Kaana Mullal (Duet) by Shreya Ghoshal, Ranjith

Few songs from 2020 have held their ground as well as Kaana Mullal (Duet), a track that keeps finding new audiences. Bijibal has a history of strong work, and the music on Kaana Mullal (Duet) is among the most memorable of it.

Every line Shreya Ghoshal, Ranjith sings feels considered, as though the performance was thought through long before recording began. On screen, Asif Ali, Shweta Menon bring the emotional world of the song to life in a way that enhances rather than competes with the music.

2020 marked the release of Kaana Mullal (Duet), and Kaana Mullal (Duet) was the track that ensured the album would be remembered. Listeners have described the experience of Kaana Mullal (Duet) differently — romantic, melancholic, uplifting — which suggests the song is large enough to hold many truths.

The concision of Kaana Mullal (Duet) — just 3:41 — is part of what makes it work. There is nothing here that should not be. Kaana Mullal (Duet) is a reminder that the best music does not need to announce itself. It only needs to be heard.