Picket 43

Picket 43

Theatrical poster
Directed by Major Ravi
Produced by OGEE
Written by Major Ravi
Starring Prithviraj
Javed Jaffrey
Narrated by Mohanlal
Music by Songs:
Ratheesh Vegha
Score:
Rex Vijayan
Cinematography Jomon T. John
Edited by Ranjan Abraham
Production
company
Film Brewery
Distributed by Murali Films
Release dates
  • 23 January 2015 (2015-01-23)
Running time
 Murali Films
Country India
Language

Malayalam

Hindi
Budget ₹4.7 crore (US$700,000)[1]

Picket 43 is a 2015 Malayalam-language Indian drama film written and directed by Major Ravi. It stars Prithviraj and Javed Jaffrey in the lead roles. It was filmed by cinematographer Jomon T. John and most portions of the film were shot in Kashmir. The film dealt with the story of an Indian army soldier guarding a picket alone in Kashmir, and his friendship with a Pakistani soldier.

The film released on 23 January 2015 to highly positive reviews from critics and audience alike.[2] The film is one of the profitable Malayalam film in the first half of 2015 considering theatrical collections, satellite and television rights.[3][4][5]

Plot

Hareendranath Nair (Prithviraj) is an Indian soldier guarding an Indian picket in Kashmir. He happens to meet a Pakistani soldier Mushraff (Javed Jaffrey) on one fine day. They immediately relate to each other and despite of being from different countries they seem to understand each other better than anyone else. They eventually become close friends and start to enhance the morale of each other. However, their friendship raises suspicions among others. They even put into question the genuineness of their patriotism which break their heart. They find themselves in nether world and the story proceeds to tell the hardship they have to go through for their friendship. It is not just with the Pakistani soldier he shares special bond, he also considers a dog by the name Baccardi as his companion. He even does not permit anyone to call him dog. He confides in the dog his inner thoughts and emotions which lifts his spirit slightly even at the most difficult times.

Theme

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. It also throws light on the fact that friendship is not based on certain rules or conventions and that the key factor for a true friendship is to have a better understanding and compassion for each other. It also explains how a faithful dog can turn out to be your confidante when you feel alone and dejected.

Cast

Casting

Initially Ravi developed the film with for Mohanlal in the lead role as a reboot to the Major Mahadevan film series. But when approached, he was reluctant to take the role, because, he felt that the character did not match with his age, and said it would be more suitable for a younger actor. He also doubted how people would accept a 'Havildar Mahadevan' since the fictional character was normally portrayed in higher rank in the earlier films. And when asked he suggested Prithviraj.[6][7]

Theatrical run

The film ran for 50 days in selected releasing centres.[8] Although it got a long run it grossed only ₹1.80 crore (US$270,000) from theatres against a budget of ₹4.7 crore (US$700,000).[9][1] Still it is considered as one of the "profited" Malayalam film in the first half of 2015, considering theatrical collection and satellite rights.[4][3]

Controversy

Producer Sunil O. G lodged a complaint against Major Ravi to the Kerala Film Producers Association, citing that the movie caused financial loss due to the excessive budget. According to him, the film was planned with a budget of ₹4 crores; but was later exceeded by about ₹70 lakhs rupees. "There was a legal agreement stating that the film should be completed within a stipulated budget, but Ravi couldn't manage the expenses".[1][10]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Akhila (10 March 2015). "Picket 43 Producer Files Complaint Against Major Ravi". Filmibeat.com.
  2. ↑ "'Picket 43' Review Round-up: Prithviraj, Javed Jaffrey Win Hearts; Major Ravi Makes Comeback". International Business Times.
  3. 1 2 "Box office report: 'Premam', 'OVS' rule 2015 first half". Malayala Manorama. 30 June 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  4. 1 2 Akhila Menon (30 June 2015). "6 Box Office Hits Of Malayalam Cinema 2015". Filmibeat.com. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  5. ↑ Harichandran Puripeddi (1 July 2015). "Content over star power: Story of south cinema in first half of 2015". Hindustan Times (Chennai). Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  6. ↑ "Misunderstandings cleared about Prithviraj". Malayala Manorama. 15 January 2015. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  7. ↑ "Behind the decline of Mohanlal from Picket 43.". Manorama News. 23 January 2015.
  8. ↑ "Mili Picket 43 completes fifty". Indiaglitz.com. 19 March 2015.
  9. ↑ G. Krishnakumar (5 April 2015). "Selfie clicks, becomes year’s first super-hit".
  10. ↑ Radhika C. Pillai (10 March 2015). "Producer files complaint against Major Ravi". The Times of India.

External links

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