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India Today
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Vir Das Fool Volume review: Most experimental special yet
After winning the International Emmy for 'Landing' in 2022, comedian-actor Vir Das returns to Netflix with 'Fool Volume', his most experimental special yet, and possibly his most personal. Spanning three dramatically different venues, a jam-packed stadium in Mumbai, a quiet church in London, and a moody underground cellar in New York, Das turns his set into a cultural triptych. His act serves as a global echo chamber for sharp wit, social introspection, and comedic risk.'Indian comedy is not global,' Das says at some point in his set, taking a jibe at the stereotype globally, while standing tall in a hall, shooting an act for a global audience. What sets 'Fool Volume' apart isn't just its structure, though that's ambitious in itself. The real difference lies in the tonal shifts and atmosphere. The Mumbai set is high-energy, electric. The London bit is more introspective, reverent almost. And New York, with its intimate, underground feel, delivers the kind of raw punch. Stitching these diverse energies together is no easy feat, and while there are moments that don't quite land, the ones that do hit square in the gut and the still that classic Vir Das DNA at work, clever wordplay, political jabs delivered with a smirk, and the kind of racial and religious commentary that walks the tightrope without losing balance. He continues to keep the audience, both in the room and on the couch, on edge, never quite letting them get too comfortable. It's a skill that has evolved with each special since 'Abroad Understanding' (2017), 'Losing It' (2019), and 'For India' (2020). But here, the evolution feels intentional and mature, not just in content but in the way it's framed and a look at Fool Volume's trailer: The visual identity of 'Fool Volume' also adds texture. Das plays with lighting, crowd energy, and even silence, using each setting to give the same material slightly different shades of meaning. It's a fascinating experiment in not just stand-up, but stand-up as it perfect? No. The experimental nature means most of the set pieces are raw, and a few bits don't land quite as hard. But is it worth your time? Absolutely. With 'Fool Volume', Vir Das isn't just telling jokes, he is reminding us why he's still one of the most relevant, razor-sharp voices in comedy Volume is now streaming on Netflix.- Ends3.5 out of 5 stars to Vir Das: Fool May Also Like
Indian Express
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Vir Das says his journey is different from Zakir Khan or Kapil Sharma: ‘One is steeped in poetry, the other's a Punjabi everyman; I'm from nowhere'
Vir Das is the only Indian stand-up comic to have six stand-up specials on Netflix. After Abroad Understanding (2017), Losing It (2019), For India (2020), Outside In (2020), and the International Emmy Award-winning Landing (2022), comes Vir Das: Fool Volume. It's been shot across three settings — a stadium in Mumbai, a church in London, and an underground cellar in New York. In an exclusive interview with SCREEN, Das talks about his sixth Netflix stand-up special, his brand of comedy, being an outsider, and losing his voice days before he had to record the show. Did you go into Fool Volume with the baggage of an International Emmy Award? The opening line of this special is, 'I won an Emmy and that means very little.' It's Kryptonite in certain situations. I don't take that seriously at all. The Emmy is in a cupboard right now with my garam kapda, with my wife's sweaters, some boots, and down jackets. You performed across three cities — Mumbai, London, and New York — for the same stand-up special. Did you change your set according to the setting? It was like making a movie. Mumbai was unrehearsed because my voice came back two days before the show. Usually, when you shoot a stand-up special, you've done 180 trial shows and you know every punchline. I rewrote this show entirely in my mind in silence within six weeks. And then we went up and shot it with 17 cameras virtually unrehearsed. But there's a nice raw energy to the Mumbai show. In London, we did the show at this beautiful church. The more outward-looking portions of the show, where you're talking about racism or the world at large, they're set in London. I wanted to use London as the soapbox to talk to the world. And then, in a documentary, there's a talking head which becomes the voice of the special. New York was that. It's like you saw these two wonderful presentations and then the comedian walked into the basement to tell you the truth about them. In that sense, I know it's asking a bit more from the audience. A normal stand-up special has lights, smoke, aaya, joke sunaya, gaya. But here, I'm asking you to travel through time and nations. At some level, we wanted to show that Indian comedians can write for the world as well. Do the audiences in these three cities respond differently to comedy? I think they're pretty similar. In London or New York, 50-70% of the audience is local. So I have to explain certain things to them. But the Indian audience is very patient. They're like, 'Mujhe bhi dekhna hai kaise samjhata hai.' There's a moment where I explain a gaali to the people at the cellar. You should look at the Indian audience's faces — how will he make our 500-year-old gaali palatable to these guys. For them, it's a test I have to pass. But largely, if you're the loser in the story, that's funny and relatable to everybody. In the special, you talk about the local discrimination against being an English-speaking comedian in India. Have you ever grappled with the fact that you may win all the Emmys, perform all these Netflix stand-up specials and gain global recognition, but you won't win the core audience in a way that a Zakir Khan or a Kapil Sharma does? No, perhaps my journey is to have deeper interactions with a smaller group of people over a longer period of time. To do what both of them do, which is masterful in their own way, you have to be where they're from and have their own lived-in experiences. You can see Zakir grew up in classical music and poetry. And Kapil Sharma is so much your Punjab everyman travelling through India. I'm not from anywhere. Unfortunately, I've grown up