News for 'political satire'

Kunal Kamra defends satire, cites Bal Thackeray in privilege case

Kunal Kamra defends satire, cites Bal Thackeray in privilege case

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, facing a breach of privilege notice for satirising Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, defends his actions by referencing Bal Thackeray's history of political cartoons and arguing for the protection of free speech and satire.

Cockroach Janta Party goes viral, founder's parents anxious

Cockroach Janta Party goes viral, founder's parents anxious

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The viral rise of the Cockroach Janta Party reflects growing frustration among Indian youth over unemployment, politics, and economic challenges, sparking nationwide debate online.

Cockroach Janata Party's X handle withheld, founder starts new account

Cockroach Janata Party's X handle withheld, founder starts new account

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Cockroach Janata Party, which according to Dipke had 201,000 followers on X, came about following a controversy over Chief Justice of India Surya Kant using "parasites" and "cockroaches" while pulling up a lawyer for his plea seeking senior designation.

Horror Rules OTT!

Horror Rules OTT!

Rediff.com1 May 2026

This week's OTT releases offer a diverse range of genres, from the controversial sequel The Kerala Story 2 and the action-packed Man on Fire to the horror-comedy Raakaasa and the political satire TN 2026, ensuring there's something for every viewer.

Sonam Wangchuk calls himself 'honorary cockroach'

Sonam Wangchuk calls himself 'honorary cockroach'

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk has voiced his support for the online 'cockroach' movement, urging the government to engage with the concerns raised by youngsters instead of suppressing their digital expression. He described himself as an 'honorary cockroach' and praised the movement's creative and non-violent approach to dissent.

Bengali Filmmaker Anik Dutta Passes Away After Tragic Fall

Bengali Filmmaker Anik Dutta Passes Away After Tragic Fall

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Bengali filmmaker Anik Dutta, celebrated for his unique blend of political and social satire in films like Bhooter Bhabishyat, has tragically died after allegedly falling from his Kolkata residence, prompting an ongoing police investigation.

Trademark Applications Filed For Cockroach Janata Party

Trademark Applications Filed For Cockroach Janata Party

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Three separate trademark applications have been filed seeking rights over the name Cockroach Janata Party, official records showed.

Cockroach Party is the outcome of youth's frustration: BJP ally

Cockroach Party is the outcome of youth's frustration: BJP ally

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has stated that the ban on the Cockroach Janata Party's social media handles is a symptom of widespread frustration among India's youth regarding employment, competitive examinations, and economic pressures, urging the government to address these concerns through policy changes.

Youth Cong launches 'Indian Youth Cockroaches' campaign

Youth Cong launches 'Indian Youth Cockroaches' campaign

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The campaign, launched under the leadership of IYC in-charge Manish Sharma and the wing's president Uday Bhanu Chib, seeks to reclaim the term 'cockroaches', which the organisation said had been used to mock protesting youth.

Eradicating Cockroaches Isn't Easy

Eradicating Cockroaches Isn't Easy

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A wellspring fuelling the CJP tsunami is the high levels of youth unemployment. Millions of youngsters, including extremely over-qualified people, apply in desperation for any job that is advertised. No government has been able to deliver on this front and things may get worse as artificial intelligence enters the workforce, points out Devangshu Datta.

I will likely be arrested at Delhi airport: Cockroach Janta Party founder

I will likely be arrested at Delhi airport: Cockroach Janta Party founder

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, expresses concerns about potential arrest upon his return to India, but remains committed to protesting against the Union Education Minister over alleged shortcomings in the education system.

Cockroach Janata Party swings into action, demands Modi Minister's resignation

Cockroach Janata Party swings into action, demands Modi Minister's resignation

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The CJP's rapid rise on social media reflects growing digital dissent and youth frustration with issues like unemployment and exam-paper leaks.

Not funny: With fresh controversy, stand-up comics come under lens again

Not funny: With fresh controversy, stand-up comics come under lens again

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Recent stand-up comedy clips from Pranit More and Madhur Virli, featuring jokes about sexual coercion, rape, and necrophilia, have ignited a fierce debate in India over consent, normalising rape culture, and trivialising sexual assault, leading to FIRs and public apologies.

