Chuttum Malakal by Sujith Krishna

Chuttum Malakal arrived from the Chuttum Malakal album and quickly became one of the most replayed tracks of 2020. Behind the melody is the work of Manoj Nambiar, whose composition choices give Chuttum Malakal its distinctive texture.

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

The 2020 release gave fans something to hold onto — a track built for repeated listening rather than a single play. Listeners have described the experience of Chuttum Malakal differently — romantic, melancholic, uplifting — which suggests the song is large enough to hold many truths.

The 5:04 runtime feels perfectly judged — long enough to develop its ideas, short enough to compel a second play. Chuttum Malakal is a reminder that the best music does not need to announce itself. It only needs to be heard.