The story of Gautama Buddha will soon play itself out on a big screen near you.

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 [Images] by Shyam Benegal [Images], 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