Why are we still stuck on India's Got Latent and the controversy around it?

Samay Raina recently announced that he is taking down all the videos from his show, India's Got Latent. While we were ready to move on, the discourse around it doesn't seem like it will die down. 

If you are wondering whether the recent comedy show controversy, specifically regarding "comedy show vs. the people," was taken too far, the answer is likely yes. India has been obsessing over the recent controversy around Samay Raina's show India's Got Latent. After calling out the people involved in the show and filing FIRs, the debate around it continues to be a hot topic. So, what does the ongoing discourse around comedy and comedians say about us as a society? 

For years, we have seen that entertainment, which has the power to impact and reach millions, is often subjected to scrutiny. This also comes from the inherent idea that it sets its own culture, a notion we cannot deny is true. Entertainment influences cultures, ideas, and perspectives showing us a mirror of our regressive society while presenting how it can be better. Either way, we cannot ignore the significant role it plays in our lives. However, this idea has also led to criticism and actions being taken against the people involved in the entertainment industry.

After an official complaint was filed against Ranveer Allahbadia, Apoorva Mukhija, Samay Raina, and the organisers of India’s Got Latent, Allahbadia shared a video apologising for his jokes. However, the case only escalated as people began protesting outside the venue where the show is held, with calls for a ban on the event. Prompt actions were taken by the police, who sent legal notice to people outside of Mumbai, with the influencers giving their statements on the matter. Following the legal issues, Samay took to social media to share his decision to take down all the videos of India's Got Latent from his channel. While sharing the news Raina said, "Everything that is happening has been too much for me to handle. I have removed all Indias Got Latent videos from my channel."

Everything that is happening has been too much for me to handle. I have removed all Indias Got Latent videos from my channel. My only objective was to make people laugh and have a good time. I will fully cooperate with all agencies to ensure their inquiries are concluded fairly.…

— Samay Raina (@ReheSamay) February 12, 2025

Also Read - India’s Got Latent controversy: The fallout when viral content comes at the cost of decency

We can agree that everything that caused the ongoing controversy from the show is valid. The jokes cracked by the contestants and the influencers involved in the show were not only crude but also vulgar. While the show’s format allowed them to speak freely, without censors, they failed to recognise the responsibility that comes with being a public personality. As for us, the audience, we could have just moved on after addressing the crass jokes made, especially since the people involved recognised the mistake and apologised. But like every other time, people decided to take it a bit too far, making us wonder if the initial backlash was even worth this time.

The incident with Samya Raina and India’s Got Latent, ironically or sadly, isn’t something new. We've witnessed individuals who see themselves as the guardians of our cherished culture calling out comedians. Over the past few years, FIRs and comedy have become almost synonymous, making it seem like part of the art. One could argue that comedy is subjective, and putting these people under the knife for it makes no sense. But each time we are presented with a case or a call for a ban, we end up with more questions - why do we think this is more important than every other issue that is hurting us physically, mentally, politically, and emotionally? At a time when the judiciary, which is supposed to protect us, suggests that marital rape does not exist, or when we see people commit crimes while on their way to cleanse themselves of their 'sins', or when a foreign national pointed out India's ignorance to the decreasing air quality, should punishing comedians be a national emergency? 

The concern about influencers and their crude jokes harming our youth seems derisive when we consider the broader, systemic failures they have been exposed to. The quick response to the FIRs on this matter is almost laughable, considering there are multiple issues that have either been ignored or barely touched upon. Or maybe comedians will always make for a convenient scapegoat, distracting us from the real systemic failures that deserve to be addressed.

What are your thoughts on this whole controversy? Tell us in the comments below.

For more entertainment, follow us on @socialketchup