The risk of taking risqué too far: Why creators must know where to draw the line

In 2015, a storm of controversy engulfed the Indian entertainment landscape when the AIB (All India Bakchod) Knockout Roast, featuring celebrities like Karan Johar, Ranveer Singh, and Arjun Kapoor, set social media on fire. The roast, filled with explicit humour, sparked a nationwide debate about the limits of comedy, freedom of speech, and societal decency. Critics labeled the event as vulgar and offensive, while supporters argued it was an example of satirical comedy. Fast forward to 2025, and a similar controversy has arisen around the popular show ‘India’s Got Latent’. This time, comedian Samay Raina, podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia (Beer Biceps), content creator Apoorva Makhija (The Rebel Kid), comedian Ashish Chanchlani, and stand-up artist Jaspreet Singh are in the spotlight.

The uproar was triggered by a vulgar comment made by influencer Ranveer Allahbadia that went viral, resulting in nationwide backlash. Was it just an unfortunate joke taken too seriously, or a reflection of a deeper cultural shift in the digital entertainment space?

The Incident: A Controversial Remark

The uproar began when an episode featuring Samay Raina, Ranveer Allahbadia, and Apoorva Makhija included a remark from Allahbadia that many deemed vulgar, disrespectful, and sexist. The clip quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism, particularly from older audiences, who accused the show of promoting inappropriate behavior and eroding cultural values.

Legal Action and Government Intervention

Inspector-General of Maharashtra Cyber Police, Yashasvi Yadav, confirmed that a case has been registered under Section 67 (transmission of obscene material in electronic form) of the Information Technology Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). According to a Free Press Journal report, the FIR includes the names of everyone involved in ‘India’s Got Latent’, from episodes 1 to 6, including Samay Raina, Ranveer, other artists, participants, and co-judges of the ‘dark comedy’ show.

Following public outrage over a recent episode featuring Raina, Ranveer, Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and Apoorva Makhija, the government ordered its removal from YouTube. Kanchan Gupta, Senior Advisor at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the episode was blocked due to “obscene and perverse comments” by Ranveer Allahabadia. Officials have since recorded Chanchlani’s statement, contacted Ranveer’s manager, and reached out to BookMyShow for audience details. The show was reportedly recorded on November 14, 2024.

The Fallout: Episode Removed, Authorities Step In

As backlash mounted, YouTube removed the episode, and the issue even reached Parliament, where concerns about regulating digital content were raised. Meanwhile, Mumbai Police arrived at Ranveer Allahbadia’s residence for questioning, further intensifying the scrutiny.

The Outrage: Divided Social Media

Criticism against the show snowballed, with activists demanding its shutdown and even calling for the closure of Mumbai’s Habitat Center, where it was recorded. Singer B Praak canceled his scheduled appearance with BeerBiceps on his podcast, citing the offensive language used on the show.

Conversely, social media users split into two camps. Detractors condemned the show for crossing the line, while supporters dismissed the outrage as an overreaction, defending it as dark humour—a genre Samay Raina is known for.

The Defense: Free Speech or Overreaction?

Supporters argue that the reaction is disproportionate. An Instagram post reflected this sentiment: “This is an unbelievably unnecessary way to cancel him. It was just an unfunny comment, not a national crisis. This sets a dangerous precedent for humour going forward.” Many believe this controversy undermines free speech and risks stifling comedy under the guise of moral policing.

The Impact: Brands and Digital Influencers

The backlash has significantly impacted the show and its influencers. Ranveer Allahbadia saw over 8,000 followers unfollow him across his Instagram profiles, signaling a shift in audience perception. The controversy has also made brands reconsider collaborations with the show’s hosts. Allahbadia, who has worked with Spotify, Amazon Prime Video, and Mountain Dew, now faces scrutiny as brands weigh the risks of associating with controversial creators.

The Regulatory Dilemma: How Far Is Too Far?

Amid public debate, questions about government regulation of digital content have resurfaced. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) are under pressure to define clearer content guidelines. Legal experts argue that while digital platforms must regulate content to prevent harm, excessive controls could curb creative freedom.

The failed Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, which sought to regulate online content but was criticized for stifling artistic expression, highlights the complexity of this issue.

The Bigger Picture: Society, Humour, and Responsibility

The India’s Got Latent controversy underscores a larger debate: Where do we draw the line between comedy and decency? As digital content shapes modern entertainment, humour increasingly tests societal norms. Should content creators self-censor to avoid backlash, or should they have the freedom to express themselves without fear of repercussions?

The Cliffhanger: Freedom of Speech vs. Responsibility

As we wait for the government’s next move, the question remains: Does freedom of speech come with responsibility? Or does the right to express oneself outweigh the need for restraint in public discourse? The answer, it seems, lies somewhere in the middle.

What’s your take on the Samay Raina controversy? The debate is far from over, and only time will tell if this controversy will set a new precedent for digital content—or if it will fizzle out as just another viral moment.