Bollywood movies fall in one of two categories:

-> Escapist formula-fare made for India and Indians everywhere, with song and dance and color.
-> Films made for multiplex audiences in Indian metros, the overseas market and the film festivals.

Dor is more of the latter, but retains a flavour of the former. I laughed, I cried and I found myself captivated.

The plot starts with two seemingly disconnected stories. In the lush green mountains of Kashmir a Muslim girl marries a man on the eve of his departure to the Middle East where he intends to pursue a better livelihood. She is independant, unconventional, bold and forthright – quite unlike most Muslim girls raised in those parts. The boys parents oppose the match because they dont like her “modern” ways. They disown the couple. Gul Panag, an ex-Miss India plays this role with aplomb.

Meanwhile, in the stark, hot desserts of Rajastan, a young, enchanting girl who seems just a teenager is married happily into a traditional Hindu family. Her husband adores her. She is considered lucky because the fortunes of the family she has married into have changed for the better since she was brought to their home as a bride. Her husband too has found work in the Middle East which will mean much needed money for the family. Ayesha Takia steals every scene and the audience hearts with her amazing portrayal.

Tragedy strikes both women.

Gul’s character learns that her husband will be executed by the Saudi Government because he has killed a man.

Ayesha’s character learns that her husband has been killed. Overnight her life changes. Her “stars” are considered responsible by her in-laws family. She is treated with coldness. She has to live the life of a Hindu widow. Allowed no jewellery, dressed in black. Allowed no treats or comforts.

Gul’s character is convinced her husband is not capable of murder. She is not allowed to communicate with him. There is no potential for appeal. The only thing that would save her husband from death is a letter granting forgiveness by the widow of the murdered man according to the local laws.

Gul sets out to find the family of the man her husband is accused of killing.

After a series of challenges she finally reaches Rajastan and finds the family…...She finds she cannot admit to Ayesha her motives.

This is an engaging, heart-warming tale of the extraordinary challenges two young women face, their relationship and the succour they offer each other, the unmistakable courage and determination of two diametrically contrasting personalities and the consequences of betrayal.