Hollywood star Richard Gere plans to make an epic film about the Buddha, which is to be scripted by new age spiritual guru Deepak Chopra.

"The film's aim is to raise global awareness about Buddhist philosophy and the Buddha's message of love, compassion and equanimity," said B.K. Modi, president of the Maha Bodhi Society of India, Tuesday.

The $100 million film, to be produced by Gere, will be released in 2006 to coincide with the 2,550th anniversary celebrations of the Buddha, Modi said.

Although the film's cast has not been finalised, Bollywood stars Vivek Oberoi and Aishwarya Rai have evinced interest in the crossover project, which will involve specialists from Hollywood and the Indian film industry.