The Indian film industry for the first time will shoot a movie on the life of Jesus Christ.
Produced by Aditya Productions, the movie at the cost of $30 million is said to be India's highest budget movie.
The shooting will begin in the Holy Land in October and will be released in English and three Indian languages in 2011.
The film, directed by famed Indian director Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, depicts the story of Jesus Christ from his birth, till his death and resurrection.
The producer of the movie, Konda Krishnam Raju, told media it is the first time in the "79-year history of the Bollywood film industry" a movie on Jesus Christ is being made.
The film will use child actors and will include seven devotional songs. Academy-award-nominated Christien Tinsley, who worked on The Passion of the Christ, has been hired to work on the make-up effects.
South Indian star Pawan Kalyan will narrate the Telugu and Malayalam versions. The filmmakers are still to disclose the cast of the Hindi and English versions.
"There are millions of people in India who follow Christianity. It is a great faith. There is a great audience for such a film," said Kalyan.
The producers have been granted special permission to film in Bethlehem and also Jericho.
Director Rao told reporters that he hoped the film would spread "the message of love and peace" around the world.
Culture
Bollywood movie on the life of Jesus Christ
By: John Malhotra
Saturday, 4 September 2010, 0:36 (IST)
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Have your say on this article
Added: Saturday, 4 September 2010, 4:18 (IST)
I would love to see this movie if it happens.
Eula McNinch, United States
Added: Saturday, 4 September 2010, 22:50 (IST)
I think this is wonderful. We as Indians are very fortunate to be born and live in a country which is tolerant to all religions. A bollywood movie on Christ is only going to let everyone know the sacrifice,peace and love that Christianity prophesies. I wish every participant all the very best and the movie will be a big success.
Richard Wheeler, Almora/India
Added: Thursday, 9 September 2010, 9:26 (IST)
Iam so excited to see this movie,and praying for success....ALL THE BEST TO ENTIRE TEAM.
princy, INDIA
Added: Friday, 24 September 2010, 21:45 (IST)
it would be great but let it also be in tamil !!! let his great love for us be promoted
Michael, Chennai,TN
Added: Monday, 25 October 2010, 20:26 (IST)
This will be a great success and will remove all the misunderstandings that people of other faiths have regarding Christianity and will lead millions from Darkness to Light. Lets hope for the Best.
Charles David, New Delhi,INDIA
Added: Thursday, 12 May 2011, 11:07 (IST)
I am waiting anxiously for the release of the film. Wishing all the best and hope there won"t be any controversy in the film.
Albert Norton, Calangute, Goa, India
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