By Subhash K Jha

It looks like this time the proposed bio-pic on the life times and teachings of Gautam Buddha would finally see the light of day. Or shall we say, the darkness of theatres the world across

While its proposed director Binod Pradhan has been tied up doing the cinematography of Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Run Milkha Run the Buddha bio-pic's producer Sheetal Talwar has been travelling to Thailand and Bangkok to negotiate a massive tie- up with the Thai government.

While Talwar who's tying up the loose ends of the estimated Rs 150 crore film's budget a source close to the project spilled the beans.

"Binod wants to make the Buddha film for an international market. The film will be shot extensively in virgin locations in Thailand and Bangkok. There are also plans to shoot parts of the film in Tibet, if permission is granted. Binod is very keen to shoot in Tibet. "

The source further informs that the Thai government is collaborating extensively over the project.

When contacted Sheetal Talwar said, "Yes, we're looking at various possibilities as to how we can take the project to every corner of the world. Binod has been tied up with the cinematography of another project.

As soon as he's done he will get fully involved in Buddha. You know how he is. He does only one project at a time. "

The film will probably star a new face as Buddha, since any star with an established image won't do in the part. But the film won't be titled ‘Buddha'.