Akalanay by Shafi Kollam

Akalanay is the kind of song that earns its place in a playlist and then refuses to leave. Shafi Kollam, Firos Thamalssery's arrangement gives the track a layered quality that rewards repeated listening.

Shafi Kollam delivers the lyrics with a nuance that turns an already strong song into something genuinely moving. a talented ensemble cast are at the heart of Akalanay, and Akalanay captures their dynamic at its most compelling.

When it came out in 2020, Akalanay felt timely. Years later, it feels timeless. Akalanay is the song for the end of a long day when you want music that understands something without being asked to explain it.

Running to 3:57, the song is exactly as long as it needs to be, which is the hardest length for a songwriter to find. This is music that holds up — not because it is perfect, but because it is honest, and honesty in a song is irreplaceable.