everywhere so I'll have to be who I am. If I ever tried to do that, you'd smell the inauthenticity in the material. Do you pick up anything from them when you watch Kapil Sharma and Zakir Khan perform? Ya! I like watching art that makes you angry and makes you want to be better. I go to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe once a year, where I see a random 25-year-old comedian who's written a show that I was never capable of at 25. So I'll go back and write some more. But we all support each other. I did a trial show at Soho Theatre, London last month. Zakir was in town, he popped up and watched my whole thing. I don't know Kapil very well. Of course, we've met only intermittently. But comedians on the comedy circuit in India are always WhatsApping each other and are in each other's feedback loop. You heaped praises on Aamir Khan's Sitaare Zameen Par by saying it gave stakes to the neurodivergent actors, who never get to perform comedy. You've worked with Aamir Khan Productions in Delhi Belly (2011), an adult comedy, a far cry from the broad comedy of Sitaare Zameen Par. Do you think more creators should help bridge this gap between these two schools of humour? In a comedy scene, usually the person with power drives the comedy scene. What I loved about Sitaare Zameen Par is it places the power with those who usually don't get that. A superstar like Aamir gave the driving seat to someone else. It takes a very secure and good artist to do that. Delhi Belly and Sitaare Zameen Par are very different bookends of entertainment. I think there's an audience that will watch a very broad comedy, but also watch an extremely nuanced hasya kavi muqabla with shero shayari and Urdu lyricism. I think it's what you want on the day. I just made a Hindi movie with Aamir Khan Productions, which will be for an audience way larger than my stand-up comedy audience. My audience will go and watch Zakir. We're at this wonderful place in India right now, where there's purchasing power and intent. Hindi-speakers are going for Coldplay, English-speakers are going for Diljit Dosanjh, it's great. People just want something new, and an experience! I hope the two Indias are coming closer. That's the dream, right? You're releasing your memoir The Outsider at the end of this year. How do you think being the outsider aids you? I sometimes feel I have more freedom to talk about America than an American comic. Because American comedy is very steeped in silos of ideology. So you can come in as a rank outsider and say, 'Bro, I don't understand any of this. Here's how I see it.' And it's a perspective they're not used to hearing at all. I've been in Mumbai for 18 years. I consider myself a proud Mumbaikar. You want to have what you didn't have growing up. I wasn't raised in India, which wasn't my choice, but there's nothing I crave more than to take India across the world. When you entered the comedy circuit in India, there wasn't much of a scene then. A lot of comics today, like Varun Grover and Tanmay Bhat, credit you for that foot in the door. Do you think you've gotten enough credit from the new breed of comics? Let's be clear — Johnny Lever, Boman Irani, Ash Chandler, Papa CJ, and Bharat Dabolkar were all doing stand-ups way before I entered the scene. I don't want credit, just give me cash yaar. Who cares who founded what? Cash dene ka! Tanmay, make ads for all those people, bas cash bhej aur kuchh nahi. I just want laughter. What's credit worth, compared to laughs? Why do you think no comic before or after you has been able to cross over like you have? Yet! I've had a global childhood, so that's definitely aided me with global touring. But every single comic now is touring abroad. Yes, they're performing for an Indian audience. I get the distinction. But I also think we're on the cusp of this Indian soft power, cultural open door. It happened, for instance, with Korean cinema when the entire world began consuming that. It's something begun by RRR (2022) and All We Imagine As Light (2024). It's just two-three years away. Do you think being a part of movies has also helped you with your popularity as a stand-up comic? I've never been a film star, to be very clear. I haven't done a movie in nine years! I walked away from movies very clearly at a certain point because I sensed this opportunity and calling. I wouldn't have been able to do both, so I gave comedy everything. Eighty percent of my audience is between 16-30 years old. They're very young! They found me as a comic. They don't know I'm the bald guy from Delhi Belly. Having said that, God's been kind, the tribe has grown, and I hope it's enough for them to come see me in a movie later this year. What has shifted within you from your first Netflix stand-up special, Abroad Understanding, to Fool Volume? A special is just a snapshot of who you are at that moment. And Fool Volume is what I am now. I lost my voice, so after that, I wanted to do something silly and fun. Landing (2022) was also fun, but it was heavy. I was like, it's time to be a fool again. Why Netflix and I keep going is because I blackmail them every year. I guilt-trip them into giving me a special, how about that (laughs)? What's more frustrating? Losing your physical voice or losing your political voice? Losing your physical voice. The two months I went without my voice, I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. It's a terrible, terrible experience. Not being able to communicate, asking for a cup of chai, to sit with your thoughts for six weeks? It's a lot! The kind of medication and vocal therapy you have to take in order to get it back, it's like learning to walk again, except it's tougher. Also Read — Rishi Kapoor, Katrina Kaif got up and left when it was time for Vir Das' close-up: 'They had umbrellas, I was left to bake in sun' Finally, you recently shared on social media that we seek a lot of idols online, but we shouldn't be doing that. What do you have to say to those who idolize you? I have an audience, I don't have a fanbase. Fanbase idolizes. Audience is like, 'I like this, I don't like this, try something different.' Nobody's throwing their underwear at me and asking for a selfie. It's all handshakes and comedians. There are way better people than comics to idolize, and my audience knows that. Vir Das: Fool Volume drops on Netflix on July 18.
