Parents of Karnataka IAS officer DK Ravi, who had died under mysterious circumstances in 2015, have sought a stay from the Karnataka High Court against the release of Kannada movie Chambal, as they think the film portrays their son in a bad light. Ravi’s parents— Gowramma and Kariyapppa feel the movie, if released, will malign the image of their son in the public eye because he is regarded as an upright officer.

The film made by national award winning director Jacob Varghese has actors Sathish Ninasam, purportedly playing the role of Ravi, and Sonu Gowda in the lead roles and is set for release on February 23.

Deccan Chronicle reported that the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday issued notices to central Secretariat of Department of Publicity and Information, state Home Department, the Regional Officer, Central Board of Film Certification, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, and the filmmakers along with the star cast, seeking their response.

This, after the petitioners told the court that the filmmakers refused to arrange a preview for them and similar petitions to the film chamber also went in vain.

The petitioners also sought withdrawal of certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification for the film effectively stopping the commercial release of the film. They also allege that the film was made only to gain profits by exploiting the popularity Ravi enjoyed.

However, Jacob and Sathish had visited Ravi’s parents and reportedly told them that the film was not based on the former IAS officer’s life, reported The New Indian Express.

Speaking about the movie to Bangalore Mirror in January, Sathish hadsaid the movie was about an upright IAS officer without sharing any further details. The director also remained tight-lipped about whether the movie was inspired by Ravi’s life.

In the same article, Jacob was quoted as saying, “I cannot say that this is somebody’s story. A child which draws a tree or a bus, is inspired by watching a tree or a bus. You cannot say it is the same bus and the same tree that the child drew.”