Vidyut Jammwal Comes Out in Support of Kunal Kamra, Slams Hypocrisy Around Free Speech

Comedian Kunal Kamra has once again found himself in the eye of a political and legal storm. Known for his unapologetically bold takes on the current socio-political landscape, Kunal Kamra recently performed his stand-up special Naya Bharat at Mumbai’s Habitat Studio, where his jokes about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde sparked widespread backlash. But amidst FIRs, political outrage, and threats, Kamra is receiving support from unexpected quarters — one of them being actor Vidyut Jammwal.

Jammwal, known for his action-packed roles and spiritual musings on social media, took a strong stand in favour of Kunal Kamra, drawing attention to the selective outrage that seems to plague public discourse. In doing so, he also took aim at self-proclaimed critic and internet provocateur Kamaal R. Khan, better known as KRK.

Kunal Kamra’s Controversial Performance

The controversy surrounding Kunal Kamra erupted when his stand-up act included a parody song aimed at Eknath Shinde, referring to him as a “gaddar” (traitor) — a reference to Shinde’s much-debated political switch from the Shiv Sena to ally with the BJP. Kamra’s act, which used the tune of Dil Toh Pagal Hai, was clearly satire — something that has long been the comedian’s signature.

However, in a climate of increasing intolerance towards criticism of political figures, the jokes did not land well with everyone. FIRs were lodged, protests were staged, and Kunal Kamra was called in for questioning. Kamra, who has faced similar backlash in the past for his social media posts and comedy sets, has since secured interim anticipatory bail from the Madras High Court.

Vidyut Jammwal Calls Out Double Standards

While much of Bollywood has remained quiet on the issue, Vidyut Jammwal used his social media platform to support Kunal Kamra, calling the outrage against the comedian selective and hypocritical. On Sunday, Jammwal posted a video compilation of KRK making deeply offensive, sexist, and communal remarks about various actresses — content that has existed on the internet for years, often without legal consequences.

Alongside the video, Jammwal quoted the Bhagavad Gita:

“GITA CHAPTER 2 VERSE 31 — Kshatriya, you should not waver, for there is nothing more auspicious for a warrior than a RIGHTEOUS WAR.”

He added, “Here is a man [KRK], taking refuge outside the country, drawing attention by spewing venom against the country and even worse—our women. No one stops to question his intent or mobilises to bring him down.”

Kunal Kamra vs. KRK: A Tale of Selective Outrage

The post was a stark juxtaposition. On one hand, Kunal Kamra, whose satirical comedy targets those in power, is facing FIRs and police scrutiny. On the other, KRK — whose social media history is laced with hate speech, body shaming, and misogyny — continues to operate with near impunity.

Jammwal’s post raised the critical question: Is India’s legal and moral outrage reserved only for those who challenge political power, while genuine hate speech is ignored if it serves no political threat?

He wrote, “But we will take a stand-up comedian to task—for evoking strong emotions because of his act. Do we uphold the rights of politicians over our nation and our women?”

Industry Reactions and Broader Implications

Jammwal’s support for Kunal Kamra did not go unnoticed. Bollywood actress Richa Chadha commented, 

“I took him [KRK] to court. Why can’t others?”
referencing her own legal battle against the controversial critic. 

Producer Ektaa Kapoor also weighed in, saying,
“Those who follow him enable him! Good on you for calling him out.”

Kamra himself, who has never backed down from expressing his political beliefs through comedy, is yet to issue a formal response to Jammwal’s post. However, his legal team confirmed that he is cooperating with the investigation and will continue performing.

Kunal Kamra: A Voice That Won’t Be Silenced

Kunal Kamra has built a career around challenging authority through satire. Whether it was his viral rants against media anchors or his famous mid-air confrontation with Arnab Goswami in 2020 that led to flight bans, Kamra’s comedy has never shied away from difficult truths. And while this often puts him in legal trouble or political crosshairs, it also solidifies his role as a much-needed dissenting voice in India’s increasingly polarized public discourse.

The backlash to Kamra’s jokes about Eknath Shinde once again raises pressing questions about freedom of speech, especially when directed toward political figures. Is satire a punishable offence in today’s India? Or does it remain a valid — even necessary — form of political critique?

The Bigger Picture

Vidyut Jammwal’s support for Kunal Kamra isn’t just about one comedian or one stand-up act. It’s a plea for consistency, fairness, and the right to question those in power without fear of persecution. It’s a stand against hypocrisy in how public sentiment and legal actions are mobilized — and a call for real accountability where it truly matters.

As the Kunal Kamra episode continues to unfold, one thing remains clear: the battle for the soul of comedy — and free speech — in India is far from over. And for every voice trying to be silenced, there are others, like Jammwal’s, ready to stand up and say what needs to be said.