CJP steps up protest, launches nationwide campaign against Pradhan

CJP steps up protest, launches nationwide campaign against Pradhan

Rediff.com11 hours ago

Stepping up attack against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke on Friday announced the launch of a nationwide campaign to demand his resignation and exhorted students, farmers and civil society groups to join him at Jantar Mantar on June 28.

Mollywood Times Review: Love-Hate Letter To Cinema!

Mollywood Times Review: Love-Hate Letter To Cinema!

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

If you enjoy dark comedies, have even a passing understanding of the film industry, or simply recognise the absurdities of the world around you, then Mollywood Times emerges as one of the sharpest and most compelling love-hate letters written to Malayalam cinema, applauds Sreeju Sudhakaran.

No apology, no remorse: Kunal Kamra tells Maha legislature panel

No apology, no remorse: Kunal Kamra tells Maha legislature panel

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Comedian Kunal Kamra appeared before a Maharashtra legislature committee regarding his remarks against Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, refusing to apologise and stating he felt no remorse.

No nod sought for CJP protest, say Delhi police; 1,000 cops deployed

No nod sought for CJP protest, say Delhi police; 1,000 cops deployed

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

The Delhi Police has confirmed that it has not yet received any official request for permission from the digital group Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are ready to deploy personnel to maintain law and order if necessary.

Cockroach party's Dipke warns of bigger stir if Pradhan doesn't quit by June 13

Cockroach party's Dipke warns of bigger stir if Pradhan doesn't quit by June 13

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), has announced plans for nationwide protests if Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan does not resign by June 13 over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment tests, following a peaceful agitation at Jantar Mantar.

Sack Pradhan or...: Cockroach Party sets 7-day deadline for govt

Sack Pradhan or...: Cockroach Party sets 7-day deadline for govt

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led online campaign turned protest movement, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government, demanding the resignation or sacking of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment tests. The CJP, which organised a protest at Jantar Mantar, warned of nationwide agitation if their demands are not met.

Lagaan to Laapataa Ladies: Aamir Khan's 10 Best Productions

Lagaan to Laapataa Ladies: Aamir Khan's 10 Best Productions

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

As Aamir Khan Productions celebrates 25 years, we rank the 10 best films produced by its star, from the iconic Lagaan to the recent critically-acclaimed Laapataa Ladies.

Cockroach Janta Party founder says all accounts, website taken down

Cockroach Janta Party founder says all accounts, website taken down

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) alleges a crackdown, reporting hacking incidents and account takedowns across its social media platforms following a campaign against the Union Education Minister.

'I'm an honorary cockroach': Wangchuk hits back at Ladakh LG

'I'm an honorary cockroach': Wangchuk hits back at Ladakh LG

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has rejected Ladakh Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena's claim that he was 'unsure' of the online movement's origins, asserting he considers himself an 'honorary cockroach'.

Are You Ready For Shekhar Suman 2.0?

Are You Ready For Shekhar Suman 2.0?

Rediff.com12 May 2026

'Shekhar Tonite will critique the government, but it will not hit out. The show will nudge and point out what can be done better to bring change.'

'Sreenivasan Had A Deadly Sense Of Humour'

'Sreenivasan Had A Deadly Sense Of Humour'

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

'He has never offended anyone in spite of his criticism on Communism or any 'isms'.'

'Mohabbat humse, shaadi...': Kharge's dig at Deve Gowda makes Modi laugh

'Mohabbat humse, shaadi...': Kharge's dig at Deve Gowda makes Modi laugh

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Mallikarjun Kharge and Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha, acknowledging the contributions of retiring MPs and emphasising the enduring nature of public service.

