A wicked ruler confronted by Buddha for his killings and challenged to preserve life, King Asoka is featured in the same-named movie to be shown at 7 p.m. today at the Center for Buddhist Development, 203 E. Dunklin St.
It is the first repeat movie title at the center's regular movie nights, said the Rev. William Edwards.
Shahrukh Khan, the equivalent popularity of Elvis in India, is the star of the movie, based on an Maurya dynasty king who reigned in the second century before Christ.
Edwards said he hopes to draw visitors from the downtown sidewalk sales to the free movie and pizza night, which is a social outreach for the center.
"The story of Asoka represents the hope that no matter how evil a person is, he has the potential to turn himself around," Edwards said. "His story is similar to Constantine in Christianity."