A new Punjabi movie ‘Lawrance of Punjab’, on the life of gangster Lawrance Bishnoi is stoking controversy, as it gears up for streaming release on Zee5 Global, 27 April, 2026. Hindi ZEE5 has unveiled a bold and gripping trailer, offering a glimpse into a culturally rooted narrative that explores how criminal identities are shaped.
Zee5 Global says, “It traces the journey of a criminal identity through the lens of culture, systems, and visibility. From student politics and music to ideology and media amplification, the series pieces together how aspiration, power, and perception intersect to shape a new-age digital syndicate. With Lawrence Bishnoi as a key case study within this ecosystem, the narrative expands beyond the individual to examine the larger cultural and social context, focusing on consequences”
Director Raghav Darr added, “Lawrence of Punjab was always envisioned as more than just a crime story. Our intent was to understand the ‘why’ behind the making of such identities: the environment, the influences, and the systems that shape them. At the same time, it was equally important to reflect on what these journeys leave behind. Through this series, we’ve tried to present a narrative that is both informative and deeply human.”
ANI adds: Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said he will file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against ‘Lawrence of Punjab’,.Taking it to X, he criticised the docu-series, saying that a gangster can never be the identity of Punjab.
“I lost my friend Sidhu Moosewala to Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang. His death was a loss for each and every Punjabi, for millions of his fans around the world. And today ZEE5 wants to give that same gangster a docuseries called “Lawrence of Punjab”? Not just Sidhu. Hundreds of Punjabis have lost their lives to this network of crime. Countless families are still grieving. Still bleeding. This TV Series is not content. This is a slap on every one of us. Bhagat Singh is Punjab’s identity. Our soldiers are Punjab’s identity. Our farmers are Punjab’s identity. NOT a gangster. Never a gangster! I am filing a PIL. This series must be banned. Enough is enough,” he wrote.
“Punjabi singer Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu popularly known as Sidhu Moosewala, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Jawaharke village of Mansa district on May 29, 2022. Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar and a close aide of gang leader Lawrence Bishnoi claimed responsibility for Moose Wala’s murder in a Facebook post, reports the ANI.
Kaveri Das, Business Head – Hindi ZEE5 and Chief Channel Officer &TV, said, “At Hindi ZEE5, we are constantly evolving our storytelling to reflect the changing pulse of our audiences. With Lawrence of Punjab, we wanted to move beyond the surface of crime narratives and explore the deeper cultural context that shapes them. This is not a story about glorifying individuals, but about understanding the ecosystem. It reflects our continued focus on insight-led, culturally relevant content that resonates with audiences across the country.”
Producer Raghav Khanna, Riverland Entertainment said, “Punjab is a land of resilience and enterprise, with a rich cultural heritage. Lawrence of Punjab explores a recent chapter shaped by real events and multiple perspectives, examining the dynamics of power and influence. The documentary series has been approached with balance, restraint, and sensitivity.”
