After playing a prince early in his career in portions of 1992 film Suryavanshi, macho star Salman Khan is returning to period drama in his latest venture Veer that releases Friday.

Interestingly, the epic has been written by Salman 20 years ago and is an Eros International Media Ltd presentation and Vijay Galani Moviez production.

"I had written the story 20 years ago, but at that time it wasn't possible to make the film. I thought now is the right time to make it, so I did... I showed the story to my father (noted writer Salim Khan) and the biggest fear was what is he going to say. But he said it's a good story," Salman said.

Made at a budget of around Rs 44 crore, (Rs 440 million) Veer has been directed by Anil Sharma and marks the big screen debut of Zarine Khan, who is said to have a close resemblance to Salman's actress girlfriend Katrina Kaif.

"It's a love story set in the backdrop of a war for independence. I play a Rajasthani princess," said Zarine.

Shot extensively in Rajasthan, it is a story of bravery, treachery and love.

Set in colonial India, the film encapsulates a period when the British enslaved India with their divide and rule policy and kings and nawabs fell for it, except for the Pindaris who preferred death to dishonour and fought till their last breath. Salman plays one of the bravest and strongest Pindari soldiers named Veer.

As Veer takes on the might of the British Empire, he also has to fight the conniving King of Madavgarh as well as his own jealous tribesmen. The stakes are high as he has to avenge his father's dishonour as well as get over the hurdles in love as he romances princess Yashodhara, the daughter of his sworn enemy.

Also shot in Britain, it is also the first Bollywood film to be shot in the premises of Buckingham Palace.

Despite having the facility of special effects, the film also boasts of using thousands of real horses and other animals for authenticity.

What is to be seen is whether Veer relives Salman's last year's magic at the box office thanks to massive hit Wanted, which marked his return to action.