Filmmaker Chandraprakash Dwivedi is planning a historical extravaganza, "Patliputra", which will revolve around the glorious capital of the ancient Magadh empire.

"After years of research, I have decided to make a film on Patliputra," said Dwivedi, who made the film "Pinjar" and the popular tele-serial "Chanakya".

Patliputra is the old name of modern-day Patna, the capital of Bihar.

"I have almost completed the script and am selecting a cast," said Dwivedi, who was in Patna to attend a film festival here.

He said: "Patliputra" would be a big-budget film to be made at a cost of Rs.400 million. "I will shoot the film in Bihar, which is the most suitable place for shooting such historical films.

"Only films portraying culture, past struggles and glory with roots in history stand a good chance of getting international acclaim," he said.

Indians love to watch historical films as they provide emotional and cultural satisfaction, he added.

To recreate a Patliputra of the time of emperor Ashoka, Chandragupta Maurya and Chanakya will be a challenge, he said.