On June 11, 2025, the BBC World Service released a two-part documentary titled The Killing Call on YouTube, chronicling the life and murder of Punjabi singer Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, known as Sidhu Moosewala, coinciding with his 32nd birth anniversary. The release, which occurred despite legal objections from Moosewala’s father, Balkaur Singh, has sparked controversy. The documentary, originally set for a Mumbai cinema screening, was made available online at 5 AM, raising concerns about its impact on the ongoing murder investigation.
In This Article:
Tracing a Legend’s Journey
The first episode of The Killing Call explores Moosewala’s rise from a village in Punjab’s Mansa district to global stardom, highlighting his bold lyrics and controversies. The second episode delves into his May 29, 2022, assassination in Jawahar Ke village, where he was shot by hired gunmen. Featuring interviews with Moosewala’s friends, journalists, Punjab and Delhi police officials, and an audio interview with gangster Goldy Brar, who claimed responsibility for the murder, the documentary examines gang rivalries and Punjab’s turbulent history. The BBC describes it as a story spanning “rural India to Canada’s hip-hop scene” and the “shadowy world of organized crime.”
Legal and Family Objections
Balkaur Singh filed a petition in a Mansa court to block the documentary, alleging it was made without family consent and could prejudice the ongoing trial. He also lodged complaints with Mumbai’s Juhu Police and Maharashtra’s DGP, claiming the film contains “unauthorized and unpublished” content that might tarnish Moosewala’s legacy. The Mansa court, which adjourned the case to June 12, declined to issue an interim stay. Balkaur’s lawyer, Satinder Pal Singh Mittal, expressed hope that the documentary would not be screened, citing its sub judice status.
Fan Tributes and New Releases
On the same day, Moosewala’s family released three new songs—0008, Neal, and Take Notes—as part of the posthumous EP Moose Print on his official YouTube channel, amassing over 18 lakh views within hours. Fans flooded X with tributes, calling Moosewala a “legend” whose legacy endures.
-By Manoj H