Athmavile by Najim Arshad, B.K. Harinarayanan, William Francis

Athmavile is the kind of song that earns its place in a playlist and then refuses to leave. The production by William Francis, Najim Arshad, B.K. Harinarayanan is understated in the best way — supportive without overshadowing the vocal.

The performance by Najim Arshad, B.K. Harinarayanan, William Francis is the centrepiece here — controlled where it needs to be, open where it counts. The song is tied to a talented ensemble cast, whose presence gives Athmavile a visual dimension that fans of the film will always associate with it.

2019 marked the release of Athmavile, and Athmavile was the track that ensured the album would be remembered. There is no right time to listen to Athmavile. There is only the moment you press play and realise it was the right choice.

At 4:29, the track does not overstay its welcome — it says what it needs to say and leaves the listener wanting more. It is, simply, one of the better songs to come from Malayalam in recent memory — and the numbers agree.