First look: Salman's Veer

Salman Khan's much awaited film Veer is now all set to hit the theatres.

The film is slated for a January 22, 2010 release.

Veer is a grandiose period saga.

The story of Veer is set in 1875.

It was the period post the Revolt of 1857 when the British had established their control over most of India.

But there was one clan that refused to budge under the might of the British Empire, the Pindari warriors.

Salman plays the title role of Veer, the warrior prince.

The film is directed by Anil Sharma.

Anil was not able to recreate the success of Gadar - Ek Prem Katha with his subsequent releases.

With Veer Anil hopes to better even Gadar.

The film also stars Mithun Chakraborty.

Mithun, the superstar of the 1980s, is now making his mark again in character roles.

Making their Bollywood debut with Veer are Zarine Khan and two foreign actresses, Lisa Lazarus and Gita Soto.

Veer is also a love story, that goes beyond the borders.

Veer is inspired from Taras Bulba, a 1962 film loosely based on Nikolai Gogol's short novel by the same name.

Salman had watched the film as a child and was greatly impressed by the father-son relationship.

Salman envisaged Veer when he was shooting for Baaghi in 1990.

Salman wanted to be a director but fate led him elsewhere. He himself wanted to direct the film.

Veer has been scripted by Salman Khan himself.

Salim Khan, Salman's father, had advised him against doing the movie.

But after watching the rough cut, the legendary screenwriter was impressed.

Veer has been shot in Rajasthan and in the UK.

The film's starcast also includes Sohail Khan, Jackie Shroff, Neena Gupta and Aryan Vaid.

The music has been composed by Sajid-Wajid.

Gulzar has penned the lyrics for the film.

Veer's release date is clashing with Ram Gopal Varma's Rann, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Vishal Bhardwaj-produced Ishqiya.