BBC has released a two-part documentary on the killing of Punjabi singer Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, popularly known as Sidhu Moosewala. The documentary was released on Wednesday on YouTube, despite singer’s father calling for a ban and asking for Mumbai Police’s intervention in blocking its public screening.
Moosewala’s father, Balkaur Singh, had filed official complaints with the Mumbai Police Commissioner and Juhu Police Station, asking them to stop the film screening planned for June 11 at Soho House in Juhu. Following the complaint and the issue sparking controversy, the makers decided to release the film on YouTube instead.
‘The Killing Call’: BBC Investigates
The first episode of the documentary ‘The Killing Call’ is focussed on Sidhu Moosewala’s early life, his journey to fame and popularity, and the controversies that surrounded him. The second episode looks into the events leading up to his murder and what happened afterwards.
According to the description shared with the YouTube release, the BBC explains that Sidhu Moosewala was shot dead on May 29, 2022, by contract killers who followed his car, fired through the windshield, and left him fatally wounded. Gangster Goldy Brar later claimed responsibility for the murder. However, nearly three years on, no one has been convicted, the motive remains unclear, and Brar is still missing.
The BBC investigation includes interviews with people close to Moosewala and traces his journey from a small village in Punjab to international stardom. It explores how he became linked to one of India’s most dangerous criminal networks and questions why he may have been targeted.
The story stretches across rural Punjab, Canada’s hip-hop scene, and touches on Punjab’s history and India’s changing political environment. It also offers a rare look into the world of organized crime, including a disturbing phone call with the fugitive gangster who allegedly ordered the murder. The film features exclusive interviews with Moose Wala’s friends and collaborators, as well as unseen footage and first-time public accounts.