Acclaimed Indian director Ashutosh Gowarikar will direct an English film based on the life of Lord Buddha.

Spice Enfotaintment, headed by industrialist B K Modi, will invest Rs 200 crore for production of the film titled ‘Buddha’.

Incidentally, it was Gowarikar who portrayed the ancient enlightened saint in Shyam Benegal’s popular television series ‘Discovery of India’.

Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Gowarikar said the script has been written by Oscar winner David Ward. The movie will go on floor on May 2010 and completed by end of the year.

The pre-production work for finalising the location, technicians and artists will begin this month, said the Lagaan director who is in the midst of giving finishing touches to his latest venture What’s Your Raashi .

He said ‘Buddha’ will be shot in the foothills of Himalayas. Gowarikar will only be directing the movie and not co-producing it.

Speaking about the movie’s budget, he said it will be according to the film’s needs.

“We will be filming an era which is far removed from today. Hence to re-create it will be an expensive proposition.”