Stand-up comedian Anudeep Katikala has landed in legal trouble after a recent set of jokes on Pawan Kalyan, Ram Charan, and other Tollywood celebrities went viral. Despite posting an apology video, the comedian was detained by the AP police in Prayagraj. An FIR was registered against him at the Kakinada I Town police station for allegedly damaging the reputation of Pawan Kalyan and his family members with sarcasm and vulgar language.
Anudeep, an IIT Bombay graduate and founder of the Silly South Comedy Club, had made jokes about Pawan Kalyan's three marriages, Ram Charan's wife being wealthier than him, and other celebrities in his set. The comedian had also cracked jokes on Balakrishna, Mahesh Babu, Jr NTR, and others.
After the backlash, Anudeep posted a video apologizing for any hurt feelings, stating that his intention was to question toxic fan culture. However, the JSP worker who filed the FIR has alleged that Anudeep targeted Pawan Kalyan and his family members, damaging their reputation and spreading false information.
Stand-up comedians have come out in support of Anudeep, with many posting videos defending him. The AP police have detained Anudeep under Sections 356(2), 353(2), 79 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), and Section 67 of the IT Act.
