A media professional has approached the Panaji bench of Bombay High Court seeking to ban Rohan Sippy's upcoming movie Dum Maro Dum (DMD) alleging that the movie portrays Goa in poor light.

Savio Rodrigues has contended in his petition that the screening should be stayed as the movie showcases Goa as a hub of sex, drugs and easy availability of women.

Ever since the film's promos have hit the theaters and small screens, the movie has been embroiled in controversy for blemishing Goa's image.

"The film is scheduled to be released on April 22, and as per the publicity given to the said film by the producers in the media the said film will attract criminal-minded tourists and offenders and drive away decent travelers and tourists form Goa, " he said.

The petitioner claimed that film would attract wrong doers in the state by depicting Goa full of illegal activities. The division bench will hear the petition before admission on Thursday.

The application names state chief secretary, chairperson of the central board of film certification, Fox Star studios Pvt Ltd and Ramesh Sippy Entertainment as the respondents.

The issue was recently raised by the former Tourism Minister Francisco Pacheco in the state legislative assembly. Tourism Minister Nilkant Halankar had also voiced concern over the wrong depiction of Goa and assured to deliberate at the higher level.