Picket 43 is a 2015 Indian Malayalam-language anti-war film written and directed by Major Ravi, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Javed Jaffrey.
Despite their differing nationalities, Harindran and Mushraff find common ground, gradually developing a close friendship that lifts their spirits amid the harsh conditions.
As reinforcements arrive, Harindran urgently requests that Mushraff receive medical attention, warning that he would cross the Line of Control (L.O.C.)
The story highlights the sacrifices made by soldiers in protecting the nation and serves as a reflection on the shared humanity and bonds that can form even across hostile borders.
Instead of focusing on devastating wars and the like, the movie deals more with the psychological trauma a soldier has to go through in order to safeguard his motherland.
[2][3] Ravi stated that Havildar Harindran was originally written as a heroic character, but this aspect was later softened following Prithviraj's suggestion.
[9] Mythily Ramachandran of Gulf News gave a positive review, noting that "shorn of regular melodrama and mindless song dance sequences, this story has an enjoyable freshness.
Picket 43 makes you pause and remember those valiant soldiers who face death at every moment", also praising the "breathtaking" cinematography.
[10] Shruti Karthikeyan of The Times of India remarked that the director has "stitched a film that says– let humanity prevail and the countries live in peace", also praising its music and "breath-taking visuals".
[12] In 2022, filmmaker Alphonse Putharen wrote a social media post requesting Major Ravi to make a film like Picket 43 again.
It was a pleasant heart touching movie ..."[13] In a retrospective analysis in 2024, Megha M. of Mathrubhumi wrote that "the director's thoughtful approach creates tension and unease, drawing the viewer in.