A fitting tribute to Hrishida. Review on Dor

Nagesh Kukunoor, a self confessed Hrishikesh Mukherjee fan, dedicates "Dor" to Mr. Mukherjee...and a fitting tribute it is. A good story, simplicity of narration, a strong yet subtly conveyed social message...all ingredients of Mr. Mukherjee's films, wonderfully represented in Dor.

PLOT-

Would like to describe the plot in terms of the main characters.

Zeenat (Gul Panaag)-

A strong, self sufficient, fearless woman from Himachal Pradesh. Has lived most of her life on her own terms, taking care of herself with her earnings as a school teacher. Marries Aamir, the man she loves, but is separated from him soon after as he goes to the Middle East to earn some money. A few months into his being away, Zeenat gets the news that her husband is in prison for killing his room-mate there, and he could be executed for his crime. The only way he can be saved is if a plea for clemency, a pardon, is signed by the wife of the victim. This takes Zeenat on a quest all the way to Rajasthan to find this woman, about whom she knows next to nothing....all Zeenat knows is the wife must be found, and she must sign the pardon.

Meera (Ayesha Takia)-

Child-like, spontaneous, traditional woman from Rajasthan...recently married into a conservative family in Rajasthan. She has a close, affectionate relationship with her husband Shankar, while not quite gaining the approval of her in-laws. Shankar goes away to the Middle East...where he tragically dies, allegedly murdered by his room-mate. Meera's life is completely shattered. Apart from the pain of losing her husband, Meera is also facing the terribly harsh life that a widow has to face...a life devoid of human contact, laughter, and love....imposed upon by her traditions, enforced by her in-laws.

Beharupiya (Shreyas Talpade)

A con-man by profession in Rajasthan, and not a very good one at that, although he is a good mimic. He meets Zeenat in Rajasthan, and charms her with his take-off on various film actors, and sneaks away with Zeenat's belongings. However, smitten by conscience and by Zeenat's dimples, he resurfaces the next day, returns her things, and gets to know about her quest to find Meera. He decides to help Zeenat and helps her negotiate her way around an alien state, keeping her morale up with his constant banter and jokes.

What happens once Zeenat finds Meera? Does she find it easy to tell Meera who she is and what purpose she's come for? Does Zeenat succeed in getting her husband free? In what way does Zeenat influence Meera's life? These are all questions which you must watch "Dor" to have answered.

MY TAKE-

"Dor" is a wonderfully scripted, well-directed, beautifully shot, and last but not the least, beautifully acted film. There is a strong feminist undercurrent to the film, yet it never gets moralistic or preachy.

While the story may seem heavy, it never gets too cumbersome for the viewer, with a lot of light, true to life sequences, making the viewer chuckle. A lot of credit must be given to Shreyas Talpade for that. If you thought "Iqbal" was his career-defining role, you should watch him as, "Beharupiya". He is incredibly funny and is a truly gifted mimic. And yet, he doesnt lose the vulnerability and sensitivity as "Beharupiya", that made "Iqbal" such a memorable character either.

Ayesha Takia is a revelation. She was always a natural on screen, always likeable, but never quite had the opportunity to prove her mettle as an actor. She certainly does here, and how! Be it a spontaneous dance on the street to the tunes of a film song, or reacting to a betrayal by a friend...she does it all with such ease. Gul Panaag is no less effective. She has a tougher role to play. Zeenat is supposed to be head strong and ruthless in her single-mindedness. While the character is admirable, when pitted against Meera's effervescent innocence, could possibly lose some of the audience's sympathy. However, Gul manages to walk the fine line beautifully, making Zeenat strong yet identifiable and vulnerable.

The cinematography is great. The camera captures both Himachal and Rajasthan splendidly. The music, both the background score and the songs, are just right to set the mood of the movie. The song, "Yeh Honsla" lingers long after the movie is done.

"Dor" is not without flaws. The narrative lags on occasion and needs Beharupiya (Shreyas) to enliven the proceedings from time to time. However, all is forgiven with the beautifully executed climax. Watch how the last 10-15 minutes of the film unfold...where, without a word being spoken, a world of meaning is conveyed by the two women...that is true directorial genius. So Mr Kukunoor, your hero and mentor Mr. Hrishikesh Mukherjee, had he watched Dor, would have been quite proud of you.