Christmas Day - Mere Genie Uncle by Thomas, Vandan Vadhera

Not every song from Mere Genie Uncle lingers, but Christmas Day - Mere Genie Uncle is the one that stays. Credit goes to Vandan Vadhera for a score that understands exactly what the song needs and nothing more.

There are singers who perform songs and singers who live inside them. On Christmas Day - Mere Genie Uncle, Thomas, Vandan Vadhera clearly belongs in the second group. The connection between a talented ensemble cast and this song is part of what makes it resonate beyond the film itself.

The song dates from 2015, but nothing about it sounds dated — the emotions it captures are not tied to a moment. There is no right time to listen to Christmas Day - Mere Genie Uncle. There is only the moment you press play and realise it was the right choice.

The concision of Christmas Day - Mere Genie Uncle — just 3:44 — is part of what makes it work. There is nothing here that should not be. Years from now, Christmas Day - Mere Genie Uncle will still be the track that plays at the right moment and lands exactly as it did the first time.