India is due to screen a remake of the classic drama, Devdas, at the International Film Festival in Cannes later on Thursday.

The first showing of the movie has received the backing of the Indian government which has set up a pavilion at the festival to promote its film industry.

Devdas, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, tells the story of a man who pines after his childhood sweetheart while rebuffing the advances of a prostitute.

Officials say they are hopeful the film will repeat the success of last year's Bollywood production, Lagaan, which was nominated for an Oscar.

However, a BBC correspondent says the real test will be whether India manages to break into the mainstream markets in the United States and Europe.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service