Economic Times
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
'You are not looking good, bro': Comedian Vir Das spills the beans on 'Alpha Dog' hero who got insecure of his makeup
Synopsis Comedian-actor Vir Das recently revealed an incident on a podcast where a senior actor, seemingly insecure, criticized his makeup. Das recounted how the actor made a snide remark about his appearance, implying his makeup was poorly done. Agencies While catfights among actresses grab headlines, male stars are just as capable of petty rivalries. On a recent podcast, comedian-actor Vir Das revealed that a senior actor once displayed extreme insecurity and passive-aggressive behavior in an attempt to outshine him and assert dominance on set. Although 'catfights' and cold wars between actresses are more widely covered in pop culture, actors/male stars can and actually do give their female peers a run for their money when it comes to petty fights. In a recent podcast, comedian-actor Vir Das opened up on how a senior actor tried to one-up him and proved to be incredibly insecure and passive-aggressive. In a candid chat with hosts Sakshi Shivdasani and Naina Bhan on the podcast 'Moment Of Silence,' the 'Delhi Belly' star spoke at length of a popular actor who got extremely insecure about his makeup and took a dig at his appearance. Although he did not take any names, he implied that the actor always wanted to make an impression and prove that he was the big shot. "Usually... if a guy needs to prove he's an alpha dog... he isn't. The strongest guys are usually super chill an don't need to try and prove themselves. I was working with a hero, and one of my friends was a top makeup artist. She made my base foundation... The guy took one look at me and said, ' Tera face bohot kharap lag raha hain bro, tu bohot chalky lag raha hai.. . (You are looking terrible; she made your foundation extremely chalky.) You are not looking good, bro... not looking nice!"Das refused to rise up to the occasion and thanked him calmly. But four months later, the star's makeup artist approached him and requested him to divulge his makeup artist, as the actor had been reprimanding him for his makeup not being as top-notch as Vir's. Vir Das is a multifaceted Indian entertainer, known for his work as a stand-up comedian, film actor, and musician. His creative journey began in the world of stand-up comedy, where his sharp wit and stage presence quickly earned him recognition. His early success on stage paved the way for his transition into Bollywood, where he began to appear in a range of popular made his mark in the Indian film industry with notable supporting roles in several hit movies. He featured in the crime caper Badmaash Company (2010), the offbeat comedy Delhi Belly (2011), and the zombie-themed adventure Go Goa Gone (2013), all of which highlighted his unique comedic timing and on-screen 2017, Vir Das expanded his global reach by performing Abroad Understanding, his first international comedy special released on Netflix. This marked a significant milestone in his career, allowing him to connect with audiences beyond India through a blend of observational humor and personal the years, Das has built a remarkably diverse portfolio. He has taken part in nearly 35 theatrical productions, performed at more than 100 stand-up comedy events across various countries, and acted in around 18 films. In addition to his work in cinema and on stage, he has also featured in eight television series and headlined six solo comedy performing, Vir Das has also showcased his talent as a writer. He has contributed humorous and thought-provoking columns to leading magazines and publications such as Femina, Maxim, Exotica, DNA, and Tehelka. These writings often reflect his satirical take on social issues and everyday 2019, Das entered the American television space with his debut in the action-comedy series Whiskey Cavalier. This opportunity marked another turning point in his international career, proving his adaptability and appeal across different entertainment formats and cultures. One of the most defining moments of his professional life came in 2023 when he won the International Emmy Award for Best Comedy Series. This prestigious honor was awarded for his Netflix special Vir Das: Landing, a performance that blended humor with bold commentary on identity, culture, and freedom of expression.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'You are not looking good, bro': Comedian Vir Das spills the beans on 'Alpha Dog' hero who got insecure of his makeup
Comedian-actor Vir Das recently revealed an incident on a podcast where a senior actor, seemingly insecure, criticized his makeup. Das recounted how the actor made a snide remark about his appearance, implying his makeup was poorly done. While catfights among actresses grab headlines, male stars are just as capable of petty rivalries. On a recent podcast, comedian-actor Vir Das revealed that a senior actor once displayed extreme insecurity and passive-aggressive behavior in an attempt to outshine him and assert dominance on set. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Who Is Vir Das? