After his award-winning "Iqbal", director Nagesh Kukunoor returns with "Dor", a captivating tale of two women who belong to different worlds.

Starring Ayesha Takia, Gul Panag and Shreyas Talpade, "Dor" is about love, loss, friendship, hope and redemption.

Kukunoor, who emphasises on the human element in all his films, once again tries to show how basic emotions bind us together. The film, releasing on Friday, has been shot in Rajasthan.

Zeenat (Gul Panag) is an independent, self-assured young woman from Himachal Pradesh who has lived life on her terms. Her strength of character is evident from how she lives alone, chooses to marry for love, and is ready to go to any lengths to save her husband's life.

On the other hand, somewhere in Rajasthan lives Meera (Ayesha Takia), a simple and conventional girl who lives by the strict traditions of her Rajput roots. She is content with what life has given her - a loving husband and a joint family.

She never questions her existence in the patriarchal setting of Rajasthan, even after her husband's death, which brings drastic changes in her life.

Zeenat is compelled to make the long journey from the hills of Himachal Pradesh to Rajasthan's deserts, to meet Meera.

Along the way she encounters Behroopiya (Shreyas Talpade), a colourful character, whose uncanny instincts and good humour help to make the difficult journey easier for Zeenat.

Behroopiya, who uses his skills to harmlessly con people to eke out a living, has a heart of gold. He acts as a loyal friend and an invaluable guide to help Zeenat find her destination.

In ways that neither Zeenat nor Meera can perceive, their worlds are about to collide. A life-changing piece of news reaches both women at the same instance, and sets into motion a series of events that will change their lives forever.

As different as they are, Zeenat and Meera form an uncommon bond of friendship and respect when they meet. But can it endure the uneasy truth that Zeenat hides?

One of these women will hold the power of life and death in her hands. One will be helpless at the hands of fate. One of these women has everything to fight for. One of them has nothing to lose.

Produced by Sahara One Motion Pictures with Executive Producer Percept Picture Company in association with Sic Productions, the music is by Salim-Sulaiman.

The film will see Ayesha Takia in a de-glam avatar for the first time.

According to Kukunoor, "Dor" is his most challenging and dramatic film to date.