Jiiva’s upcoming film, Gorilla, directed by newcomer Don Sandy, features a chimpanzee named Kong as one of the lead.

The makers of the film, which also stars Shalini Pandey of Arjun Reddy fame as the female lead, recently said that they took special permission to shoot for the film in Bangkok along with the trained monkey, and they are also in the process of acquiring clearance certificate from the Animal Welfare Board.

However, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has now issued a statement requesting the audience to boycott the film. They wrote, “Abuse is never entertainment — and the exploitation of a chimpanzee named Kong in the film Gorilla is straight-up animal abuse. Join us in calling for a ban on the use of animals in film, TV, and advertising.”

PETA also listed out five reasons on why the film should be banned

1. Captive primates are separated from their mothers

2. They’re violently abused

3. Movie scenes might be short, but the animals suffer for life

.4. Using live animals is unnecessary

5. It leaves a legacy of harm

Also starring Radha Ravi, Sathish, Munishkanth, Yogi Babu, and Rajendran, Gorilla will have Jiiva donning the role of a youngster who speaks the Chennai dialect. The film is reportedly a heist comedy about a chimp who helps a team rob a bank. Produced by All In pictures, the film has music by Sam CS of Vikram Vedha fame.