Noted filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, along with his actress- daughter Pooja, is working on one of them, while the other is based on the life of Gautam Buddha.

South Asia Foundation's Secretary General Rahul Barua said Bhatt's project was supposed to commence last year but was kept on the backburner following disturbances in the region comprising eight countries, whose problems range from terrorism to poverty. It will take concrete shape by this year, he said.

This untitled movie will have star cast from all the eight countries and will be helmed by directors from these countries. "Through this project, we will pull in resources from these countries," Barua said.

The foundation had organised the just-concluded South Asian Film Festival (SAFF) here, which saw participation, besides India, from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Afghanistan, Bhutan and Nepal.

Speaking about the project on Buddha, Barua said the film will highlight his teachings and their influence in the region, where Buddhism is a major religion.