'Picket 43' Review Round-up: Prithviraj, Javed Jaffrey Win Hearts; Major Ravi Makes Comeback

Malayalam movie 'Picket 43' directed by Major Ravi has opened to high positive reviews by both audience and critics alike. The movie, which narrates story of friendship, patriotism and love, has been received well and recent theatre reports suggest that it has every reason to be a hit.

Story of "Picket 43" revolves around Hawaldar Harindran (Prithviraj) who is posted alone in the dangerous terrain of an Indian army picket, Picket 43, known for regular ceasefire violations. Harindran meets Pakistani soldier Musharaff (Javed Jaffrey) on the other side of the border. Both share a great bond soon, despite the tensions between the two countries.

The movie talks about the hardship that these two soldiers face in the border and the special bond, which Haridran shares with his lone companion Baccardi, a dog. The makers claim that the movie is about love, friendship, patriotism and a soldier's struggle to protect his motherland.

The movie also has star cast of Renji Panicker, Sudheer Karamana, Sreerag Nambiar, Haresh Peradi and Anu Mohan in lead roles.

Most of the critics have opined that the movie will be much noted for the performance of the actors, especially Prithviraj and Javed Jaffrey. Both the lead actors have made sure that they give amble depth and identity to the characters.

The directorial skills of Major Ravi is also much appreciated for the way he has treated the story of army men with emotional element and reports suggest that the movie stands out from the usual Major Ravi movies.

Technical aspects of the movie have also got positive response from the audience.

Here are the reviews of "Picket 43" by various online media critics:

Onlookersmedia

"Picket 43 is not a usual military film which has lot of gun fire and war scenes. It told the story of a friendship between an Indian Soldier and Pakistan soldier and their effort to protect their own countries as well as save the peace among both countries. Major Ravi conceived the theme in a terrific manner and the visuals given to us by Jomon T John were outstanding to say the least. Ratheesh Vega's music was mesmerising and it really brings the soul of the film to the audience. His music was perfect in the sense that it really blends with the story and visuals of the film as well as the underlying emotions that lay beneath its outer shell."

Muyals Media

"Coming to cast, Prithviraj; as usual delivered an excellent work by portraying Harindran Nair as the man who is facing inner struggles happening on him.

On the other hand, Javed Jaffrey has done an excellent role with the character Mushraff; showing a beautiful frienship. The character shows as much as important; as the relation between the duo stands as the central character. The dog Baccardi shows the love and passion by a pet; who helps to deliver some relaxation in the times we feel most alone in life. The dog plays as an important factor in the film. Angana Roy; the heroine posses not much to do, as the film deals with the border lines area for entire part.Other characters by Renji Panicker, Sudheer Karamana, Kannan Nair, Hareesh Peradi, Anusha, Sreerag Nambiar, etc looks good."

Pepper Media

"After drishyam it is very great to see that the whole audience in the theatre are standing up and clapping in the climax. Like Prithviraj and Javed Jaffrey, Renji Panicker also did his best as the head of the military.In short, it is must watch movie of Prithviraj and a round of applause to Major Ravi."

Cineshore

"Prithviraj gets a good role once again and he does full justice to his character. He is fitting as an army man and does good in emotional scenes. Javed Jaffery is fine as a Pakistani soldier and both of them shares a good chemistry. Cast includes other like Ranji Panicker, Anu Mohan etc and they all fits the bill. With Jomons inclusion, one excepts some great visuals and he does it brilliantly, which remains as the biggest plus for Picket 43. Background scores are good while editing is adequate. Locations are authentic."

Cinecafe

"Director Major Ravi takes this as a psychological treatment in a Army man point of view. As usual he shares more detail about Army compare with other movies. Prithvi Raj reaches another milestone in his acting. He has to tell his thought in facial expressions. He has done a very good job. That Dog is trained well. Background music is so good. Kashmir areas are picturized well. It's worth to watch the movie in theater."