Two film projects, eight countries, one mission

Agencies Posted: Jul 01, 2009 at 1154 hrs
Panaji Two movie projects with their pan-South Asian presence will work to reinforce the common links between the countries of this troubled region.

Noted filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, along with his actress- daughter Pooja, is working on one of them, while the other is based on the life of Gautam Buddha.

South Asia Foundation's Secretary General Rahul Barua said Bhatt's project was supposed to commence last year but was kept on the backburner following disturbances in the region comprising eight countries, whose problems range from terrorism to poverty. It will take concrete shape by this year, he said.

This untitled movie will have star cast from all the eight countries and will be helmed by directors from these countries. "Through this project, we will pull in resources from these countries," Barua said.

The foundation had organised the just-concluded South Asian Film Festival (SAFF) here, which saw participation, besides India, from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Afghanistan, Bhutan and Nepal.

Speaking about the project on Buddha, Barua said the film will highlight his teachings and their influence in the region, where Buddhism is a major religion.

Budgeted at Rs 50 lakh, the project will be a joint venture between different countries, Barua stated.