Eric Roth will write the adaptation of Gregory David Roberts' novel Shantaram, reports Variety.

Roberts wrote the first draft of the screenplay based on his own exploits, but now the Forrest Gump writer is taking over on the movie which is being designed as a vehicle for Johnny Depp.

Depp would play an Australian heroin addict who escapes from a maximum prison to find a new life in India. He takes on the role of a doctor before becoming a smuggler and gunrunner. Finally, he finds himself in Afghanistan where he fights against invading Russian troops.