Shyam Benegal to direct historic epic 'Gautam Buddha'

Mumbai, Aug 27 (UNI) A movie on the life and times of 'Gautam Buddha', who redefined the way the world thinks, is to soon become a reality with veteran film-maker Shyam Benegal roped in to direct the multi-crore venture.

Announcing the film 'Gautam Buddha, at a press conference at the 'Taj Lands End' here today, Yash Patnaik, CEO Beyond Dreams Entertainment Ltd, said it would be produced by his company in association with Light of Asia Foundation (LOAF).

LOAF Chairman Navin Gooneratne said after working on the project for eight months, they have built a concept of a multi million film.

''The impact of Buddha's philosophy can be gauged by the fact that hundreds of millions of people across the globe have embraced Buddhism and made it a way of life,'' he said.

''It is very important to make a film on Buddha today as there is constant relevance of Mahatma Gandhi and Buddha. It is important to find the out his journey and the manner in which he attained nirvana,'' Mr Benegal said.

''The message of the film is about Buddha giving answers both to the global crisis of conflict and environment,'' says Goonaratne while describing his biggest dream of making a film on Buddha, which he has been nuturing for the past 20 years.

Noted screenplay writer Atul Tiwari has been assigned to write the story screenplay and dialogue of the epic. Professor Nimal D'Silva, leading Buddhist scholar in the South Asia region, has been appointed to head the research along with scholars from China, Japan and Korea.

An Indian delegation, headed by Patnaik, has done a location study in Sri Lanka, along with Mr Benegal and Tiwari. The Sri Lankan government has offered its full support for the project.

Gooneratne has already acquired 1000 acres of land near Colombo, where a massive set will be built to recreate the era for filming the epic.

The film is expected to go on the floors around mid-2008 and slated for mid-2009 release.

UNI