Indian film on Apostle Thomas

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 10 (IANS): The life and mission of Apostle Thomas is the subject of an Indian film, which will star actors from Bollywood as well as other regions.

Estimated to cost a whopping Rs.35 million, the mega film is being produced and directed by Telugu producer and director R.R. Lankapalli.

Apostle Thomas came to India in 52 A.D and established seven churches in Kerala and was killed in Chennai for the sake of gospel in 72 A.D.

The film will be shot at all the places where Apostle Thomas worked in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

"The regular shooting of the film would commence Dec 6 this year at Kodungallur in Trissur district in Kerala where Apostle Thomas started his mission work first," Lankapalli told reporters here Tuesday.

"We expect to finish the shooting by June 2005 and the film will be released Dec 25, 2005."

Southern Indian actress Jayasudha has been drafted to play the role of Mother Mary and the star cast of the gospel film is expected to include actors and actresses from across the country.

"A stage artiste from Andhra Pradesh has already been selected to play the role of Apostle Thomas and we are talking to various artistes in Kerala.

"Two Bollywood actors and two northeastern Indian actresses also have been given important roles," said Lankapalli.

Those funding the venture include World Good News Trust and some professional financiers.

"The film will be made in Telugu and later dubbed in English and other major Indian languages. Leading singers like S.P. Balasubramaniam, S. Janaki and Asha Bonsle will sing the songs," said the director.