Topiwaala is a political satire

Topiwaala is a political satire

Rediff.com14 Mar 2013

Director M G Srinivas speaks about his debut film Topiwaala

Oru Durooha Sahacharyathil Review: A Promising Dramedy That Derails Near the End

Oru Durooha Sahacharyathil Review: A Promising Dramedy That Derails Near the End

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Ratheesh Balakrishna Poduval's latest film Oru Durooha Sahacharyathil (Under Mysterious Circumstances), showcases both his directorial strengths and inconsistencies, starting as a compelling tale of brotherhood before shifting awkwardly into a psychological study.

10 Films That Leaked Online Before Release

10 Films That Leaked Online Before Release

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

As Jana Nayagan and Avatar: Aang, The Last Airbender become victims of piracy even before they got an official release, Sreeju Sudhakaran looks back at some of the major Indian movies that were impacted by pre-release leaks.

'Sreenivasan Was A Genius Of Cinema'

'Sreenivasan Was A Genius Of Cinema'

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

'There will be no Malayali who does not recall, at least once a day, what Sreenivasan wrote, spoke or showed on screen.'

Understand satire, but...: Shinde on Kamra's 'gaddar' jab

Understand satire, but...: Shinde on Kamra's 'gaddar' jab

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

"This same person (Kamra) had commented on the Supreme Court of India, the Prime Minister, (journalist) Arnab Goswami and some industrialists. This is not freedom of speech; this is working for someone," Shinde said.

2025's Top 10 OTT Male Performances

2025's Top 10 OTT Male Performances

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

2025 had some interesting performances on OTT series and films. Deepa Gahlot picks the Top 10 Male OTT Performances.

Oscars 2026: The Films Homebound Is Competing With

Oscars 2026: The Films Homebound Is Competing With

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

A quick look at the 14 names the Neeraj Ghaywan movie is competing with for a spot in the top five nominations.

The Greatest Thing Sreenivasan Did For Malayalam Cinema

The Greatest Thing Sreenivasan Did For Malayalam Cinema

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Sreenivasan could so willingly be 'our little man' because in his heart of hearts he never felt trivial or inconsequential. And to the very end he stayed that way, the shrimp who knew he was a giant. Sreehari Nair doffs his hat to the late legend.

Why Aishwarya, Karan Johar Are Rushing To Court

Why Aishwarya, Karan Johar Are Rushing To Court

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

As AI deepfakes threaten star personas and commercial interests, celebrities approach the courts with personality rights petitions.

Kathal Review: Half-Cooked Satire

Kathal Review: Half-Cooked Satire

Rediff.com19 May 2023

Kathal has a fairly kooky premise, one that would fill up a half an hour sitcom in a bundle of studio laughs. But when stretched into a feature film, its whimsy slumps into awkward energy, observes Sukanya Verma.

Mickey 17 Review: Bong Joon-ho Does It Again

Mickey 17 Review: Bong Joon-ho Does It Again

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Fiercely original filmmaking from a director whose even just good enough attempt fares much better than your average blockbusters, observes Mayur Sanap.

Guess Who This Monster Is

Guess Who This Monster Is

Rediff.com15 Feb 2023

Rose Monday parades, which will take place across the Rhine region on February 20, typically showcase political satire in a longstanding tradition.

Bombay HC refuses to stay formation of govt fact-checking unit

Bombay HC refuses to stay formation of govt fact-checking unit

Rediff.com11 Mar 2024

The Bombay high court on Monday refused to grant an interim stay on setting up a fact-checking unit (FCU) under the recently amended Information Technology (IT) Rules to identify fake and false content on social media against the government, noting that no grave and irreparable loss would be caused.

Will These Films Win An Oscar?

Will These Films Win An Oscar?

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

The festival's People's Choice Award, voted by the audience, is a strong indication of films that can eventually be nominated and even win Oscars. Twelve of the last 15 People's Choice winners have received Best Picture Oscar nominations.

Friendship with Raj is over: BJP leader amid Thackeray reunion buzz

Friendship with Raj is over: BJP leader amid Thackeray reunion buzz

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Tensions between Shelar and Raj Thackeray escalated after the latter, in a public speech, used the term khokebahaddar for some MLAs.