Ranbir Kapoor is Raj

Supposedly based on the Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky's White Nights, Saawariya stars newcomers Ranbir Kapoor, the son of Rishi Kapoor and grandson of Prithiviraj Kapoor; and Sonam Kapoor, the daughter of Anil Kapoor.

The story is said to revolve around three generations - with the youngest being represented by Ranbir and Sonam.

The middle generation is represented by Salman Khan and Rani Mukerji, while Zohra Sehgal and Begum Para play the older generation.

Ranbir plays the character of a Hindu boy who falls in love with a Muslim girl, played by Sonam Kapoor.

Raj (Ranbir) is an artist who is certain that he has found his ultimate dream when he arrives at a quaint picturesque town . However, destiny paints a different picture for Raj.

Sonam Kapoor is Sakina

Because one silent bright and starry night, he spots a mysterious girl draped in black, standing alone at a bridge. This chance encounter introduces him to Sakina (Sonam), a shy and quiet but mysterious girl who continues to intrigue him.

A new friendship is thus formed where Raj's charming ways try to win Sakina's heart.

Raj is unable to accept her haunting past and their friendship pulls him into a whirlwind of desire, madness and romance. Through Raj and Sakina's journey together, we are reminded of the fragility of the human heart.

Like many of Bhansali's Bollywood releases, Saawariya is full of rich colours, making each frame a masterpiece in its own right.

Not many people are aware that Ranbir and Sonam both assisted Sanjay during the filming of Black.

For the role in Saawariya, Sonam had to lose a lot of weight while Rabir was also told to keep on the lean side to match his on-screen character.

Ranbir Kapoor

The musical score for Saawariya has been composed by Monty Sharma who earlier created the tear-jerking background score for Bhansali's Black.

Sawaariya is said to include 11 song sequences, with one being composed by Bhansali himself.

Cinematography is provided by Ravi K Chandran who has given each frame its blue night colour as seen in the teaser trailers currently being shown on satellite tv and soon to be screened in UK cinemas too.

Saawariya is being released by Sony Pictures and is the first Indian movie produced by a Hollywood production company.

The film releases on 9 November which happens to be the Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, a time for celebrations and watching big blockbusters like Saawariya and Om Shanti Om - also releasing on the same date.