Azhakula Penne by Rahul Devanadham

Some songs are made for a single moment. Azhakula Penne is made for all of them. The music, composed by Vinod Nellayi, carries the song forward with a confidence that matches the performance.

Rahul Devanadham brings a warmth to Azhakula Penne that no production choice could manufacture — it has to be felt, and here it is. The song is tied to a talented ensemble cast, whose presence gives Azhakula Penne a visual dimension that fans of the film will always associate with it.

2020 marked the release of Azhakula Penne, and Azhakula Penne was the track that ensured the album would be remembered. There is a quality to Azhakula Penne that makes it feel like company — the kind of song you put on when words feel insufficient.

Running to 6:08, the song is exactly as long as it needs to be, which is the hardest length for a songwriter to find. Songs like Azhakula Penne are the reason people fall in love with Malayalam music and never quite fall out of it.