In a year filled with star-studded remakes and sequels, this little gem managed to leave a lasting impression.

Bolstered by a great script and sweeping cinematography spanning the deserts of Rajasthan and the lush mountains of Himachal Pradesh, Dor weaves the tale of two women brought together by shared sorrow.

Ayesha Takia, as a grieving widow, gives a charming and mature performance. Gul Panag does a very creditable job as the woman fighting to save her husband's life. But the standout performance is that of Shreyas Talpade as the 'beherupiya'.

Having played a deaf mute in Iqbal, Shreyas can't stop talking in this movie, showing an amazing talent for mimicry and mining a rich vein of humour to highlight the serious subject of powerlessness of women in rural India.

Director Nagesh Kukunoor continues to grow with every movie. Special kudos to him for creating the character of a gutsy Muslim woman, who is able to support herself and her family and undertakes an unbelievably courageous journey across the country.

The only criticism I have of this movie is the casting of Kukunoor himself in a villainous role, at which is he is totally unconvincing. He should stick to Hitchcockian cameos and limit his appearance to a single blink-and-you-miss-it scene.