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Although 'catfights' and cold wars between actresses are more widely covered in pop culture, actors/male stars can and actually do give their female peers a run for their money when it comes to petty fights. In a recent podcast, comedian-actor Vir Das opened up on how a senior actor tried to one-up him and proved to be incredibly insecure and a candid chat with hosts Sakshi Shivdasani and Naina Bhan on the podcast 'Moment Of Silence,' the 'Delhi Belly' star spoke at length of a popular actor who got extremely insecure about his makeup and took a dig at his appearance. Although he did not take any names, he implied that the actor always wanted to make an impression and prove that he was the big shot."Usually... if a guy needs to prove he's an alpha dog ... he isn't. The strongest guys are usually super chill an don't need to try and prove themselves. I was working with a hero, and one of my friends was a top makeup artist . She made my base foundation... The guy took one look at me and said, 'Tera face bohot kharap lag raha hain bro, tu bohot chalky lag raha hai... (You are looking terrible; she made your foundation extremely chalky.) You are not looking good, bro... not looking nice!"Das refused to rise up to the occasion and thanked him calmly. But four months later, the star's makeup artist approached him and requested him to divulge his makeup artist, as the actor had been reprimanding him for his makeup not being as top-notch as Vir' Das is a multifaceted Indian entertainer, known for his work as a stand-up comedian, film actor, and musician. His creative journey began in the world of stand-up comedy, where his sharp wit and stage presence quickly earned him recognition. His early success on stage paved the way for his transition into Bollywood, where he began to appear in a range of popular made his mark in the Indian film industry with notable supporting roles in several hit movies. He featured in the crime caper Badmaash Company (2010), the offbeat comedy Delhi Belly (2011), and the zombie-themed adventure Go Goa Gone (2013), all of which highlighted his unique comedic timing and on-screen 2017, Vir Das expanded his global reach by performing Abroad Understanding, his first international comedy special released on Netflix. This marked a significant milestone in his career, allowing him to connect with audiences beyond India through a blend of observational humor and personal the years, Das has built a remarkably diverse portfolio. He has taken part in nearly 35 theatrical productions, performed at more than 100 stand-up comedy events across various countries, and acted in around 18 films. In addition to his work in cinema and on stage, he has also featured in eight television series and headlined six solo comedy performing, Vir Das has also showcased his talent as a writer. He has contributed humorous and thought-provoking columns to leading magazines and publications such as Femina, Maxim, Exotica, DNA, and Tehelka. These writings often reflect his satirical take on social issues and everyday 2019, Das entered the American television space with his debut in the action-comedy series Whiskey Cavalier. This opportunity marked another turning point in his international career, proving his adaptability and appeal across different entertainment formats and of the most defining moments of his professional life came in 2023 when he won the International Emmy Award for Best Comedy Series. This prestigious honor was awarded for his Netflix special Vir Das: Landing, a performance that blended humor with bold commentary on identity, culture, and freedom of expression.
Mint
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Vir Das to crack jokes on his loss of voice in new comedy special Fool Volume, set to stream on this date
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 7 (ANI): International Emmy winner Vir Das is set to treat his fans with his new stand-up special 'Fool Volume', chronicling everything from losing his voice and self-doubt to rediscovering joy. 'Vir Das: Fool Volume' is set to premiere exclusively on Netflix on July 18. This stand-up special has been filmed across Mumbai, New York and London, making this not just a comedy special but a cross-continental rollercoaster. This Netflix special stems from Vir Das's speech loss experience before the biggest show of his career. What came next was Fool Volume: his most self-aware work to date. Vir takes on everything from silence and self-doubt to rediscovering joy. It's a comedy that doesn't just punch up--it reaches out. OTT platform Netflix shared a teaser for the upcoming special, in which the actor jokes about his loss of speech and his methods for coping with it. Talking about his new special, Vir Das says, "This special is a journey across countries, cultures, and a whole lot of internal chaos. For me, comedy has always been more than just punchlines. It's about connection. Whether you're in London, New York, or Mumbai, laughter sounds the same. This special is a celebration of that shared language of finding joy in the chaos, meaning in the absurd, and kindness in the noise. If someone watches it and feels a little lighter, a little more understood, or just laughs until their stomach hurts. That's the magic I'm chasing." This marks Vir's fifth Netflix special, making him the first Indian comedian to reach that milestone. With global successes like 'Abroad Understanding', 'Losing It', 'For India', and his International Emmy-winning special 'Landing', each special has further propelled Indian comedy onto the world stage. (ANI)
