BBC’s Moosewala Documentary Sparks Legal Firestorm; Father Seeks Ban as Tribute Songs Break Internet
Mansa/Chandigarh, June 12: A local court in Mansa has adjourned the hearing on a petition filed by the family of slain Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala seeking a stay on the BBC World Service documentary “The Killing Call” to June 16. The documentary’s surprise YouTube release early Thursday, coinciding with Moosewala’s birth anniversary, has ignited legal and emotional turmoil.
The two-part documentary explores Moosewala’s meteoric rise, his controversial stardom, and the chilling details surrounding his murder on May 29, 2022. It features testimonies from friends, journalists, music industry insiders, and top police officials, along with an alleged audio interview of gangster Satinderjit Singh, alias Goldy Brar—the alleged mastermind behind the killing—who remains on the run.
The first episode retraces Moosewala’s personal and artistic journey, while the second examines his rivalry with gangsters and events leading to his assassination. It also delves into political themes such as Operation Bluestar and the farmers’ protest, reflecting Moosewala’s social stances.
Reacting to the sudden online release, Moosewala’s father Balkaur Singh said, “The BBC was to screen it in the evening, but after we moved court, they rushed it online. If they have evidence, why don’t they present it in court?” He added with visible pain, “People called Sidhu bad when he was alive and now call him good. When I die, they’ll call me good too. My situation is worse than Sidhu’s.”
His lawyer, Advocate Satinder Pal Singh Mittal, confirmed the petition seeks a blanket stay on the documentary’s release in any format or platform. Earlier, Balkaur had approached Maharashtra police to prevent its screening in Mumbai.
Tribute Tracks Set YouTube Ablaze
Five hours after the documentary dropped, Moosewala’s official YouTube channel released three new songs—“0008,” “Neal,” and “Take Notes”—as part of the “Moose Print” EP. Each track crossed one million views within the first hour. By evening, “0008” had surpassed four million views, with all three songs trending in YouTube’s top spots.
“0008,” featuring singer Jenny Johal, revisits Moosewala’s recurring theme of gun culture, referencing his Fortuner SUV. “Neal,” a romantic number, also stars Johal, while the solo track “Take Notes” reflects on personal betrayals and inner turmoil—hinting at strained relationships within his circle.
These three additions bring the number of posthumous releases to 11, underlining the artist’s undiminished popularity even after death.
Emotional Memorial at Moosa Village
At his ancestral home in Moosa, the family organised a prayer ceremony, followed by cake cutting, a health camp, and a blood donation drive. His iconic tractors and vehicles were displayed publicly, and the house was decorated in a heritage style.
“Sidhu loved tractors and kids. We distributed toy tractors and served cold water to visitors. Meeting people brings us peace,” said his mother, Charan Kaur.
Gangster’s Claims Raise Eyebrows
The documentary’s interview with Goldy Brar has revived debate over law enforcement’s failure to locate him. Brar, who is allegedly operating from abroad, openly claims he murdered Moosewala to avenge the killing of his aide Vicky Middukhera in 2021.
He accused Moosewala of siding with their rivals and using his political clout against their gang. “Sidhu used to message Lawrence Bishnoi regularly to stay in his good books,” Goldy said. “When decency fails, it’s the gunshot that gets heard.”
As the documentary garners massive attention, it has not only reignited public sentiment around Moosewala’s legacy but also thrown the spotlight back on unresolved questions about gang wars, celebrity vulnerability, and systemic lapses in Indian policing.
