Kunal Kamra's Bengaluru show moves to Koramangala after right-wing group seeks police ban at Whitefield venue

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra's Bengaluru performances were relocated at the last minute from URU in Whitefield to The Underground Comedy Club in Koramangala, after a right-wing outfit urged the Bengaluru police to deny permission for the event. The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti Karnataka and Hindu Rashtra Samanvaya Samiti alleged that Kamra had made derogatory comments against Hindu gods and that multiple cases had been registered against him. A Whitefield police officer confirmed the show was cancelled at the original venue.

Kamra confirmed via social media that the shows would proceed from August 3 to August 6 at The Underground Comedy Club in Koramangala, and that ticket holders for the Whitefield venue would receive refunds. Following the shift, the organisers proactively submitted a letter to Koramangala Police Station seeking permission, though a police officer stated no such permission was legally required and that no problem was found with the show's content.

On Sunday, Mohan Gowda, spokesperson of the Hindu Rashtra Samanvaya Samiti, visited Koramangala Police Station and submitted a memorandum demanding cancellation of the Koramangala show. Gowda posted on X that Kamra had insulted Lord Shri Ram and the Hindu faith through his comedy. Earlier, Gowda had questioned on X why Kamra was being allowed to perform in Bengaluru without scrutiny.

Kamra responded on X by inviting members of the organisation to meet him at Whitefield Police Station to debate comedy and culture. He later posted a photograph with columnist Aakar Patel outside the station, implying no representatives had appeared. The episode has drawn attention to questions around artistic freedom and the role of police in mediating pressure from protest groups over cultural events.