According to a report in The New York Times, the life of the prince turned spiritual leader from the sixth century BC in Kapilavastu has been chosen as the subject of a film.
To be shot in India and Sri Lanka by Shyam Benegal, the film is reportedly based on research by Sri Lankan scholar Nimal D'Silva and others. A tentative release date has been set for sometime in 2009.
The venture comes courtesy the Light of Asia Foundation, based in Colombo, and Beyond Dream Entertainment in India.
Photograph: Ranjan Basu/Saab Pictures