Chembavu by Keerthana K S

Some songs are made for a single moment. Chembavu is made for all of them. Behind the melody is the work of Bijibal, whose composition choices give Chembavu its distinctive texture.

Keerthana K S brings a warmth to Chembavu that no production choice could manufacture — it has to be felt, and here it is. Hearing Chembavu without thinking of a talented ensemble cast is almost impossible for anyone who has seen Chembavu.

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

Running to 3:39, the song is exactly as long as it needs to be, which is the hardest length for a songwriter to find. Songs like Chembavu are the reason people fall in love with Malayalam music and never quite fall out of it.