BBC Airs Sidhu Moose Wala Documentary Despite Father’s Petition to Halt Release

June 11, 2025: A new two-part documentary released by the BBC World Service has ignited a storm of controversy after it premiered on YouTube on June 11—the birth anniversary of late Punjabi singer and cultural icon Sidhu Moose Wala.

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The timing and content of the documentary, titled “The Killing Call”, have drawn sharp criticism from Moose Wala’s family, particularly his father, who has filed a legal petition seeking to halt its screening.

The first part of the documentary charts the singer’s rise from a small village in Punjab to international stardom, while the second part investigates the circumstances surrounding his brutal murder on May 29, 2022, in Jawahar Ke village, Mansa district.

Originally intended for a private screening at a Mumbai cinema, the BBC switched to a digital release via YouTube amid rising backlash and legal pushback. The film features interviews with Moose Wala’s close friends, journalists, and senior police officials from both Punjab and Delhi. Notably, it also includes a phone interview with gangster Goldy Brar, the alleged mastermind behind the killing, who remains at large.

Family Objections and Legal Action

Sidhu Moose Wala’s father, Balkaur Singh Sidhu, has vocally opposed the release. “We objected over the documentary, and the release is without our consent,” he told India Today. A petition has been filed in Mansa court, which is set to hear the case on June 12. The family has also indicated they will escalate the matter to the High Court.

Adding to the controversy, the documentary was released just ahead of the family’s planned tribute: an EP of Moose Wala’s unreleased songs. The family claims the BBC’s release not only bypassed their consent but also undermined their memorial efforts.

In a prior complaint to the Maharashtra DGP and Mumbai’s Juhu Police Station, Balkaur Singh objected to a BBC-hosted screening initially planned for 3 p.m. on June 11 in Juhu. The complaint alleged that the documentary could potentially tarnish the singer’s legacy by presenting unverified or sensitive information.

BBC’s Statement and Documentary Summary

According to the BBC’s description on YouTube, “On 29 May 2022, Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala was murdered by hired gunmen… gangster Goldy Brar publicly claimed responsibility… nearly three years later, no one has been convicted, and the motives remain unclear.”

The documentary claims to trace Moose Wala’s journey from rural Punjab to international hip-hop fame, examining how he became entangled with criminal networks. It also includes “exclusive access to Moose Wala’s friends and collaborators, and previously unseen archive material,” with several individuals speaking publicly for the first time.

Public Reaction and Next Steps

The release has sparked mixed reactions. While fans appreciate the in-depth investigation into the late singer’s life and death, others argue that the documentary risks sensationalizing a deeply sensitive issue.

The court’s decision on June 12 may determine the future accessibility of the film in India, even as it continues to circulate online. Moose Wala’s murder remains one of the most high-profile unsolved celebrity killings in India, and the BBC’s documentary has reignited public debate around his legacy, safety concerns for artists, and the growing intersection of music and crime in Punjab.