Comedian Pranit More's comeback sparks Samay Raina comparisons

Pranit More is returning to the stage with a new comedy special titled Ghayal, months after his viral controversy surrounding the Rs 370 Biryani incident. This time, even before the show opened, multiple debates have been sparked online, with people drawing parallels between his comeback strategy and that of Samay Raina.

The comedian announced Ghayal on Instagram with a poster and an emotional caption that read, “I can’t change what happened, but I can choose who I become because of it. Ghayal is the story of that journey. Beginning in Mumbai.” This special is expected to delve into his journey after the controversy and onto the stage for stand-up once again.

The announcement quickly divided social media users. Several accused More of borrowing from Samay Raina’s comeback playbook after the India's Got Latent controversy, noting similarities to Raina’s special Still Alive. Critics questioned whether More was attempting to recreate the same narrative, while others argued that every comedian deserves an opportunity to return after acknowledging mistakes. Supporters, meanwhile, welcomed his comeback, expressing excitement to see him back on stage.

The controversy dates back to June, when a crowd-work clip from More’s show went viral. During the interaction, an audience member suggested he expected to “recover” the Rs 370 he had spent on chicken biryani during a date after the woman asked him to drop her home. More laughed along and referred to it as “Peak Gurgaon content,” prompting widespread criticism for failing to challenge what many viewed as a misogynistic remark. The incident led to an FIR, intervention by the National Commission for Women, and a public apology from the comedian, who admitted it was a lapse in judgment.