"Buddha" to be India's biggest film to date

Indian telecommunications mogul and billionaire Dr. Bhupendra Kumar Modi's Buddha Films, a subsidiary of his company Mcorp Global, has optioned the rights of the international best seller "Old Path White Clouds" by author and Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh to be made into a $120 million epic. The book, which recounts Buddha's life and death and is considered to be the leading book on Buddhism, is being adapted into an English language film and will be executive produced by Handpicked Films' producers Michel Shane and Anthony Romano.

To be shot in the US, Japan, China, Thailand and India, the film is set to be the most expensive film ever to be shot in Dr. Modi's home country. Not only are A-list stars being courted for the lead roles, but the Dalai Lama has given his blessing and will consult on the film. Hanh and Dr. Modi are both in Cannes to finalize their deal. [Kristina Woo/indieWIRE]

http://www.indiewire.com/ots/2006/05/cannes_06_marke_5.html