In ancient India, the lives of many people are plagued by drought, famine, constant warfare and injustices in the caste system.

In 2009, an animated feature-length film adaptation titled Tezuka Osamu no Buddha – Akai Sabaku yo!

The film was released on May 28, 2011 during the celebrations of the 750th memorial of Shinran Shonin, founder of the Jōdo Shinshū sect.

[8][9] Ayumi Hamasaki recorded "Pray", composed by Kunio Tago and arranged by Yuta Nakano, as the theme song of the film.

[10][11] The 14th Dalai Lama appeared on a Tokyo MX TV special on January 18, 2014, to state his approval.