being sensible. This is disgusting," another post read.
One user questioned whether such content was contributing to the normalisation of sexual violence, asking, "Why does it seem like some people are actively trying to normalize rape by trivializing it across various media?"
FROM THE BIRYANI ROW TO A WIDER DEBATE
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The latest controversy comes against the backdrop of the 'Rs 370 Biryani' row, which drew nationwide attention after a clip from Pranit More's stand-up show went viral.
The controversy stemmed from an interaction with audience member Himanshu Jangra, a 23-year-old web developer from Gurugram, who spoke about spending Rs 370 on biryani during a date and later expressed frustration when the woman chose to leave.
"Maine kaha 370 rupay lage hain, main wasool toh karunga," Jangra said during the exchange.
The remark triggered intense criticism online, with many users calling it misogynistic and entitled.
In the aftermath, both Jangra and More deactivated their Instagram accounts. Reports also said Jangra was dismissed from his role at Starvik Design, while More became the subject of a case registered by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell.
ONGOING DEBATE OVER COMEDY'S LIMITS
With Virli now facing scrutiny over a resurfaced clip, the debate has expanded beyond the original controversy.
The latest backlash has once again raised questions about what audiences consider acceptable in stand-up comedy, particularly when jokes touch on subjects such as sexual violence, consent and trauma.
As criticism continues to pour in, Virli has not publicly addressed the controversy. His Instagram account was unavailable at the time the backlash gathered momentum, fuelling further discussion online.
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Published By: Sonali Verma Published On: Jun 13, 2026 13:39 IST
