MUMBAI – It is a day of contrasting headlines in the Indian entertainment industry. While director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari celebrates a decade of her heartwarming debut film, law enforcement agencies in Punjab are moving to block a controversial new crime documentary.
10 Years of ‘Nil Battey Sannata’
Filmmaker Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari turned nostalgic as her critically acclaimed debut, Nil Battey Sannata, completed 10 years since its release. Starring Swara Bhasker, the film told the inspiring story of a domestic worker who returns to school to motivate her daughter.
Taking to Instagram, Tiwari shared rare behind-the-scenes photos and expressed “forever gratitude” to the audience for supporting her journey despite industry challenges. Swara Bhasker’s performance in the film remains a career highlight, praised for its emotional depth and social relevance.
Swara Bhasker’s Return to Screen: In a related update, Swara Bhasker recently made her first on-camera appearance in 2.5 years following her pregnancy. She participated in the reality show Dhamaal with Pati Patni aur Panga on Colors TV, describing the experience as a “blessing” and a “joyous step back to work” during her postpartum phase.
Punjab Police vs. ZEE5: ‘Lawrence of Punjab’ Controversy
The Punjab Police have formally requested the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to ban the documentary series ‘Lawrence of Punjab’, scheduled to stream on ZEE5 from April 27, 2026.
Key Concerns Raised:
- Glorification of Crime: Authorities argue the series romanticizes the life of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.
- Public Order: Special DGP (Cyber Crime) V. Neeraja stated that the content could influence impressionable youth and disturb the state’s peace.
- Legal Grounds: The request was made under Section 69A(1) of the IT Act, citing the documentary’s dramatized portrayal of real-life crimes, including the murder of Sidhu Moose Wala.
The police have also asked ZEE5 to remove the trailer globally, following previous directives from the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding the dissemination of interviews with criminal figures.